When heavyweight banker Arnold Onyekwere Ekpe was announced as the incoming Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery (effective June 16, 2025), many were left nodding—Mr. Ekpe didn’t just arrive; he marched in with global banking trophies in tow.
After Aliko Dangote’s two-decade reign, the baton has officially been passed to one of Africa’s most formidable financial leaders.
1. From Wireline Tech To Corporate Titan
Born in August 1953, Ekpe’s journey began humbly: from King’s College, Lagos (Class of ’72), to an engineering degree through a Shell scholarship at the University of Manchester, and later an MBA from Manchester Business School.
His early career? Schlumberger’s wireline logging team, then Alcan Aluminium’s CEO office. Quite literally, a man who went from “fixing wires” to running the boardroom.
2. Ecobank: The Pan-African Makeover
Arguably Ekpe’s crown achievement: transforming Ecobank into a continental powerhouse.
As Group CEO (1996–2001 & 2005–2012), he navigated the Great Recession, spearheading regional expansion across 30+ countries.
Under his watch, Ecobank became a flagship of African banking—just the right background for steering a sugar giant.
3. Boardrooms Beyond Borders
Ekpe’s influence extends well beyond banking. He’s served or currently serves as:
* Non-executive Director at Crown Agents Bank (UK) and Atlas Mara
* Chairman, Business Council for Africa & Baobab microfinance
* Senior Adviser to Dangote Group
* Trustee of Vision for a Nation & supporter of Manchester University research
In short: press “global” on his LinkedIn filter and he shows up everywhere.
4. Dangote Sugar: The Next Chapter
Ekpe’s appointment comes after a “rigorous selection and transition process,” according to Dangote Sugar’s board statement.
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As Dangote steps into an oversight role, Ekpe’s banking background will be crucial in steering the company’s backward integration strategy (factories, refining mills, and raw sugar sourcing).
5. Why Ekpe Matters: Not Just Green, But Sugar-Coated Strategy
Corporate Governance: His experience with Ecobank and Crown Agents brings proven structure to Dangote’s boardroom.
Strategic Pivoting: Expect sharper financial discipline, data-driven decisions, and possibly a dash of tech infusion.
International Standing: Ekpe’s global network can open doors in trade, financing, and sustainability initiatives—attributes needed in sugar’s volatile market.
Replacing Dangote
Replacing a titan like Aliko Dangote comes with high stakes. But handing the steering wheel to a banker-engineer-global boardroom veteran isn’t just safe—it’s strategic.
Ekpe bridges industrial legacy with financial innovation.
In a nutshell: Arnold Ekpe isn’t just Dangote Sugar’s new chair—he’s its prime asset for navigating an ever-connected global marketplace.
