Aliko Dangote Steps Down as Chairman of Dangote Cement in Major Leadership Reshuffle

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and president of Dangote Industries Limited, has officially stepped down as chairman of Dangote Cement Plc.

The announcement was confirmed on Friday as part of a wider succession and governance plan within the Dangote Group. His resignation follows a similar move in June, when he stepped down as chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery after over two decades in the role — a decision then attributed to strengthening corporate governance and succession planning.

Replacing him is Emmanuel Ikazoboh, a seasoned executive and former independent non-executive director. Ikazoboh brings more than 40 years of leadership experience across Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and South Africa. A trained accountant, he began his career at Akintola Williams Deloitte and later became managing partner for the firm’s West and Central Africa operations. He also previously served as group chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc.

Although Dangote has exited chairmanship roles at two key subsidiaries, he continues to lead the overall conglomerate as president and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, which controls interests in cement, sugar, salt, and the recently commissioned oil refinery.

Dangote Cement remains one of Africa’s largest cement producers, with operations in 10 countries and a wide continental footprint. Aliko Dangote had chaired the board since the company’s listing and played a central role in its pan-African growth.