LAGOS, May 21 (AGCNewsNet) – Nigerian billionaire and industrialist Aliko Dangote has been listed among TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential global philanthropists, an honour that recognises his significant contributions to health, education and nutrition across Africa.

Dangote, Africa’s richest man and founder of the Dangote Group, was celebrated by TIME for leveraging his vast resources to tackle some of the continent’s most pressing challenges through the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), which is reputed to be the largest private foundation in sub-Saharan Africa.

The TIME100 Global Philanthropy list, launched in collaboration with the Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers initiative, highlights individuals who are using their wealth and influence to drive meaningful change around the world.

“Philanthropy is not just about giving money. It’s about impact,” Dangote said in response to the recognition. “At the Aliko Dangote Foundation, we focus on improving nutrition, eradicating disease and boosting education because we believe these are fundamental to unlocking Africa’s potential.”

Founded in 1994, ADF has spearheaded initiatives to combat malnutrition, eradicate polio, and improve maternal and child health, particularly in northern Nigeria. The foundation has partnered with global organisations including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Health Organization.

In recent years, ADF donated $20 million towards polio eradication efforts and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s COVID-19 response, including the provision of testing labs and personal protective equipment.

TIME described the 2025 philanthropy list as a celebration of “activists, changemakers, and givers” who are reimagining the role of private wealth in solving public problems. Other notable names on the list include Melinda French Gates, Michael Bloomberg, and Laurene Powell Jobs.

Dangote’s inclusion marks another milestone for African philanthropy and reflects growing global recognition of homegrown efforts to address systemic poverty and improve public health outcomes.

Despite challenges in Nigeria’s economy, Dangote has remained vocal about the importance of long-term investments in human capital.

“The private sector has a duty to step up—not just in business but in building resilient communities,” he said.

Source: Channels TV

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