Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, plans to donate one-third of his wealth to charity as part of his succession plan, his daughter Halima Dangote has revealed. Halima, a trustee of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, disclosed in a Bloomberg interview that the billionaire has secured family support to dedicate 33 per cent of his estate to philanthropy.
With Dangote’s net worth estimated at $35.1 billion, the donation would amount to approximately $11.7 billion. The foundation, established in 1994, was endowed with $1.25 billion about a decade ago and has received an additional $700 million, with 70 per cent of spending directed to Nigeria.
Key Points:
The donation would rank among the largest philanthropic commitments by an African billionaire.
The foundation focuses on health, education and nutrition across Nigeria and Africa.
Partnership with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation contributed to eradicating wild poliovirus in Africa.
The foundation spends over ₦50 billion annually on programmes across Africa.
Dangote’s philanthropy is enshrined in family succession plans to ensure multi-generational giving.
The planned donation raises questions about how Africa’s wealthiest individuals can reshape philanthropy, and whether other billionaires will follow Dangote’s lead.
