Tinubu Reacts as Aliko Dangote Joins World Bank's Global Investment Team

President Bola Tinubu has applauded the appointment of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and Chairman of the Dangote Group, to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, a prestigious platform tasked with unlocking private investment and generating jobs in developing nations.

In a statement congratulating Dangote, Tinubu described the nomination as “well-deserved,” praising the billionaire’s extensive experience in private sector leadership, transformative investments, and his group’s consistent contribution to economic growth and employment across Africa.

“Alhaji Dangote’s track record of innovation, investment, and job creation is exactly what the world needs at this critical moment,” Tinubu stated. “His involvement in the World Bank’s mission will deepen the impact of private enterprise in emerging markets.”

Founded to support investment and employment in low-income countries, the World Bank Private Sector Investment Lab is now entering an expanded phase, focused on scaling up impactful ideas that can attract long-term private investment and address global employment challenges.

Dangote’s appointment was confirmed on Wednesday by the World Bank, alongside several other global industry leaders, including:

• Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer AG

• Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises

• Mark Hoplamazian, President & CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation

According to the World Bank, the new members were selected based on their demonstrated success in creating jobs in developing countries, which aligns with the Bank’s strategy to prioritize job creation as a cornerstone of global development.

The Dangote Group, known for its diversified operations in cement, salt, sugar, fertilizer, oil, and gas, has long been a symbol of African enterprise. But it’s the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals project that stands out as one of the largest private sector investments on the continent, and a testament to what bold, long-term thinking can achieve.

Tinubu urged Dangote to bring this same vision and impact to his new global role.

“This appointment is not just recognition; it is an opportunity to shape the future of development through transformative private sector action,” Tinubu added.

Dangote’s entry into this elite World Bank team underscores a growing recognition of African business leaders as global change-makers and highlights Nigeria’s place on the map in shaping solutions to worldwide development challenges.