Arnold Onyekwere Ekpe is a renowned Nigerian banker and business leader widely recognized for his influential role in advancing Africa’s banking sector. Born in August 1953, he is best known for his leadership as Group CEO of Ecobank, where he spearheaded the bank’s expansion across 35 countries, establishing it as Africa’s first indigenous multinational bank. With a career spanning over 30 years, Ekpe has been a key figure in international banking and corporate finance.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Arnold Onyekwere Ekpe |
| Date of Birth | August 1953 |
| Place of Birth | Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Spouse | Married (same wife throughout life) |
| Children | Three children |
| Occupations | Banker, businessman, Independent Non-Executive Director, Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc (from June 16, 2025) |
| Net Worth | $8 – $20 million |
Early Life and Education
Born in Nigeria in August 1953, Arnold Ekpe also spent part of his early years in Cameroon. He attended King’s College in Lagos, graduating in 1972, and was awarded a Shell Scholarship to study abroad.
He pursued higher education at the University of Manchester in the UK, earning a First Class Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering (1973–1976), followed by an MBA from Manchester Business School (1977–1979).
Career
Ekpe began his professional career in 1977 as a Wireline Logging Engineer at Schlumberger SA. He then joined Alcan Aluminium Nigeria in 1979 as Executive Assistant to the CEO, handling purchasing and labor relations.
In the early 1980s, Ekpe transitioned into banking with International Merchant Bank (IMB), an affiliate of First Chicago, where he served as Head of Strategy and later General Manager of IMB Securities.
He held leadership roles at City Securities Limited and Nigeria International Bank (Citibank Nigeria), eventually becoming Vice President and Head of Sub-Saharan Africa Structured Trade and Corporate Finance at Citibank.
Arnold Ekpe’s most notable achievements came during his tenure as Group CEO of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.
Initially leading the bank from 1996 to 2001, he returned in 2005 to guide Ecobank through a period of significant growth and transformation.
Under his leadership until 2012, Ecobank expanded its footprint to 35 countries, weathered the 2008 financial crisis, and acquired Oceanic Bank in Nigeria, solidifying its position as a continental banking powerhouse.
After stepping down from Ecobank, Ekpe continued to influence African finance through roles such as Chairman of Atlas Mara Limited (2013–2016), Chairman of Safire Luxembourg, and Senior Adviser to Dangote Group and Equator Capital Partners.
He also holds board positions at Micro Cred France and Crown Agents Bank (UK). In 2025, he was appointed Chairman designate of Dangote Sugar Refinery.
Personal Life
Arnold Ekpe is married to the same woman throughout his life, and they have three children.
Known for his humility despite his high-profile career, he describes himself as a “perennial nomad” due to extensive travels across Africa.
A former footballer, he remains a passionate Manchester United supporter and maintains strong ties with the University of Manchester.
Arnold Ekpe Net Worth
Arnold Ekpe’s net worth is estimated to be between $8 million and $20 million, highlighting the considerable wealth he has built through his prominent leadership positions and board memberships throughout his distinguished career.
Awards and Achievements
- Lifetime Achievement Award (2012) – African Banker magazine, honoring his contributions to African business
- African Business Leader of the Year (2010 & 2008) – Recognized by Africa Investor-UNIDO Investment Awards and Commonwealth Business Council
- Under his leadership, Ecobank won African Bank of the Year (2012) and Bank of the Year (2010) awards
- Received accolades for technological innovation in banking
- Serves as Honorary President of the Business Council for Africa and trustee of Vision for a Nation charity
Arnold Ekpe’s career is a testament to visionary leadership and dedication to building Africa’s financial infrastructure, making him one of the continent’s most respected banking executives.
