Aliko Dangote Reveals He Built His Empire From Scratch, Did Not Inherit Wealth From Father

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has revealed that despite his wealthy family background, he did not inherit any money from his father, insisting that his business empire is entirely self-made.

Speaking about his journey, Dangote said, “I did not inherit any money from my father. I built everything from scratch.” He explained that while his great-grandfather was one of West Africa’s richest men and his father was also affluent, he chose to carve his own path in business.

Dangote began modestly, trading in commodities such as cement, and gradually expanded his enterprise through hard work and determination.

He further elaborated:
“I came from a wealthy family. My late great-grandfather in the 1940s was actually the richest in West Africa. My late grandfather was one of the wealthiest Nigerians. The family name is Dentata—that’s from my maternal side. My father too was fairly rich, involved in both business and politics.

But one thing I’m very proud of is that I did not inherit any money from my father. I built everything from scratch. Whatever assets I did inherit, I donated to charity.

I started work with my uncle for a few months, then moved to Lagos and began my own business by buying and selling cement. It was a very low-key start. But cement is essential for building infrastructure, and Nigeria—and Africa at large—has huge infrastructural deficits.

When we started the cement business in Nigeria, we realized most of it was imported. That’s why we decided to produce locally, and it’s been a long journey since then.”

Dangote’s story highlights his determination to create wealth independently, emphasizing that his empire was built through vision, strategy, and relentless effort.