Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, is gradually transitioning leadership responsibilities within his vast business empire to his three daughters—Mariya, Halima, and Fatima—as he shifts his focus toward his ambitious refinery and petrochemical ventures.
A Strategic Transition
Dangote, Nigeria’s foremost industrialist and the continent’s richest person with a net worth of $28.5 billion (as of July 2024), has been steadily reducing his involvement in the day-to-day operations of his subsidiaries. In June, he retired from the board of Dangote Sugar Refinery, followed by his recent exit as chairman of Dangote Cement—the conglomerate’s most valuable asset.
Taking his place at Dangote Cement is Emmanuel Ikazoboh, former chairman of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, who has been with the company since 2014. Meanwhile, Dangote’s daughters are stepping into increasingly prominent roles, signaling a potential succession plan and a commitment to sustaining the family’s business legacy.
Mariya Dangote: Driving Operational Excellence
Mariya, the eldest daughter, has been appointed to the board of Dangote Cement, a move the company says will enhance its agility and long-term growth. Her expertise in strategic operations and digital transformation has been instrumental in shaping the group’s direction.
Before this appointment, Mariya served as Executive Director of Operations at Dangote Sugar Refinery, where she led backward integration projects and digital initiatives. Her career within the conglomerate began in 2016 after earning an MBA from Coventry University, UK. She also sits on the board of Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria, overseeing local vehicle production and sales.
Halima Dangote: Expanding the Family’s Footprint
Halima joined the Dangote Cement board in 2022 following the passing of her uncle, Sani Dangote, who was vice president of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL). With a track record of revitalizing struggling businesses—including the turnaround and eventual sale of Dangote Flour Mills—she has been a key figure in the group’s expansion.
In 2023, Halima was entrusted with establishing and managing
the Dangote Family Office in Dubai. She remains a non-executive director at
NASCON Allied Industries and a trustee of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the
group’s philanthropic arm.
Fatima Dangote: Championing Commercial Growth
The youngest of the three, Fatima, serves as Group Executive Director for Commercial Operations at DIL, overseeing procurement, communications, and administration. She has been vocal about the group’s efforts to boost local sugar production, reducing Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imports.
Fatima has been on NASCON’s board since 2023 and previously held executive roles in sales and marketing. A frequent presence at public events alongside her father, she describes him as a demanding mentor who pushes for excellence.
Dangote’s Refinery Focus and Future Plans
While scaling back from cement and sugar operations, Dangote is doubling down on energy and industrial projects. His $20 billion refinery—Africa’s largest—began operations in 2024, alongside a $2.5 billion fertilizer plant in Lagos. Plans are underway to expand fertilizer output and increase refinery capacity to 700,000 barrels per day by 2028.
Additionally, DIL has signed a $3 billion deal with Ethiopia to build a fertilizer plant in the Somali Region, further cementing its pan-African ambitions.
“They Are Critical to Our Success”
At a 2019 event, Dangote praised his daughters’ contributions, crediting his mother for instilling in him a strong business mindset. “My three daughters are all senior executives, and they are critical to the success of our business,” he said.
As the Dangote empire evolves, one thing is clear: the next
generation is not just preparing to take the reins—they are already shaping the
future of Africa’s largest industrial conglomerate.