MTN Chairman Mcebisi Jonas Appointed South Africa’s Special Envoy to the US Amid Diplomatic Strain

South Africa is turning to one of its most seasoned economic minds as diplomatic tensions with the United States escalate. President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mcebisi Jonas—former deputy finance minister and current chairman of MTN Group—as the country’s special envoy to the U.S., a move aimed at recalibrating a strained bilateral relationship.

Unlike a traditional ambassadorial role, Jonas will serve as Ramaphosa’s direct representative, advancing South Africa’s strategic interests in Washington. His remit includes deepening trade ties, rebuilding political trust, and engaging with private sector stakeholders across both economies.

“Jonas is entrusted with the responsibility to advance South Africa’s diplomatic, trade and bilateral priorities,” the Presidency said in a statement.

A Diplomat with Economic Firepower

For watchers of South Africa’s political and corporate space, Jonas’s appointment is strategic. As MTN’s group chairman, he sits atop one of Africa’s most valuable tech companies—an operator with presence in over a dozen African markets and growing influence in telecom, fintech, and digital infrastructure.

His appointment arrives at a moment when Africa’s role in global tech and trade conversations is rising—and the U.S. is reassessing its engagement with the continent.

Despite his new diplomatic assignment, MTN has confirmed Jonas will remain chairman of the board.

“This does not impact his role with MTN,” said Nompilo Morafo, the group’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer. “He will continue to serve as our group chairman alongside his duties as special envoy.”

Tech, Trade, and Tensions

The diplomatic shift comes just weeks after the U.S. expelled South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, following a series of foreign policy disagreements—including South Africa’s legal challenge against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and contentious remarks about U.S. support for certain global conflicts.

These tensions have economic implications. For Africa’s largest economies, trade and tech cooperation with the U.S. are vital—not just for capital inflows, but for shaping fairer global digital standards and innovation partnerships.

Jonas, known for his anti-corruption stance and firm approach to public finance reform, is seen as a credible figure who can reframe South Africa’s image abroad.

A Technocrat for a Pivotal Assignment

Jonas served as deputy finance minister from 2014 to 2017, during which he famously rejected a bribe and job offer from the controversial Gupta family. His testimony during the state capture commission cemented his reputation as a principled voice in government.

Now, in his dual role as statesman and tech sector leader, he represents a convergence of public sector credibility and private sector savvy—qualities increasingly needed to shape the future of diplomacy in Africa.

MTN Moves Ahead in South Sudan, Nigeria, and Uganda

Even as Jonas steps into a critical diplomatic role, MTN is continuing its aggressive push across Africa’s telecom markets.

Last week, MTN South Sudan secured a fresh 15-year operating license, reaffirming its long-term commitment to the country despite ongoing civil conflict. CEO Ali Monzer noted that the group remains focused on delivering meaningful digital and financial solutions under extremely challenging conditions.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria and Uganda, MTN has reached an agreement with Airtel to share network infrastructure—an efficiency-driven move as both players navigate regulatory headwinds and rising operational costs.

What This Means for Africa’s Corporate Diplomacy

As African governments and companies face increasing scrutiny on the global stage, the lines between business leadership and state diplomacy are blurring. Jonas’s dual influence in both spheres positions him uniquely to bridge that gap.

For MTN, it’s a signal of trust that one of its top executives now sits at the heart of South Africa’s foreign policy machinery. And for the broader African tech ecosystem, it’s a reminder that diplomacy, economic policy, and innovation are now deeply intertwined.