My actual wealth may exceed $38bn estimate – Dangote 

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has suggested that his actual wealth may be significantly higher than estimates by global wealth trackers, citing the fact that many of his major business interests are not publicly listed.

Dangote made the remarks during a street interview with James Dumoulin of School of Hard Knocks, where he discussed his business empire, personal wealth and legacy.

Responding to a question about the highest amount of money he had made in a year, the billionaire industrialist said his companies generated approximately $10 billion in the first quarter of the year.

He also questioned prevailing estimates of his net worth, noting that much of the value of his business holdings is not fully reflected in rankings compiled by international wealth-monitoring organisations.

“They say I’m worth $38 billion, but most of our businesses are not listed yet,” Dangote said.

Current estimates of his fortune vary among leading wealth trackers. Forbes places Dangote’s net worth at approximately $31.6 billion, while Bloomberg estimates it at around $35.6 billion.

The founder of the  has built a vast business empire spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertiliser, petrochemicals and oil refining, making him one of the most influential business figures on the African continent.

When asked how he would like to be remembered, Dangote pointed to his contribution to Africa’s industrial development.

“As somebody who industrialized Africa,” he said.

The comment reflects the long-standing vision of the Nigerian entrepreneur, whose investments in large-scale manufacturing and industrial infrastructure have been aimed at reducing the continent’s dependence on imports and strengthening local production capacity.

Dangote’s latest remarks come as his business interests continue to expand across Africa, with major investments in refining, fertiliser production and other strategic sectors expected to further reshape the continent’s industrial landscape.