Aliko Dangote named among TIME’s 100 most influential people for 2026

Aliko Dangote has been recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people for 2026, marking his second appearance on the prestigious list as the sole Nigerian honoree.

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Refinery and Africa’s wealthiest industrialist, has been named to the TIME 100 list of the world’s most influential people for 2026. This recognition marks the second time the billionaire has appeared on the prestigious list, following his initial inclusion in 2014. Featuring in the “Titans and Innovators” category, Dangote stands out as the sole Nigerian representative this year, recognized primarily for his monumental contributions to African industrialization and his massive investments in the continent’s energy and infrastructure sectors.

The 2026 edition of the list, published on Wednesday, highlights a diverse array of global leaders who have shaped the trajectory of the year across business, politics, and culture. Dangote shares the honor with prominent world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The list also acknowledges spiritual and technological heavyweights, such as Pope Leo XIV and the chief executives of major tech firms including Google’s Sundar Pichai and YouTube’s Neal Mohan, reflecting a rapidly evolving global order.

Within his specific category, Dangote is positioned alongside other pioneers who have made significant strides in their respective fields. Fellow honorees include Reid Wiseman, the commander of NASA’s Artemis II mission to the moon, as well as American philanthropists Michael and Susan Dell and designer Ralph Lauren. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, paid tribute to Dangote on the TIME website, describing the industrialist’s footprint—spanning cement, sugar, and oil—as a demonstration of the capacity of Africans to create immense value using local resources.

READ THE FULL STORY IN THE CABLE