Nigerian billionaire and industrialist Aliko Dangote has been named among the TIME 100 Most Influential People of 2026.
According to the 2026 edition of the annual list, Dangote is the only Nigerian included this year, further strengthening his status as a key driver of Africa’s economic influence on the global stage.
The TIME100 list, which highlights individuals shaping politics, business, culture, science, and global affairs, also features several high-profile international figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump and other global leaders.
Dangote’s inclusion is largely tied to his expanding industrial footprint across Africa, particularly through the Dangote Group, which spans cement production, sugar refining, salt, and fertilizer manufacturing.
In recent years, attention has increasingly centered on the Dangote Refinery, one of the largest single train refineries in the world, which is expected to significantly reshape fuel production and distribution across Nigeria and the broader African market.
The refinery project, alongside his long-standing dominance in manufacturing and commodities, has positioned Dangote as a central figure in conversations about Africa’s industrial self-sufficiency and economic transformation.
This is not Dangote’s first appearance on the TIME100 list. He has been featured in previous editions.
The TIME100 is an annual list published by the TIME that highlights the 100 most influential individuals in the world each year.
Unlike rankings based on wealth or popularity, the TIME100 focuses on real-world influence, people whose actions and decisions shape global politics, business, culture, science, and society.
Each year, the list features leaders across multiple sectors, including government, entertainment, technology, activism, and business. It serves as a snapshot of global power and influence at a given moment in time.