By Samuel Okechukwu,
African industrialist Aliko Dangote has achieved a significant financial milestone, with his net worth officially climbing to $30.2 billion in late 2025, according to the latest valuation from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This figure, reflecting a substantial year-to-date increase, firmly entrenches his position as the wealthiest person in Africa and places him among the top global billionaires.
Aliko Mohammad Dangote GCON is a Nigerian businessman known for his key roles in Dangote Group and Dangote Refinery. In 2011, he was appointed as member of the economic management team by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The surge in Dangote’s fortune is primarily attributed to the continued successful operations and valuation of his key industrial assets, marking a period of intense growth following major capital projects.
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The recent valuation gains are largely driven by the performance of two massive, interconnected assets:
Dangote Oil Refinery: Valued at approximately $20 billion, the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility remains Dangote’s single most valuable asset. The continuous ramp-up of production and the positive market outlook for refined petroleum products have been instrumental in pushing his overall net worth higher. Dangote holds a majority 92.3% stake in this private venture.
Dangote Cement Plc (DCP): As the cornerstone of the Dangote Group, his 86% ownership in the publicly traded cement company continues to be a major source of wealth. DCP’s strong earnings across Nigeria and its expanding presence in over 10 other African countries have appreciated the market value of his holdings, contributing significantly to the $30.2 billion figure.
Bloomberg data indicates that the industrialist’s wealth has seen an approximately 8% increase ($2.25 billion) year-to-date in 2025, supported also by steady returns from his other publicly traded businesses like Dangote Sugar and NASCON Allied Industries.
With a net worth crossing the $30 billion threshold, Dangote has become the first African entrepreneur to reach this valuation landmark, demonstrating the potential for massive wealth creation on the continent despite economic volatility.
While the figures tracked by major indices like Bloomberg and Forbes often vary due to fluctuating exchange rates and market conditions (with Forbes estimating his worth slightly lower at around $23.9 billion in their March 2025 ranking), the consensus remains that Dangote is indisputably Africa’s richest person. His current net worth puts him at the 75th spot on the global list of billionaires.
This milestone not only highlights Dangote’s business acumen but also signifies the scale and impact of industrialization projects in Nigeria, particularly the integration of the massive refinery into the nation’s economy.
