Dangote Sugar appoints Thabo Mabe as new CEO following Singhvi’s sudden exit
Thabo Mabe takes over leadership at Dangote Sugar following Ravindra Singhvi’s abrupt resignation.
NIGERIA – Dangote Sugar Plc has named Thabo Mabe as its new Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, with his appointment taking effect on December 1.
The announcement follows the unexpected resignation of Ravindra Singhvi, who steps down on November 30. The company did not provide further details regarding Singhvi’s departure.
Singhvi, who joined the board on May 22, 2020, was recognized for his contributions to the business during his tenure.
According to the company, he played a key role in driving major investment projects, maintaining steady revenue growth, strengthening the management structure, spearheading digital transformation efforts and advancing the company’s brand positioning.
Mabe, a South African national, holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and mathematics from Fort Hare University. Dangote Sugar outlined a detailed career profile for its incoming chief executive, highlighting his beginnings at Unilever as a graduate trainee.
Over the years, he served in multiple roles across manufacturing, production, sales and supply chain operations. He rose to the position of vice president, supply chain for Unilever’s home and personal care division in 2004.
Following the integration of Unilever’s homecare and food units, Mabe was appointed vice president, homecare. In 2010, he became CEO of Unilever Nigeria Plc, where he was credited with improving production efficiencies and expanding the company’s market presence.
Mabe joined the Dangote Group in 2014 as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Flour Mills Plc. Dangote Sugar said he successfully led the turnaround of the flour business, moving it from a declining enterprise to a profitable operation.
After the Group’s divestment from the flour sector in 2019, he was named Managing Director of Dangote Rice Limited. In 2022, he transitioned to NASCON Allied Industries Plc as its Managing Director.
According to the sugar producer, Mabe brings extensive international experience spanning South Africa, Germany and Nigeria, and has continued to play a significant role across the Group’s food-related businesses.
The company stated that his appointment aligns with its succession strategy and supports its objective of maintaining long-term value for stakeholders.
In its latest financial disclosure, Dangote Sugar recorded a 29 percent rise in revenue for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, reaching N626.24 billion (US$434.4M), compared with N484.43 billion in the same period of the previous year.
Despite the revenue increase, the firm posted a loss after tax of N10.59 billion (US$7.35m), an improvement from the N184.36 billion (US$127.89M) loss reported in 2024.
The company attributed the reduced losses to enhanced operational efficiency, lower financing costs and a rebound from earlier fair value asset declines.
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