Aliko Dangote wants to give US$11.7 billion to charity

Aliko Dangote wants to secure a lasting legacy. His fortune is estimated at US$35.2 billion.

Being Africa’s richest man is one achievement; being remembered as the continent’s most generous man would be even greater. That is the goal of Aliko Dangote, whose wealth is put at US$35.2 billion.

The Nigerian industrialist made that ambition official in 2025, when Time included him on its list of the world’s most influential people. He said at the time: “I want to be known not only as Africa’s richest man, but also as its greatest philanthropist.”

That aim has since taken a more concrete form. According to Fortune, the entrepreneur intends to leave more than a third of his fortune to charitable causes. In practical terms, US$11.7 billion would be devoted to the initiative after his death.

Aliko Dangote’s plan to give away US$11.7 billion

To move forward with the proposal, the billionaire first needed approval from his heirs. His daughter, Halima Dangote, said:

“He made an announcement and asked us - me, my two sisters and his mother - to sign the will authorising the donation of this 33% to humanity. (…) Giving back to society is an integral part of our business. Our company thrives precisely because of this commitment to the community.”

The group’s vast oil refinery in Nigeria is also expected to be listed on the stock exchange shortly. This could further increase the businessman’s wealth and, in turn, raise the value of the donation earmarked for the community.

The Aliko Dangote Foundation’s work in Nigeria

Aliko Dangote had already established a foundation bearing his name in 1994. Around a decade ago, it received US$1.25 billion, followed by a further US$700 million since then, the magazine reports. The organisation focuses on health, education, nutrition and economic empowerment, with most of its work taking place in Nigeria.

From trading to Dangote Cement

Aliko Dangote began building his fortune in 1977 through a small trading business. He later expanded into cement, salt, flour and sugar, and founded Dangote Cement. The company now operates in ten African countries and has benefited fully from the continent’s economic growth.