Aliko Dangote Steps Down as Chairman of Dangote Cement, Emmanuel Ikazoboh Takes Over

 

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has officially stepped down as the chairman of the board of Dangote Cement Plc, marking a significant leadership transition within one of the continent’s largest industrial conglomerates.

The announcement was confirmed on Friday, with Dangote’s resignation described as part of a broader succession and corporate governance strategy across the Dangote Group.

Following his departure, the board of Dangote Cement appointed Emmanuel Ikazoboh—a seasoned executive and former independent non-executive director—as the new chairman. Ikazoboh brings over 40 years of executive experience, having held top positions in Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and South Africa.

A professional accountant by training, Ikazoboh started his career at Akintola Williams Deloitte, rising to become Managing Partner for West and Central Africa. He also served as Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc., one of Africa’s top pan-African financial institutions.

This move comes just over a month after Aliko Dangote, 67, stepped down as chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, a role he held for over two decades. At the time, the company said the decision was made “in line with the principles of good corporate governance and succession planning.”

Despite stepping down from these board roles, Dangote remains the Group President and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, the parent company overseeing operations in cement, sugar, salt, and petroleum refining.

Dangote Cement is a flagship subsidiary of the group and one of Africa’s largest cement producers, with active operations in 10 countries and a growing footprint across the continent. Aliko Dangote had chaired the board since the company’s listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and was instrumental in its pan-African expansion.