Aliko Dangote, the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, has officially accepted a position with the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab. This prestigious role places him among a select group of global business leaders dedicated to enhancing investment and job creation in emerging markets.
In a statement announcing his appointment, Dangote expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I am both honoured and excited to accept my appointment to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, which is aimed at advancing investment and employment in developing economies.”
The Lab, which previously saw leadership from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in 2023, is on a mission to attract £1 trillion in sustainable investments to support energy transitions in emerging markets. Dangote highlighted that this initiative aligns perfectly with his long-standing commitment to sustainable economic growth, inspired by the transformative successes of the Asian Tigers.
Joining Dangote in this endeavor are prominent figures such as Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer AG; Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chair of Bharti Enterprises; and Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. The World Bank’s expansion of the Lab underscores its renewed focus on job creation as a vital component of global development strategies.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga remarked that this initiative is not just about goodwill; it’s about creating pathways for private sector investments that deliver returns while benefiting communities and economies. Over the past 18 months, the Lab has worked to identify and address barriers to private sector investment in developing countries, consolidating its efforts into five key focus areas that emphasize regulatory and policy certainty.
The Dangote Group, founded by Aliko Dangote, stands as the largest conglomerate in West Africa, with diverse interests spanning cement, fertilizers, salt, sugar, and oil. Employing over 30,000 individuals, the group is the largest taxpayer in Nigeria. Additionally, Dangote leads the Aliko Dangote Foundation, which is dedicated to child nutrition and supports various health and education initiatives.
