Africa’s richest man and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has revealed that contrary to popular belief, he did not inherit his father's wealth. In a recent interview that resurfaced online, Dangote emphasized that everything he owns was built from scratch through his own efforts and enterprise.
While acknowledging that his father was "fairly rich" and influential in business and politics, Dangote stated that he chose not to keep any of the inherited wealth. Instead, he donated the assets he received from his father to charity, underscoring his commitment to self-made success.
Dangote's net worth was estimated at $23.9 billion in 2024 according to Forbes, making him the wealthiest person in Africa. His business acumen has seen him build a vast empire spanning industries including cement, sugar, flour, and oil refining. Starting his journey with a loan and a keen eye for market opportunities, Dangote has become an icon of African entrepreneurship through perseverance and strategic investments.