Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and founder of Dangote Cement Plc, will step down as chairman of the company’s board effective July 25, 2025. The announcement was made on Friday by Anthony Chiejina, Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group. According to the statement, Dangote is retiring from the board to focus more on his other key ventures, including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, petrochemical and fertiliser plants, as well as engagements with government stakeholders. “Foremost entrepreneur and founder of Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko Dangote has announced his retirement as a Director and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective July 25, 2025,” Chiejina stated. “He is relinquishing his position as chairman and retiring from the board so as to focus more attention on the Refinery, Petrochemicals, Fertiliser and Government Relations, in order to drive the company’s five-year business trajectory to a superlative height,” he added. The board has named Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, as the new chairman of Dangote Cement. In addition, Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote has been appointed to the board, while Prof. Dorothy Ufot, an independent non-executive director, has retired.