Africa’s Richest Man Meets U.S. Leader: Dangote-Trump encounter sparks interest

Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has praised Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, following his meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Otedola described the encounter as a historic moment of global influence, saying, “The richest black man in the world shaking hands with the most powerful man in the world.”

The meeting took place during a state dinner hosted by the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha, Qatar.

 A 22-second video shared by Dangote Group on X showed Dangote shaking hands with Trump, highlighting the Nigerian industrialist’s growing global presence ¹.

According to Forbes’ March 2025 report, Dangote’s net worth stands at $23.9 billion, while Trump’s is estimated at $5.5 billion. Dangote’s business empire spans various sectors, including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals in Lagos.

The refinery aimed at meeting Nigeria’s refined product needs and have a surplus for export, creating a market for $21 billion worth of Nigerian crude annually.

Dangote has also emphasised collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), stating on May 9 that there’s no rivalry between his organization and NNPCL.

He pledged to work together to strengthen energy security and drive national prosperity.

Recently, Dangote was appointed to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, which promotes investment and job creation in emerging economies.

President Bola Tinubu congratulated Dangote on this appointment, citing his extensive private sector experience and contributions to employment and innovation in Africa.