Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group and Africa’s wealthiest individual, has been honoured with the prestigious title of 2024 African Business Icon of the Year by Champion Newspapers, in recognition of his unmatched influence on industrialization and economic development across the continent.
The honour was presented during the Champion Newspapers Annual Awards ceremony held in Lagos, where Tunde Oladipo, Group Branding Lead of Dangote Industries, accepted the award on Dangote’s behalf.
A Titan of Industry and Philanthropy
Dangote’s recognition goes beyond corporate success. He was also named “Man of the Year” and “Global Business Icon”, further underscoring his leadership legacy and profound contributions to business, nation-building, and social responsibility.
The billionaire entrepreneur, whose conglomerate is the largest industrial group in West Africa, has played a key role in advancing the continent’s industrial capacity, with ventures spanning cement, agriculture, energy, and more.
His Aliko Dangote Foundation, endowed with $1.25 billion in 2014, remains one of Africa’s largest private philanthropic organizations. The foundation continues to drive impact across healthcare, education, and economic empowerment, reaching underserved communities across the continent.
Celebrating Excellence and Impact
The event also spotlighted 41 other distinguished personalities and institutions for their outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic and technological progress.
Notable among the honourees were:
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Zenith Bank, awarded Bank of the Year
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Oliver Alawuba of UBA, named Banker of the Year
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Olufemi Soneye of NNPC, honoured as Media Manager of the Year
Champion Newspapers commended the awardees for their integrity, innovation, and impactful leadership, reaffirming the essential role of visionary figures in shaping Nigeria’s and Africa’s future.
This latest recognition reinforces Dangote’s status not only as a business mogul but as a beacon of purposeful leadership and sustainable development.
