Billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote recently reflected on his journey to becoming Africa’s richest man, revealing that despite coming from a wealthy family, he did not inherit the fortune that many assume paved his path to success.
“I did not inherit any money from my father. I built everything from scratch to where I am,” Dangote said, highlighting the personal effort and risk involved in creating his business empire.
From wealthy roots to self-made success
Dangote explained that his family background provided him with a strong foundation. His great-grandfather, in the 1940s, was reportedly one of the wealthiest Africans, while his father was highly influential, both in business and politics.
The family name, Dentacha, comes from his maternal side, and Dangote recalled that whatever assets he inherited from his father, he gave to charity.
He began his career working briefly with his uncle before moving to Lagos to start his own business. Initially, he focused on buying cement and selling it, a humble beginning that would eventually become the foundation of a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate.
“It was just a very low-key business at first, buying cement and selling,” he recalled. “But when you look at cement, cement is what builds infrastructure, and we need a lot. In Nigeria alone, we have about 17,000 housing deficits, and the deficit is widespread across Africa.”
Dangote said that his early observation of the cement market revealed a significant reliance on imports. This insight prompted him to establish his own cement production business in Nigeria, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign products and help address Africa’s infrastructure gaps.
Building a continental business empire
Over the years, Dangote Cement has grown into one of the continent’s largest industrial ventures, producing cement, sugar, salt, and other essentials.
His business acumen, strategic thinking, and focus on infrastructure development have made him a household name across Africa and beyond.
Reflecting on his journey, Dangote expressed pride in his self-made status. “Starting from scratch was not easy, but it taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and investing in sectors that truly impact people’s lives. That has always been my guiding principle,” he said.
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“I did not inherit any money from my father. I built everything from scratch to where I am.”
– Aliko Dangote pic.twitter.com/j2ShQR6GW1
— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) December 1, 2025