Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has reached a historic milestone, becoming the first African to amass a net worth of $30.2 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The Nigerian industrialist’s fortune surged by 8% in 2025, representing a remarkable $2.25 billion year-to-date gain that cements his status as one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs.

The impressive growth stems from the exceptional performance of Dangote’s key ventures — cement, refinery, and fertilizer — all of which have continued to expand their market dominance and profitability. His multi-sector empire, spearheaded by Dangote Industries Limited, has been instrumental in driving Nigeria’s industrial growth while boosting Africa’s presence on the global economic map.

With this new valuation, Dangote not only strengthens his lead as the wealthiest person on the continent but also breaks a new barrier for African billionaires worldwide. His achievement underscores the growing potential of African enterprise and solidifies his legacy as a transformative figure in business and development across the region.