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Sir Arthur H. Smith (1905-1989) was a businessman, working in and on Africa-based enterprises throughout his career. Most notably, he was Chairman of the United Africa Company from 1955-1969.

Career
Arthur H. Smith joined the Niger Company in 1923, working with the Compagnie du Niger Francais, based in Dakar. After the formation of United Africa Company (UAC) in 1929 he specialised in the company’s interests in French and Belgian Africa. On the outbreak of war in 1940 he took charge of the Paris office of Niger France, which was initially moved to Bordeaux. In 1943 he was appointed Adviser to the British Government’s economic mission to French West Africa. He became a director of UAC in 1945, of Unilever Ltd 1948, and Unilever NV 1949, and was appointed Joint Managing Director 1952-1955, and Chairman of UAC from 1955. He retired in 1969.

Approach to Business and Corporate Impact
It was during Smith’s chairmanship of the company that the first phase of ‘diversification’ within the company gained momentum. This constituted a move away from produce-buying and general merchandising into specialised retail activities, local manufacture, and distribution, focusing on motors, drugs and perfumery, textiles and breweries.

It was also during this period that, in line with progress towards political independence, the first moves towards ‘Africanization’ were made, with the decision to incorporate locally registered companies in place of the former overseas ‘Departments’, although these were still wholly owned, and the locally appointed board members did not yet have any executive powers.

Other Interests and Achievements
In 1951 he was awarded the cross of the Legion d’Honneur by the French Government for his 'services to French Colonial Africa', and he was knighted in 1968. He was also heavily involved with the Royal Africa Society, both presenting at and chairing their meetings, speaking on African affairs from a business perspective.