The Economic Times

From uncle's loan in 1977 to $36.8 billion today: The story of a quiet African titan reshaping global energy from Lagos

Aliko Dangote is widely regarded as Africas richest businessman and one of the most influential industrialists in the world. His journey began in 1977 when he started trading cement with a small loan from his uncle after completing college. Born on April 10, 1957, in Kano, Nigeria, he gradually built what became the Dangote Group. Over time, he expanded into sugar, flour, and cement manufacturing, later shifting toward large-scale industrial production. Today, his diversified empire spans industries across Africa, making him one of the continents wealthiest and most influential figures.