A, well‑sourced biography of Emmanuel Ikazoboh, widely recognized for his leadership across Africa’s financial, banking, and industrial sectors:
Early Life & Education
- Born: 30 April 1949 in Edo State, Nigeria
- Earned an MBA in Financial Management and Marketing from Manchester University Business School (1979), is a UK‑certified accountant, and holds fellowships with both ACCA (UK) and ICAN (Nigeria)
- Attended leadership training, including Kellogg Senior Management School at Northwestern University, Chicago
Professional Trajectory
Deloitte & Professional Services (1980s–2009)
- Started his career at Akintola Williams Deloitte (later Deloitte Nigeria) as an accountant and rose through the ranks
- Became Managing Partner for Deloitte’s francophone offices in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire (late 1980s), later promoted to Managing Partner, Deloitte West & Central Africa (2006–2009)
Capital Markets Reforms (2010)
- Appointed Interim Administrator by Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission to lead reforms at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS)
- Oversaw sweeping reforms in corporate governance, equity market structure, and stockbrokerage processes—helping rebuild investor confidence in the capital market
Ecobank & Pan‑African Banking (2014–2020)
- Served as Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) from 2014–2020
- Guided governance, expansion, and strategic direction across over 30 African countries, consolidating Ecobank’s pan‑African presence
Board Leadership & Executive Roles
Dangote Cement Plc
- Joined Dangote Cement as an Independent Non‑Executive Director (appointed January 2014), before being elevated on 25 July 2025 to Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc following founder Aliko Dangote’s retirement
- As Chairman, Ikazoboh emphasized priorities of operational excellence, strategic growth, sustainability, innovation, and community engagement
Other Corporate & Advisory Roles
- Chairman, ARM Pension Managers Limited (Pension Fund Administrators)
- Board Chairman, Tizeti Network Limited—a solar‑powered Internet service provider in West Africa—appointed June 2022, focusing on digital inclusion and affordable connectivi
- International Vice Chairman, International Institute for Sustainable Development (Canada)
- Former Non‑Executive Director, Nampak Packaging Limited (South Africa) and Dangote Industries Limited
Key Achievements & Legacy
- Revitalized Nigeria’s stock exchange system during a critical period through structural and governance reforms
- Provided visionary leadership and oversight at Ecobank, elevating its role in African banking and customer expansion
- Currently steering Dangote Cement into a new era as Chairman, with an emphasis on strategic growth, cost control, and sustainable innovation
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | 30 April 1949, Edo State, Nigeria |
| Education | MBA (Manchester, UK), Chartered Accountant (ACCA, ICAN) |
| Early Career | Deloitte Nigeria → Managing Partner West & Central Africa |
| 2010 Role | Reformed NSE & CSCS as SEC-appointed Administrator |
| Ecobank | Group Chairman (2014–2020) across Africa |
| Board Roles | ARM Pension Managers; Tizeti; Nampak; Dangote Cement, Dangote Industries |
| Recently Appointed | Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc (July 2025) |
Emmanuel Ikazoboh’s career is defined by institutional transformation, regional integration, and board leadership. With over four decades of professional experience, he remains a central figure in Nigeria’s corporate and developmental landscape.