In a landmark recognition, the Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation and President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has been named among the inaugural 2025 TIME100 Philanthropy list. This prestigious list celebrates the 100 most influential leaders worldwide who are actively shaping the future of philanthropy through impactful initiatives and leadership.
Aliko Dangote is the sole Nigerian featured on the TIME100 Philanthropy list, placing him among global icons such as Michael Bloomberg, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffett, and Melinda Gates. These leaders are recognized across four categories—Titans, Leaders, Trailblazers, and Innovators—with Dangote honored as one of the 23 Titans for his outstanding contributions to philanthropy.
The TIME Magazine profile highlights Dangote’s impressive journey from his business successes in cement, agriculture, and oil refining to his substantial philanthropic efforts. Today, his net worth stands at an estimated $23.9 billion, but it is his generosity and commitment to Africa’s development that have cemented his global reputation.
In 2014, Dangote endowed the Aliko Dangote Foundation with a groundbreaking $1.25 billion to drive positive change across Africa. The foundation spends an average of $35 million annually on diverse programs addressing critical issues such as health, education, nutrition, and economic empowerment.
One of the foundation’s landmark projects is a $100 million multi-year initiative aimed at combating severe childhood malnutrition—a pressing issue affecting millions across the continent. This effort underscores Dangote’s commitment to tackling fundamental challenges that hinder Africa’s progress.
Additionally, the Aliko Dangote Foundation played a vital role in Nigeria’s polio eradication campaign. Working in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other global organizations, their vaccination programs contributed to the World Health Organization’s 2020 declaration that Africa had eradicated polio—a historic achievement for the continent’s most populous nation.
Education remains a cornerstone of Dangote’s philanthropic vision. Recently, he announced a $10 million donation to the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology in Kano State, a testament to his commitment to fostering innovation and academic excellence.
The foundation’s impact extends beyond tertiary education. It has provided substantial infrastructural support to various Nigerian universities. Notably, in 2019, the foundation donated a hostel valued at N1.2 billion to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria—the largest individual donation ever made to a Nigerian university at that time.
The foundation’s “Mu Shuka Iri” (Let’s Plant a Seed) program targets early childhood education by training local women, known as “Aunties,” to serve as Montessori-style community educators in Kano. This initiative not only improves educational access but also empowers women in local communities.
Aliko Dangote’s philanthropic journey is deeply personal and inspired by the values instilled in him by his mother. Reflecting on his motivations, Dangote said, “We need to create the next generation of African leaders. My mother instilled in me the ethos of giving back, which inspired my philanthropy 30 years ago. I trust my three daughters will continue this legacy, just as they will continue to grow our business and impact. I want to be known not just as Africa’s richest person but also as its biggest philanthropist.”
As Africa’s most influential philanthropist, Dangote’s efforts continue to drive sustainable development and inspire a culture of giving across the continent.