Arnold Ekpe has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, effective June 16, 2025. He succeeds Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the company’s founder and leading figure, who is stepping down after 20 years of leadership.

With over 30 years of experience, Ekpe has held key positions in the banking sector, including as Managing Director of Ecobank and United Bank for Africa (UBA). The new Chairman also chaired the investment company Atlas Mara between 2013 and 2016. Since 2024, he has served as an independent non-executive director on the Dangote Sugar Refinery Board, providing advice and expertise without intervening in day-to-day management.

Arnold Ekpe takes over the company in a challenging environment, with the company posting two consecutive fiscal years of significant losses, including 192.6 billion naira in 2024. The CEO will be tasked with addressing the challenges of financial recovery while supporting ambitious expansion plans. The company aims to increase its local production to 700,000 tons of refined sugar per year by 2031 and expand its international operations, notably with an agro-industrial complex in Ghana. His expertise will be instrumental in leading this transformation.