Aliko Dangote, chairman of the Dangote Group, has been named in the 2026 edition of TIME Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
This marks his second appearance on the prestigious list, following his debut in 2014, when Bill Gates wrote a tribute highlighting his impact.
The annual TIME100 list recognises global figures shaping key sectors such as business, politics, culture, and technology. Notable names on this year’s list include Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Mark Carney.
Dangote stands out as the only Nigerian on the 2026 list, earning a spot in the “Titans and Innovators” category for his contributions to industrial development in Africa.
Other honourees in this category include Sundar Pichai, Neal Mohan, and Ralph Lauren.
Reacting to the recognition, Tony Elumelu praised Dangote as a resilient and visionary entrepreneur whose investments across cement, sugar, and oil have demonstrated Africa’s capacity for industrial growth.
He highlighted the Dangote Refinery as a landmark achievement, describing it as a major step forward for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
Elumelu added that Dangote’s influence extends beyond business, noting that he continues to inspire a new generation of African entrepreneurs through both his success and personal humility.
According to Sam Jacobs, the TIME100 list is not based on a single metric but rather on individuals whose actions and ideas are shaping the world.