· Named 2016 African Business Leader by American Institute
In recognition of his immense contribution to human capital development in Africa through the establishment of businesses across the African continent, a United States of America based Organisation, Africa-America Institute (AAI) has honoured the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote with the ‘2016 African Business Leader Award.’
The business guru was named and presented the award at a colourful ceremony held on the side-line of the United Nations Congress held in New York city, United States alongside other prominent Africans like Stephen Hayes, President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), who won the AAI ‘2016 U.S. Business Leader Award’ and Sunil Benimadhu, Executive Director of the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM), who won the AAI ‘2016 Distinguished Alumnus Award.’
Dangote said he was humbled by the award considering the pedigree of the award which celebrates African achievement at the global stage and promised that he would not be deterred by the current economic challenges in Nigeria but would intensify the expansion of his businesses across Africa.
At the award Gala themed ‘Education: The Key to Africa’s Economic Growth,’ Dangote expressed delight that the Institute brought education in Africa to the front burner, noting “I have always been passionate about education because I believe it is a weapon of liberation.
Drawing a reference from a Nelson Mandela quote that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” the Chairman of Dangote Cement, global, said he identified himself with laudable initiatives that seek to promote educational growth and development, particularly in Africa.