
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest individual, has witnessed a significant increase in his fortune in 2025, further cementing his dominance on the continent’s economic landscape.
According to recent data from Billionaire Africa, the Nigerian industrialist’s net worth surged by $634 million since the beginning of the year, bringing his total wealth to an estimated $28.7 billion.
This upward trajectory, highlighted in the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, marks a major milestone as Dangote edges closer to the symbolic $29 billion mark. The jump in his fortune is largely attributed to the rising performance of his mega oil refinery, which has become a cornerstone of his business empire.
Holding more than a 92% stake in the refinery, Dangote has reaped substantial returns as the facility ramps up to full operational capacity. The refinery, already considered one of Africa’s largest industrial ventures, is playing a pivotal role in reshaping Nigeria’s economy by cutting fuel import dependency and boosting domestic production.
However, Dangote’s business success is not solely tied to energy. His industrial conglomerate, the Dangote Group, maintains a strong presence across Africa through other publicly traded subsidiaries including Dangote Cement and Dangote Sugar Refinery. These firms, established in key regional markets, continue to post solid revenues, further stabilizing the group’s financial outlook.
His diversified portfolio has proven resilient, offering a safe haven for investors seeking growth in emerging economies. While many of the world’s billionaires have built their fortunes in tech or financial sectors, Dangote’s success remains firmly rooted in essential industries — infrastructure, manufacturing, and consumer goods.
Aliko Dangote’s rise reflects more than just profit; it underscores a strategic commitment to long-term industrial development in Africa. His business model, deeply embedded in the continent’s economic fabric, continues to deliver value while navigating the volatile tides of global markets.