
Portfolio Magazine honors Alhaji Aliko Dangote at 68 — a living legend whose journey is a masterclass in vision, perseverance, and audacious entrepreneurship. From humble beginnings with a ₦500,000 loan from his uncle to becoming Africa’s richest man and one of the most influential entrepreneurs globally, Dangote’s life and legacy challenge the status quo and continue to inspire generations.
In an economy many deem unstable, where government bureaucracy and infrastructural deficits often discourage investors, Dangote stands out as a patriot willing to risk over $20 billion in Nigeria. While many of Nigeria’s elite stash wealth abroad, Dangote continues to reinvest in the country, reinforcing his belief in Nigeria’s potential and future.
His industrial empire spans cement, sugar, flour, salt, pasta, and now petroleum — with the Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest, setting Nigeria on a path to energy self-sufficiency and creating thousands of jobs. Despite numerous challenges — from policy inconsistencies to power shortages and even sabotage — Dangote has remained resolute.
Beyond business, the Aliko Dangote Foundation is one of Africa’s largest philanthropic organizations, active in health, nutrition, education, and humanitarian support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation was instrumental in relief efforts, including the CACOVID initiative that supported millions of vulnerable Nigerians.
Dangote is not just an industrialist — he is a symbol of what’s possible when vision meets resilience. A man who didn’t wait for perfect conditions to create lasting impact, but chose instead to build, inspire, and lead