Dangote Retires After 20 Years, Names Arnold Ekpe to Lead Sugar Refinery Revival

By Adonis Byemelwa

After two decades at the helm of Dangote Sugar Refinery, Aliko Dangote has announced his retirement as Chairman of the Board, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the company.

 It’s a moment steeped in reflection and gratitude, as Dangote looks back on a journey filled with both immense pride and formidable challenges. Leading a company that stands as a pillar of Africa’s agribusiness sector has been more than a title—it’s been a deep personal commitment.

Dangote’s message was clear and heartfelt. After twenty years of guiding the company through the evolving landscape of African industry and agriculture, he feels it’s time to pass the baton.

His successor, Arnold Ekpe, is no stranger to high-stakes leadership. With a distinguished banking career, including roles as Managing Director of Ecobank, Ekpe brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will be vital as Dangote Sugar navigates a tough economic period.

The timing of this transition couldn’t be more significant. The past couple of years have tested the company’s resilience, with reported net losses rising sharply—from 73.7 billion naira ($47.5 million) in 2023 to 192.6 billion naira ($124.3 million) in 2024.

 These figures underscore the difficulties the refinery has faced in a volatile market, but Dangote’s announcement isn’t one of defeat; it’s a clear call to action and optimism. He believes that under Ekpe’s leadership, the company is poised to rebound, rebuild investor confidence, and lay down a stronger foundation for future growth.

What’s particularly striking in Dangote’s words is the trust he places in Ekpe’s ability to lead with vision and vigor. Having helmed major banking institutions like Ecobank, United Bank for Africa, and Atlas Mara, Ekpe has a proven track record of steering complex organizations through uncertainty.

Dangote is banking on this experience to be the catalyst for a revival that aligns with the company’s ambitious goals, most notably, reaching a production capacity of 1.5 million tonnes of refined sugar annually by 2031. This isn’t just a target; it’s a bold statement about the refinery’s role in meeting Africa’s growing demand for sugar and strengthening the continent’s agribusiness footprint.

Moreover, the recent approval from Ghanaian authorities to set up a sugarcane processing plant in the Bono region signals a strategic expansion beyond Nigeria’s borders. It reflects a broader vision to diversify operations and tap into new markets, ensuring the company’s long-term sustainability and impact.

This cross-border growth strategy highlights the dynamic nature of African agribusiness today—one that is not only about producing commodities but also about creating regional value chains and job opportunities.

Looking back, Dangote’s reflections reveal a deeply personal connection to the company’s evolution. “It has been a tremendous honor to lead this company,” he shared, emphasizing that his role went far beyond business metrics. It was about building something lasting—something that touches lives, supports farmers, and contributes to Africa’s economic development.

The decades he spent as Chairman were marked by hands-on leadership, navigating everything from global sugar price fluctuations to local operational challenges. His departure, then, is not just a formal change in leadership; it’s the closing of a chapter that he has lived through with passion and perseverance.

This sense of lived experience enriches the announcement, making it resonate beyond the corporate sphere. Dangote’s tenure has seen the refinery evolve from a local sugar producer to a key player on the African agribusiness stage.

His departure signals a moment of reflection for the company and its stakeholders, but also injects renewed energy and hope. The foundation has been laid, the lessons learned, and now it’s time for new leadership to take the refinery to the next level.

Arnold Ekpe steps into a role with both immense responsibility and exciting opportunity. Dangote’s confidence in him speaks volumes—not just about Ekpe’s credentials but about the belief that the refinery’s best days lie ahead.

 For the many employees, partners, and communities connected to Dangote Sugar, this change is a chance to embrace fresh ideas and renewed ambition, while honoring the legacy of leadership that has brought the company this far.

In the end, this isn’t just a story about corporate succession; it’s a testament to resilience, vision, and the enduring spirit of African entrepreneurship. As Dangote hands over the reins, the refinery’s journey continues—with a clear goal, a capable leader, and a community ready to support the next phase of growth.