In a landmark leadership transition, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, one of Africa’s largest integrated sugar businesses, has announced the appointment of Mr. Arnold Ekpe as the new Chairman of its Board, effective June 16, 2025. The news was disclosed in a corporate filing made on June 11, 2025, and marks the formal conclusion of Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s nearly two-decade tenure as Chairman.
Aliko Dangote (GCON), Africa’s richest man and a towering figure in global business, will step down on the same date, after serving with distinction and overseeing the company’s transformation into a leading player in Nigeria’s and Africa’s sugar industry. The change at the helm signals a carefully planned and deliberate succession strategy designed to maintain strategic continuity while propelling the company into its next growth phase.
A Legacy of Industrial Leadership: Aliko Dangote Steps Down
Aliko Dangote’s impact on Nigeria’s manufacturing and industrial sectors is immeasurable. His stewardship of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc helped transform the company into a key component of the Dangote Group’s broader mission—reducing Africa’s reliance on imports and building self-sufficiency through local production.
During his tenure, Dangote Sugar not only expanded its refining capacity but also made bold moves toward backward integration, including investments in sugarcane plantations and infrastructure to localised production. This aligned with the Nigerian government’s broader goals under the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP), aimed at reducing sugar imports and stimulating domestic industry.
Under his leadership, Dangote Sugar navigated a volatile economic landscape marked by foreign exchange fluctuations, shifting trade policies, and regional competition—yet continued to deliver strong shareholder value and operational resilience.
The retirement of Alhaji Dangote signals the end of an era. Yet, in true visionary fashion, he leaves the company with a clear path forward and a successor equipped to handle the demands of modern industrial leadership.
Meet the New Chairman: Arnold Ekpe
The choice of Mr. Arnold Ekpe as Chairman reflects the Board’s commitment to strategic continuity paired with fresh insight. The selection followed what the company describes as a “thorough and deliberate” vetting process—ensuring a smooth transition and robust governance.
Arnold Ekpe brings a unique and powerful blend of engineering acumen, financial expertise, and pan-African leadership experience to the role. A former Group CEO of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Ekpe is widely regarded as one of Africa’s foremost business leaders. His leadership helped transform Ecobank into one of the continent’s most prominent banking institutions, operating in over 30 countries.
Ekpe’s background in engineering, combined with decades of experience in commercial banking, gives him an unusual but potent edge in the manufacturing sector. His ability to translate technical operations into sustainable business strategies is expected to serve Dangote Sugar well as it looks to expand both vertically and geographically.
With the sugar industry facing rapid changes—from climate-related agricultural challenges to evolving trade regulations and the global push for sustainability—Mr. Ekpe’s balanced expertise in operations and finance is seen as timely and essential.
“The Board is confident in Mr. Ekpe’s ability to guide the company into its next era of innovation, growth, and stakeholder value creation,” the company said in its official statement.
Strategic Implications: What This Means for Dangote Sugar and the Nigerian Economy
Arnold Ekpe’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for both Dangote Sugar and the broader Nigerian economy. The company is currently expanding its footprint through backward integration projects in states like Nasarawa and Adamawa, aimed at enhancing domestic production and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported raw sugar.
The transition also occurs amid rising global food insecurity, inflationary pressures, and the need for agricultural and industrial diversification in Nigeria. As such, Ekpe’s leadership could provide a stabilizing influence while also introducing renewed rigor in execution, financial strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
Furthermore, his appointment sends a strong signal to investors—domestic and international—that Dangote Sugar remains committed to world-class governance and leadership continuity.
With his track record of managing complex, multi-country operations, Mr. Ekpe is well-positioned to lead strategic expansions across West Africa, potentially transforming Dangote Sugar into a regional powerhouse.
What to Watch in the Ekpe Era
Acceleration of Backward Integration Projects
Ekpe’s business acumen and experience with large-scale operations suggest that he may prioritise accelerating Dangote Sugar’s local sourcing initiatives. This would not only help stabilise sugar prices in Nigeria but also generate employment and industrial growth in host communities.
Strengthened Financial Performance
Given his banking background, Ekpe is expected to bring heightened financial discipline, risk management, and investor communication—areas crucial to sustaining long-term growth.
Technology and Innovation
With his engineering roots, Mr. Ekpe may also push for more advanced technological integration across the company’s production and logistics chains. Digital transformation, automation, and green energy usage may all feature more prominently.
Regional Expansion
Leveraging his pan-African network and strategic vision, the new chairman may explore expansion opportunities across ECOWAS and other African trade blocs, positioning Dangote Sugar as a regional champion.
A New Era with Roots in Legacy
Transitions in leadership often mark periods of uncertainty. But at Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, this shift appears to be one of confident succession rather than radical disruption.
With Mr. Arnold Ekpe’s appointment, the company bridges the legendary legacy of Aliko Dangote with a future-oriented, globally minded approach to business leadership.
The Board’s thoughtful planning and strategic clarity underscore their commitment to not just preserving, but expanding the value Dangote Sugar brings to shareholders, workers, consumers, and the Nigerian economy.
As of June 16, 2025, a new chapter begins. With fresh leadership and a firm foundation, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc steps into the future—rooted in legacy, driven by vision.
