It’s no news that the noncontroversial richest man in Africa, Aliko Dangote has a net worth of about $21Billion, the Nigerian businessman’s Dangote Group controls vast holdings of commodities, real estate, and telecommunications projects. Well, there are certain things about him that are hidden from the general public. Here are 9 things you never knew about the mogul:
1. He’s been a businessman since he was a child. While he was in primary school in the 1960s, the young Dangote would buy boxes of sweets and sell them at a profit to his fellow classmates. After studying business at the University of Cairo, he started the Dangote Group at the age of 21.
2. He’s on Twitter. Since starting his social media account on New Year’s Eve of 2013, Dangote has amassed more than 50,000 followers. So far, his tweets have addressed malnutrition, the Davos economic conference, and entrepreneurship. No selfies, though. At least not yet
3. He is an exercise buff. Despite his busy schedule, Dangote manages to squeeze in frequent jogging sessions. “Exercise is better than any medicine I can take. Exercise and sleep,” Dangote said.
4. He has been accused of getting special treatment. Former U.S. Consul General to Nigeria, Brian Browne said Africa’s richest billionaire, Dangote, has received special treatment from Nigeria’s government in the form of exclusive import rights while high taxes or bans are imposed on competitors’ imports. Dangote denies any special treatment, saying he simply maintained friendships with elected official.
5. He is a philanthropist. The billionaire’s Dangote Foundation has provided more than 10 billion naira to combat poverty in Nigeria. In addition to business grants, the foundation sends cash transfers to women and children who often suffer the worst effects of poverty.
6. He is a philanthropist. The billionaire’s Dangote Foundation has provided more than 10 billion naira to combat poverty in Nigeria. In addition to business grants, the foundation sends cash transfers to women and children who often suffer the worst effects of poverty.
7. He has survived multiple plane crashes. Dangote has walked away from not one, not two, but three plane crashes. In 1996, one of those crashes killed Dangote’s brother and Sani Abacha, son of Nigeria’s head of state.
8. He is not the first extremely wealthy person in his family. Dangote’s great grandfather, Alhassan Dantata, was possibly the richest man in West Africa.
9. He is committed to building up Nigeria despite owning holding companies all over Africa. Dangote’s primary focus is still on his Nigerian homeland. He said, “If you give me $5 billion today, I will invest everything here in Nigeria. Let us put our heads together and work.”
The secret is not what you expect right? But it’s motivating and inspiring.
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