Aliko Dangote, a towering figure in African business and philanthropy, is set to step down as Chairman and Director of Dangote Cement Plc, effective July 25, 2025. This strategic move allows Dangote to dedicate his full attention to the ambitious $20 billion refinery, petrochemicals, and fertilizer project, a venture poised to significantly impact Nigeria’s economy and energy landscape. His focus will also encompass strengthening government relations, crucial for navigating the complex regulatory and political terrain associated with such large-scale industrial projects. This transition marks a significant shift for Dangote Cement, a company that has flourished under Dangote’s leadership, transforming from a local player to a continental giant.
Dangote’s legacy at Dangote Cement is marked by remarkable growth and expansion. His vision of self-sufficiency in cement production for Nigeria and Africa has been realized and surpassed, with the company now boasting a production capacity of 52 million metric tons per annum (Mta) across Africa. This expansion has not only met local demand but also established Dangote Cement as a major exporter in Sub-Saharan Africa. Further cementing this growth trajectory, new plants in Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria are slated for completion this year, boosting total capacity to 61 Mta. The company’s recent financial performance underscores this success, with record-breaking revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for the first half of 2025. The unaudited results reveal a 17.7% surge in revenue compared to the same period in 2024, reaching an impressive N2.07 trillion.
To ensure a seamless transition, the Board of Directors has appointed Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, as the new Chairman. Ikazoboh brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having previously served as the Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc., a prominent pan-African banking group. His career also includes a significant tenure at Akintola Williams Deloitte, where he rose to become the Managing Partner for West and Central Africa. Furthermore, Ikazoboh played a critical role in reforming the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Central Securities Clearing System Plc, demonstrating his capacity for leadership and navigating complex financial landscapes. His appointment signifies a commitment to maintaining the high standards of corporate governance and strategic vision established under Dangote’s leadership.
In addition to Ikazoboh’s appointment, Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote has joined the Board of Directors, further strengthening the company’s governance structure. Simultaneously, Prof. Dorothy Ufot has retired from the Board, marking a shift in the composition of the governing body. These changes underscore the ongoing evolution of Dangote Cement’s leadership as it prepares for the next phase of its growth and development. The combination of Ikazoboh’s extensive experience and Mariya Dangote’s fresh perspective promises a dynamic and forward-looking approach to the company’s future.
Ikazoboh, in accepting the chairmanship, expressed his deep honor and commitment to upholding the highest standards of leadership. He recognized Dangote Cement as a symbol of African entrepreneurship, highlighting its resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence. This commitment to maintaining the company’s core values and driving its continued success reflects a dedication to building upon the strong foundation laid by Dangote. Ikazoboh’s acknowledgement of the company’s significant achievements under Dangote’s leadership underscores the importance of continuing this trajectory of growth and innovation.
In conclusion, Aliko Dangote’s transition from Dangote Cement allows him to focus on projects of national and continental significance, while the company remains in capable hands. The appointment of Emmanuel Ikazoboh as Chairman, coupled with the addition of Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote to the Board, signals a new chapter for the company. Building on the legacy of growth and innovation established by Dangote, the new leadership is poised to navigate the evolving business landscape and steer Dangote Cement towards continued success. The company’s strong financial performance, coupled with its strategic expansion plans, positions it for continued growth and reinforces its position as a leader in the African cement industry. This strategic shift in leadership marks a pivotal moment for Dangote Cement, promising a future of continued innovation and growth under a new, yet experienced, helm.
