Aliko Dangote: “Africa Can Become a Heaven Within Five Years”

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest man and one of the continent’s most prominent industrialists, has issued a bold rallying cry to African leaders and entrepreneurs: Think big and believe in Africa.

Speaking at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Dangote declared that Africa has the potential to become a “heaven” in just five years—if its people commit to bold thinking and long-term action.

“We can actually turn Africa into a heaven in the next five years. It doesn’t take time,” Dangote said during his address.
“Like I keep saying: You need to think big, and then you grow big.”

“No One Will Build Africa for Us”

Dangote emphasized that the responsibility for Africa’s transformation lies squarely in the hands of Africans.

“We African champions should know that we are the only people who can make Africa great. Nobody will do that for us,” he said.
“The job of people like us is not about amassing wealth. It’s about creating wealth.”

His comments echo a long-standing commitment to economic self-determination and infrastructure-led development, a vision Dangote has not only preached but practiced through multi-billion-rand investments on the continent.

The Dangote Refinery: Africa’s Energy Game Changer

Among his most ambitious ventures is the R370 billion Dangote Refinery in Lagos, Nigeria—the largest single-train oil refinery in the world. The refinery began producing diesel, jet fuel, and naphtha in early 2024, with petrol production following by September.

The refinery is expected to reshape Africa’s energy supply chain and end dependency on European imports. OPEC reports that Dangote’s refinery is already disrupting Europe’s R314.5 billion annual gasoline trade with Africa.

Choosing Africa Over Global Tech Giants

In a candid reflection, Dangote revealed that had he opted to invest in global tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, or Google, his net worth could have reached R2.22 trillion. Instead, he prioritized investments that build African industries, particularly in energy, cement, and fertilizer.

His choice was recently applauded by the Nigerian government, which hailed him as a model for visionary African leadership that puts the continent’s needs before profit.

Eyes on the Future: R555 Billion Revenue Target

Looking ahead, Dangote is confident about the performance of his conglomerate, projecting R555 billion in revenue by next year.

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He also plans to position his group as the world’s leading exporter of urea, aiming to overtake Qatar within the next four years—further cementing Africa’s position in the global value chain.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Africa’s Champions

Dangote’s impassioned call is more than rhetoric. It’s a challenge to African governments, private sector leaders, and youth to break away from limited thinking and to trust in the continent’s immense potential.

“We must believe in our continent and build it ourselves,” he reiterated.
“Africa can thrive—not in 20 or 30 years—but in five. We just need to commit.”