Dangote’s $15.6 billion net worth secures his position as Africa’s wealthiest individual, according to Bloomberg
In a recent announcement by Bloomberg, Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group, has once again emerged as the wealthiest individual in Africa. With a staggering net worth of $15.6 billion, Dangote topped the list of African billionaires, solidifying his position as the continent’s richest man for an impressive 12th consecutive year. Notably, he stood out as the sole Nigerian billionaire to make it to Bloomberg’s prestigious top 500 billionaires in the world.
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index, renowned for its transparent calculations based on market dynamics, economic fluctuations, and reliable Bloomberg reporting, revealed a 4 percent surge in Dangote’s net worth compared to the previous year. This remarkable growth propelled him from the 103rd position to an impressive 63rd spot on the billionaire index.
Dangote’s dominance in the African business landscape can be attributed to his conglomerate, Dangote Industries, which boasts an extensive portfolio. At the heart of his business empire lies Dangote Cement, the largest cement producer in sub-Saharan Africa, based in Lagos, Nigeria. In addition to cement, Dangote Industries holds significant interests in sectors such as sugar, salt, fertilizer, and packaged foods. Furthermore, Dangote recently achieved a major milestone with the inauguration of his $19 billion petroleum refinery plant, the largest in Africa, poised to revolutionize Nigeria’s energy sector.
Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Dangote has garnered recognition for his philanthropic contributions. His foundation, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), earned acclaim from Richtopia, a reputable digital periodical focusing on business, economics, and financial news. Dangote’s generous endowment of $1.25 billion solidified the ADF as the largest private foundation in sub-Saharan Africa. The foundation primarily focuses on initiatives related to health and nutrition, education, empowerment, and humanitarian relief.
Interestingly, Dangote’s remarkable wealth accumulation persists despite the volatility of the Nigerian naira against the dollar. Although Nigeria’s decision to float the local currency and unify its exchange rate system resulted in Dangote’s loss of $3.12 billion, it failed to displace him from his throne as Africa’s richest individual. His business acumen and resilient investments allowed him to weather the currency challenges and maintain his esteemed status.
One significant highlight in Dangote’s journey was the long-awaited inauguration of the Dangote petroleum refinery in May 2023. This monumental project, first announced in 2013 when Dangote secured $3.3 billion in financing, promises to reshape Nigeria’s energy landscape, bringing about transformative changes.
Accompanying Dangote on the list of Africa’s top billionaires are other prominent figures, including Johann Rupert and family from South Africa, whose net worth stands at $13.3 billion. Nicky Oppenheimer of South Africa follows closely behind with $9.0 billion, while Nassef Sawiris of Egypt, Natie Kirsh of South Africa, and Naguib Sawiris of Egypt hold respective fortunes of $7.47 billion, $7.37 billion, and $5.93 billion.
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