MTN Group has appointed seasoned executive Lwazi Bam as its Group Chief Risk Officer (GCRO), in a strategic leadership move designed to sharpen the telecom giant’s risk management capabilities as it pursues an ambitious continental growth agenda.
In his new role, Bam will oversee MTN’s enterprise-wide risk management and compliance functions across the group and will now join the Group Executive Committee — a seat that underscores the strategic weight attached to the appointment.
Bam arrives at MTN with more than two decades of senior leadership experience, most notably as Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte Africa and Southern Africa, where he built and integrated a pan-African professional services business spanning complex, multi-jurisdictional operations in highly regulated environments.
During his tenure, he also strengthened risk, governance, and capital discipline frameworks across the Deloitte franchise.
Beyond executive leadership, Bam brings deep boardroom pedigree. A chartered accountant by training, he has served on the boards of Standard Bank Group, Standard Bank South Africa, SAICA, ZEDA Limited, Valterra Platinum, and Woolworths, contributing expertise in governance, risk oversight, and board-level stewardship. He has also worked closely with regulators and supervisory bodies through membership on risk and audit committees at major institutions.
Timing Aligned With MTN’s Ambition 2030
The appointment is part of a broader set of leadership changes aimed at strengthening the execution and delivery of MTN’s group strategy — one centred on capturing value from accelerated data adoption and financial inclusion across Africa.
MTN And UNHCR Are Bridging The Digital Divide For Displaced Communities
MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita welcomed the appointment with confidence.
“Lwazi Bam joins MTN at an exciting time in our journey, as we embark on our Ambition 2030 strategy,” he said. “He brings with him strong leadership and experience in leading large, complex businesses across multiple markets, combined with a deep understanding of risk, regulatory and governance frameworks. I believe this will stand MTN in good stead as we work to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress.”
For his part, Bam also expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity.
“I am inspired by the impact MTN Group is making across the continent and excited to be joining a company whose purpose is leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress,” he said.
The reshuffle follows leadership changes announced in November 2025, when the previous GCRO, Ferdi Moolman, was appointed Chief Executive Officer of MTN South Africa — a transition that created the vacancy now filled by Bam.
Lwazi Bam’s appointment as MTN Group GCRO takes effect on 1 June 2026.