Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote, says he would rather be remembered for creating wealth and opportunities for others than for his personal fortune.
Dangote made the remarks on Monday in Lagos while sounding the gong at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) to mark the formal launch of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals.
Speaking at the event, the President of Dangote Industries Limited said he no longer wanted the focus to remain on his status as Africa’s richest man.
“I don’t want anybody again to call me the richest man in Africa. I want to be called the wealthiest man in Africa so that I can create wealth for others,” Dangote said.
His comments came as the Dangote refinery opened its ownership to investors through the capital market, with the businessman describing the IPO as an opportunity for Nigerians and other investors to take part in what he called a major economic transformation.
Dangote said the refinery share offering went beyond the sale of securities, arguing that it represented an opportunity for wider participation in wealth creation.
“Today, we are not merely offering shares. We are offering an opportunity to participate in the transformational chapter of not only Nigeria’s economy, but Africa’s economy,” he said.
He encouraged Nigerians to support the development of the capital market and embrace investment as a means of creating broader prosperity.
“Together, let us deepen our capital market. Together, let us create prosperity through ownership. Together, let us build a stronger Nigeria. Together, let us ensure prosperity for Africa,” Dangote added.
Beyond the IPO and his vision for wealth creation, Dangote also reflected on the personal cost of building his business empire.
The businessman acknowledged that his demanding schedule over the years meant spending significant periods away from his family.
He specifically expressed appreciation to his three daughters — Mariya, Halima and Fatima — for their understanding and support throughout his long business journey.
The IPO for Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals opened on Monday, September 14, 2026, offering 4.1 billion new ordinary shares to investors at N525 per share.
The minimum subscription has been set at 10 shares, requiring an investment of N5,250.
The offer is scheduled to close on October 13, 2026, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the IPO prospectus.
The share offering provides investors with an opportunity to take an ownership stake in the company behind one of Africa’s most significant private-sector industrial projects.
