Yolanda Zoleka Cuba is a powerhouse in Africa’s business and technology landscape, shaping the future of digital innovation, telecommunications, and financial inclusion across the continent. As the Group Regional Vice President for Southern and East Africa (SEA) at MTN Group, she leads with strategic brilliance and a commitment to sustainable economic development. Her exceptional leadership and groundbreaking achievements have earned her a place among the 100 Reputable Women of African Descent in 2025.
Born and raised in South Africa, Cuba’s academic foundation reflects her dedication to excellence and lifelong learning. She earned a Bachelor of Commerce in Statistics from the University of Cape Town, followed by an Honours degree in Accounting from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a Master of Commerce from the University of Pretoria. She further honed her expertise through executive programs at INSEAD and the Harvard Kennedy School, equipping herself with global leadership insights that she now applies to transforming industries in Africa.
Her career trajectory is nothing short of extraordinary. At just 29 years old, she became one of the youngest CEOs of a Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)-listed company, leading Mvelaphanda Holdings with vision and tenacity. She later took the helm as Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Ghana, driving remarkable growth and digital transformation in the telecommunications sector. Her influence continued to expand as Group Chief Strategy Officer at Vodacom Group, where she played a pivotal role in strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and new business development across South Africa, Tanzania, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Lesotho.
Beyond her corporate leadership, Cuba has served on various prestigious boards, including an impressive 12-year tenure as a non-executive director at Absa Group Limited. Her global influence has not gone unnoticed—she was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and recognized as one of the Choiseul 100 Africa by Institut Choiseul in France, solidifying her place among the continent’s most impactful business minds.
However, her mission goes beyond boardrooms and financial markets—Cuba is deeply committed to education, mentorship, and socio-economic empowerment. She founded the Cuba-Mtyi Foundation and has been actively involved with the Nelson Mandela Foundation since 2006, championing initiatives that drive inclusive development. She also established The Mentorship Boardroom, a transformative initiative aimed at impacting one million lives across Africa, with a particular focus on empowering women and children.
Yolanda Zoleka Cuba is a force of nature in African business, leadership, and philanthropy. Her ability to navigate and influence diverse sectors—from telecommunications to finance and social impact—cements her as one of the most powerful women shaping Africa’s future. Through her vision, strategic expertise, and dedication to mentorship, she is ensuring that Africa’s next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators have the tools and opportunities to thrive, making her one of the 100 Reputable Women of African Descent 2025.
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