Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has announced a significant leadership transition as its founder and Africa’s foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote, officially retires from his position as Chairman of the company. The change takes effect 16 June 2025, marking the end of a two-decade chairmanship that oversaw the firm’s rise to become one of Nigeria’s largest sugar producers.

In a regulatory disclosure, the company described Dangote’s retirement as part of a “structured succession plan” consistent with global corporate-governance standards. During his tenure, Dangote steered the sugar business through large-scale expansion projects, including major backward-integration initiatives in Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa States aimed at strengthening local production capacity and reducing the country’s dependence on sugar imports.

To succeed him, the Board has appointed Arnold Ekpe, an independent non-executive director and seasoned African business leader. Ekpe, a former Group CEO of Ecobank and a widely respected figure in continental finance, is expected to bring strategic depth and international perspective to the company’s next phase of growth.

Dangote Sugar noted that Ekpe’s appointment underscores its commitment to continuity, stability, and stakeholder value creation as it navigates an increasingly competitive and regulated agro-processing environment.

The company expressed appreciation for Dangote’s transformative contributions and reaffirmed its dedication to executing its long-term growth strategy under the new board leadership.

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