Aliko Dangote, the President and CEO of Dangote Group, has been appointed to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, a prestigious group of global business leaders committed to fostering investment and job creation in emerging economies.

This appointment is part of the World Bank’s strategy to scale up private sector engagement as a driving force for economic growth. The Lab focuses on overcoming the challenges hindering private investment in developing countries, with a particular emphasis on ensuring regulatory stability. Dangote welcomed the opportunity and reaffirmed his dedication to advancing sustainable economic growth in these markets.

“I am both honored and excited to take on this role with the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, which is dedicated to advancing investment and job creation in emerging economies,” Dangote stated.

“This aligns with my long-standing passion for sustainable development and my belief in the potential of emerging economies. Inspired by the success of the Asian Tigers, I look forward to working with fellow leaders to replicate such positive outcomes in other regions.”

Dangote will join other prominent business figures in the Lab, including Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer AG; Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chair of Bharti Enterprises; and Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. These leaders are known for their significant contributions to economic growth and job creation in developing markets.

The World Bank’s President, Ajay Banga, emphasized that the initiative is about more than philanthropy. It’s about guiding the private sector to see opportunities for investment that can also bring about meaningful change for communities.

“This isn’t about altruism—it’s about helping the private sector understand where investments can generate returns while benefiting economies and people,” Banga noted.

Dangote Group, founded by Aliko Dangote, is the largest conglomerate in West Africa, with operations spanning cement, fertilizers, sugar, oil, and salt, employing over 30,000 people. It is Nigeria's largest private-sector taxpayer and second only to the government in terms of employment. Its flagship project, the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, is the largest single private investment in Africa.

In addition to his business ventures, Dangote is also the founder of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the largest private charitable organization in sub-Saharan Africa, focused on child nutrition, education, healthcare, and disaster relief, with the largest endowment by a single African donor.