BY MBONGENI NDLELA
EZULWINI – MTN Eswatini has ushered in a new chapter in its leadership with the appointment of Jerry Soko as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone for one of the Kingdom’s leading telecommunications and digital services providers.
The appointment follows seven months during which Soko successfully steered the company as Acting Chief Executive Officer, a period during which he is credited with strengthening the business, improving operational performance and reinforcing MTN Eswatini’s position as a key driver of the country’s digital transformation.
Announcing the appointment, MTN Eswatini Board Chairperson Nompumelelo Dlamini described Soko as a proven leader whose steady guidance had positioned the company for sustained growth and innovation.
She said his leadership over the past several months had strengthened the organisation’s role within Eswatini’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem while ensuring that customers remained at the centre of the company’s strategic direction.
Soko assumes the top position with more than 20 years of leadership experience in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. A qualified accountant by profession, he has built an impressive career across Africa, serving in both Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer positions within MTN operations in Zambia, South Sudan, Botswana and Rwanda.
During his tenure as Acting CEO, Soko focused on strengthening network competitiveness, enhancing customer experience and driving disciplined execution across the organisation.
His leadership emphasised improving network reliability, delivering customer-focused services and fostering stronger collaboration across different business units. These efforts also helped deepen strategic partnerships that support Eswatini’s national vision of becoming a digitally connected economy.
Beyond operational improvements, Soko has championed the development of MTN Eswatini’s workforce by promoting a high-performance culture built on accountability, innovation, collaboration and agility. The company says he has also prioritised talent development and succession planning, ensuring the organisation remains well positioned for future growth.
His extensive governance experience further strengthens his credentials, as he currently serves on several corporate boards across the African continent as a non-executive director, bringing valuable strategic oversight and regional expertise.
Welcoming the appointment, Board Chairperson Nompumelelo Dlamini praised Soko’s performance during his time as Acting CEO, saying he had consistently demonstrated disciplined execution and a clear commitment to strengthening the company’s operational performance.
‘Jerry has demonstrated strong, steady leadership during his time as Acting CEO. His ability to execute with discipline, strengthen operational performance and keep customers at the centre of the business has been instrumental in reinforcing MTN Eswatini’s position. We are confident that under his leadership, the business will continue to deliver on its strategic priorities and support Eswatini’s digital future,’ she said.
The appointment comes at a time when demand for reliable digital connectivity, mobile financial services and advanced telecommunications infrastructure continues to grow across the Kingdom. Industry observers believe Soko’s regional experience and strategic leadership will help MTN Eswatini accelerate innovation, expand digital inclusion and contribute meaningfully to national economic development.
MTN Eswatini congratulated Soko on his appointment and expressed confidence that his leadership will further advance the company’s purpose of enabling the benefits of a modern connected life for all, while supporting Eswatini’s journey towards a more digitally empowered future.
