Africa’s richest man crosses the $35 billion mark, standing as the world's 65th richest person

Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man, is becoming increasingly wealthier and faster, having crossed the $30 billion mark last year.

• Aliko Dangote's net worth has surged to $35.9 billion, increasing by $1.03 billion in just a few days.
• In 2026, Dangote’s year-to-date wealth gain reached $5.92 billion, making him one of Africa's most successful billionaires.
• Dangote Cement plans a partial listing in London and operates across more than ten African countries with a 55 million tonne annual capacity.
• Dangote is proceeding with a $15–17 billion oil refinery in Kenya, while Nigeria's Dangote Refinery boosts exports to meet global energy demand.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the Nigerian industrialist's net worth has risen to $35.9 billion, up $1.03 billion in just the last few days.

That brings his overall year-to-date gain to $5.92 billion, firmly establishing him as one of Africa’s top-performing billionaires in 2026.

Just last week, the Nigerian businessman was valued at $34 billion.

That sum was $33.2 billion a week prior, which means he has gained roughly $3 billion in the space of two weeks.

Behind the rapid rise is a commercial enterprise that is operating vigorously on numerous fronts.

Development with Dangote in the last couple of weeks

Dangote Cement, Africa's largest cement maker, recently revealed that it is seeking a partial listing in London, which may significantly increase its global prominence.

The corporation already has a production capacity of 55 million tonnes per year spanning more than ten African countries.

Meanwhile, the Dangote Group expands its efforts in foreign finance.

Dangote Fertilizer, another major subsidiary of the Dangote group, plans to issue further dollar-denominated bonds to fund long-term expansion, following a $750 million private bond sale.

But arguably the most daring move is in East Africa.

Dangote is moving forward with plans to build an oil refinery in Kenya, which could change regional energy supply and become one of East Africa's greatest industrial projects.

According to The Financial Times, the proposed refinery would be one of East Africa's greatest industrial investments, costing between $15 and $17 billion.

It would outperform Uganda's cooperation with UAE-based Alpha MBM Investments, which is building a $4 billion, 60,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Kabaale, Hoima District, with plans to begin operations in late 2029 or early 2030.

Meanwhile, Nigeria's Dangote Refinery continues to expand its global presence, with exports allegedly rising amid rising global energy demand, transporting 57 million barrels of jet fuel over the last two years.