South African business leader Thabo Mabe is taking over as chief executive of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, stepping into a key role at the heart of Nigeria’s food and consumer goods industry. The leadership transition puts him in charge of the country’s biggest sugar producer at a time when the company is pushing ahead with a major growth plan worth more than $700 million.
Mabe, who currently heads NASCON Allied Industries, will assume the position on December 1, 2025, replacing Ravindra Singhvi, who steps down at the end of November. The appointment is subject to shareholder approval at the company’s next general meeting, the group confirmed in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange.
His rise follows a long international career that began at Unilever, where he advanced from trainee to senior executive roles across manufacturing, supply chain and commercial operations. He later became CEO of Unilever Nigeria, overseeing stronger market share and more efficient production.
Mabe joined the Dangote Group in 2014 and earned a reputation for turning struggling operations around. He led Dangote Flour Mills back to profitability before the business was sold in 2019, later taking on leadership positions at Dangote Rice and NASCON. His experience across South Africa, Europe and Nigeria has positioned him as a key figure in the conglomerate’s broader succession planning.
As chief executive of Dangote Sugar Refinery, Mabe will focus on expanding raw sugar production locally and strengthening supply across the value chain. The company is investing in land development, upgraded equipment, staff training and community initiatives aimed at reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported sugar.
Recent financials show momentum: revenue rose to N626.24 billion in the first nine months of 2025, up from N484.42 billion a year earlier. Losses also narrowed sharply, signalling improved operational performance.
The new appointment gives Aliko Dangote’s sugar business a leader seasoned in transformation — and tasked with pushing forward one of the sector’s most ambitious investment programmes.
