May 20, (THEWILL) – President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has been named among TIME magazine’s inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy list for 2025.
Dangote, who also chairs the Aliko Dangote Foundation, was recognised for his far-reaching philanthropic initiatives across Africa, as well as for building a business empire that spans cement production, agriculture, and oil refining through the recently launched Dangote Refinery.
With an estimated net worth of $23.9 billion, Dangote is celebrated not only for his industrial successes but also for his charitable focus. Speaking to TIME, he said: “Health, education, economic empowerment, disaster relief, and food—these are the five main things that any African nation needs,” outlining the foundation’s core areas of impact.
The Aliko Dangote Foundation, which has a $1.25 billion endowment, spends around $35 million annually across Africa. TIME noted that the foundation is currently implementing a $100 million multi-year programme to treat malnourished children and recently began the nationwide distribution of over one million bags of rice in Nigeria.
Dangote’s long-standing partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was also highlighted, particularly for its role in Nigeria’s eradication of polio as a public health threat by 2015.
Education is another top priority for the foundation. Dangote has donated $10 million to the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology and continues to invest in school complexes, vocational training centres, and global leadership fellowships aimed at developing the next generation of African leaders.
“We need to create the next generation of African leaders,” he said.
The 2025 TIME100 Philanthropy list features a global selection of changemakers in business, entertainment, science, and social impact. Notable names include Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales; Oprah Winfrey; Dolly Parton; Lin-Manuel Miranda; chef José Andrés; NBA star Stephen Curry; tennis legend Billie Jean King; and tech philanthropists like Melinda French Gates, Michael Bloomberg, and Ken Griffin.
Others listed include Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma; Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife Penny; Vista Equity Partners CEO Robert F. Smith; and Médecins Sans Frontières President Dr. Christos Christou.
Commenting on the inaugural list, TIME CEO Jessica Sibley said: “The first-ever TIME100 Philanthropy list spotlights the people and ideas shaping the future of giving. At this pivotal moment, we are proud to honor those whose vision is redefining what it means to lead with purpose and inspiring collective action to move us forward.”
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