Aliko Dangote is a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur and industrialist.
He is renowned for establishing, leading, and serving as CEO of the Dangote Group, the largest industrial conglomerate in West Africa.
Early life and Education 
Dangote was born on April 10, 1957, into a prosperous Hausa Muslim family in Kano, then part of British Nigeria. His mother, Mariya Sanusi Dantata, was the daughter of businessman Sanusi Dantata, while his father, Mohammed Dangote, had business ties with Dantata. Through his maternal lineage, he is the great-grandson of Alhassan Dantata, who was the wealthiest individual in West Africa until his passing in 1955. Dangote’s late brother, Sani (1959/60–2021), was also involved in business. Dangote’s educational journey began at Sheikh Ali Kumasi Madrasa and continued at Capital High School in Kano. He graduated from Government College, Birnin Kudu, in 1978, and furthered his studies by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business studies and administration from Al-Azhar University in Cairo.
Career
The Dangote Group commenced its journey in 1977 as a modest trading firm, coinciding with Dangote’s relocation to Lagos to spearhead its expansion. With a ₦500,000 loan from his uncle, Dangote ventured into commodities trading, including bagged cement, rice, and sugar. In the 1990s, he proposed to the Central Bank of Nigeria to manage their staff buses, a plan that was greenlit, showcasing his innovative approach.
Today, the Dangote Group stands as one of Africa’s largest conglomerates, boasting operations in Benin, Ghana, Zambia, and Togo. It has evolved from a trading entity to Nigeria’s foremost industrial powerhouse, with divisions such as Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote Cement, and Dangote Flour. The company dominates Nigeria’s sugar market and supplies 70 percent of the country’s soft drink, brewery, and confectionery sectors. Employing over 11,000 individuals in West Africa, it continues to expand its footprint.
In 2012, Dangote secured approval from the Nigerian Ports Authority to develop facilities for his sugar company at the Apapa Port, leading to the establishment of Africa’s largest refinery and the world’s third-largest, producing 800,000 metric tons of sugar annually. The Dangote Group also engages in salt production, flour milling, and imports various commodities like rice, fish, pasta, cement, and fertilizer. Additionally, it exports agricultural products such as cotton, cashew nuts, cocoa, sesame seeds, and ginger to multiple countries. With significant investments in real estate, banking, transport, textiles, oil, and gas, the Dangote Group remains a key player in Africa’s economic landscape.
In February 2022, Dangote announced the completion of the Peugeot assembling facility in Nigeria through a partnership with the Stellantis Group and the Kano and Kaduna state governments. The establishment of Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN) in Kaduna marked the commencement of operations with the production of Peugeot models such as the 301, 508, 3008, 5008, and Landtrek.
On May 22, 2023, in Lekki, Nigeria, Dangote inaugurated the Dangote Refinery, marking a significant milestone. This refinery aims to transform Africa’s largest oil producer into an export center for petroleum products, with plans to export surplus petrol and diesel. Dangote personally financed the construction of the refinery, which is strategically located on a vast 6,180-acre site within the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos State. The refinery is supplied with crude oil via the world’s largest sub-sea pipeline infrastructure, spanning an impressive 1,100 kilometers in length.
Dangote played a significant role in financing President Olusegun Obasanjo’s re-election bid in 2003, contributing over N200 million (US$2 million). He also made contributions of N50 million (US$500 thousand) to the National Mosque through the “Friends of Obasanjo and Atiku” and N200 million to the Presidential Library. These donations to members of the ruling PDP party sparked controversy despite anti-corruption efforts during Obasanjo’s second term.
In 2011, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Dangote to his economic management team. Rumors circulated in 2017 suggesting Dangote’s potential candidacy for the 2019 Nigerian presidential election. However, he declined to run, stating his lack of intention to pursue elected office. Instead, he served on a special advisory committee for Muhammadu Buhari’s reelection campaign.
Personal life 
Dangote resides in Lagos and is known to own two private jets. His work ethic is remarkable, reportedly dedicating 12 hours every day, starting at 5 a.m. until 5 p.m., and engaging in a daily 10-mile treadmill run.
In 1977, Dangote married Zainab Dangote, but their marriage ended in divorce at an undisclosed date. He later married Mariya Muhammad Rufai, although the details of their wedding and divorce remain unknown. Dangote has three daughters, Halima, Mariya, and Fatimah, and an adopted son named Abdulrahman. Halima has followed in her father’s footsteps and currently serves as the executive director of commercial operations in his company.
In 2023, singer Davido claimed that Aliko Dangote is his godfather, adding another intriguing aspect to Dangote’s public image.
Net Worth
Over 15 billion dollars