BY ANTHONIA EMMANUEL
Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation and President/CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, has been recognized in TIME Magazine’s inaugural 2025 TIME100 Philanthropy list. This list celebrates 100 individuals worldwide who are making significant contributions to philanthropic efforts.
Dangote stands as the sole Nigerian on this distinguished list, joining global figures such as Michael Bloomberg, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffett, and Melinda Gates. These individuals are acknowledged for their substantial impact on philanthropy and their commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.
The Aliko Dangote Foundation, established in 1994, has become the largest private foundation in sub-Saharan Africa, following a $1.25 billion endowment by Dangote in 2014. The foundation focuses on health, education, economic empowerment, and disaster relief, with a particular emphasis on nutrition and child health. One of its significant initiatives includes a multi-year program aimed at combating severe childhood malnutrition across Nigeria.
In the education sector, the foundation has made notable contributions, including a $10 million donation to the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology in Kano State. Additionally, it has provided substantial support to other institutions, such as the N1.2 billion hostel donation to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, which stands as one of the largest individual contributions to a Nigerian university.
Dangote’s philanthropic efforts also extend to partnerships with international organizations. Notably, the foundation collaborated with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Nigerian state governments to eradicate polio, contributing to the World Health Organization’s 2020 declaration of Africa as polio-free.
Reflecting on his philanthropic journey, Dangote stated, “Investing in nutrition, health, education, and economic empowerment is our contribution to setting Africans up for success.” He emphasized his desire to be remembered not just as Africa’s richest person but also as its most impactful philanthropist.
TIME Magazine’s recognition of Dangote underscores his significant role in shaping the future of philanthropy in Africa and beyond.
