President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Aliko Dangote on his selection to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab. The Aliko Dangote World Bank appointment places the Nigerian industrialist among global leaders working to boost private investment and job creation in developing countries.
Tinubu’s congratulatory message came through a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. He noted that the lab’s mission aligns closely with Nigeria’s economic priorities, particularly its push for private-sector-led growth. Therefore, he described Dangote’s appointment as both timely and strategic.
The President praised Dangote’s strong record of entrepreneurship and investment. According to him, the Dangote Group’s rise was driven by bold vision, steady capital investment, and innovation. As a result, Dangote now represents a model of African industrial success.
Tinubu also highlighted the $20 billion Dangote Refinery in Lagos, calling it Africa’s largest private investment. He said the refinery showcases the potential of African businesses to deliver transformative infrastructure. Moreover, it underscores how individual entrepreneurs can shape an entire continent’s economic outlook.
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In addition, Tinubu mentioned the group’s footprint across cement, sugar, fertiliser, and salt production. He emphasized that these industries have created jobs, supported regional economies, and advanced national development goals. This breadth of investment, he argued, makes Dangote uniquely qualified for his new global advisory role.
Encouraging further impact, the President urged Dangote to share his knowledge with other developing countries. He asked him to help shape the World Bank’s agenda through real-world experience in building scalable, impactful ventures. Through this, Tinubu believes Dangote can help attract private capital to places that need it most.
Importantly, the Aliko Dangote World Bank appointment signals growing confidence in African business leaders. Tinubu noted that Dangote joins top global CEOs like Bill Anderson of Bayer AG, Sunil Bharti Mittal of Bharti Enterprises, and Mark Hoplamazian of Hyatt Hotels. These leaders are now tasked with generating practical solutions to global development challenges, including job creation and infrastructure deficits.
The World Bank, through its lab, aims to strengthen economic systems in low- and middle-income countries by drawing on the expertise of trusted private-sector actors. This next phase of the initiative focuses on scaling up successful models, particularly in regions facing financial exclusion or investment shortfalls.
Tinubu concluded by saying Dangote’s presence in this group enhances Nigeria’s global standing. More importantly, he said, it reinforces the belief that African-led solutions can drive global progress. By actively participating, Dangote has the opportunity to shape real change for millions of people in emerging markets.
