Aliko Dangote Timeline
Aliko Dangote began trading in 1977, saw his refinery start in 2024 and was worth $55.4 billion in October 2026 13.
Full nameAliko Mohammad Dangote
NationalityNigeria
Known forFounder of Dangote Group and the Dangote refinery
1957: born in Kano
- 1957 · BORNBorn in Kano, Nigeria
- 1977 · FOUNDEDStarts trading commodities with a loan from his uncle
- 1981 · FOUNDEDFounds Dangote Group, according to Britannica
- 2015 · MILESTONEForbes ranks him the richest man in Africa
- 2016 · MILESTONEPledges $100 million with Bill Gates against malnutrition in northern Nigeria
- 2024 · MILESTONEThe Dangote refinery begins operations in Lagos
- 2026 · MILESTONERefinery IPO raises about N2.15 trillion; Forbes puts him at $55.4 billion
1965: his father dies
1977: first trading business
He starts trading with a loan from his uncle 34.
1981: Dangote Group
Britannica dates the founding of the group to 1981 4.
2015: Africa's richest
Forbes ranks him the richest man in Africa 4.
2016: Gates pledge
He and Bill Gates pledge $100 million against malnutrition 4.
2022: Peugeot plant
An assembly facility opens with Stellantis 3.
2024: refinery starts
The Lagos refinery begins operations 25.
September to October 2026: refinery IPO
The IPO opens on 14 September and raises about ₦2.15 trillion 12.
29 October 2026: $55.4 billion
Forbes' real-time ranking values him at $55.4 billion 1.
Frequently asked questions
In 2024.
In 1977, trading commodities with a loan from his uncle.
Sources✓ Verified 14 Nov 2026
1 Wikipedia, Aliko Dangote, 1 Jan 1970, Dates
2 Britannica, Aliko Dangote, 1 Jan 1970, Dates
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