South African executive Thabo Mabe has been appointed Group Managing Director and CEO of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, effective December 1, 2025, pending shareholder approval at the company’s next general meeting.
His appointment marks a major leadership transition as he succeeds Ravindra Singhvi, who steps down on November 30, 2025, concluding a significant phase in the refinery’s growth, as seen on Business Insider Africa.
Singhvi, who joined the board in May 2020, is credited with leading major investment initiatives, delivering steady revenue growth, driving digital transformation and strengthening the company’s brand.
The board expressed appreciation for his “impact” and his contributions to the company’s progress.
The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) confirmed the leadership change in a market update published on its website.
According to the company, Mabe brings a “wealth of international experience spanning South Africa, Germany, and Nigeria” and has played a consistent role in advancing the Dangote Group’s food businesses.
His appointment aligns with the company’s long-term succession strategy and reinforces its commitment to continuity and sustained value creation. The board added that it “look forward to the next chapter in our Company’s journey under his leadership.”
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Mabe holds a BSc in Chemistry and Mathematics from Fort Hare University and began his career as a graduate trainee at Unilever.
He rose through positions in manufacturing, production, sales and supply chain management, becoming Vice President, Supply Chain for Unilever HPC in 2004 and later Vice President, Homecare.
In 2010, he was appointed CEO of Unilever Nigeria Plc, where he drove market share growth and improved production efficiency.
A multinational executive with broad experience, he joined the Dangote Group in 2014 as CEO of Dangote Flour Mills, where he transformed the business into a profitable company. He later led Dangote Rice Limited and most recently headed NASCON Allied Industries Plc.
Mabe steps into his new role as Dangote Sugar Refinery advances a $700 million expansion programme.
The investment covers land development, equipment upgrades, infrastructure improvements, staff training and community initiatives, with the goal of increasing local raw sugar production and meeting rising demand.
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Image Credit: Bankassur Afrik
