Aliko Dangote to leave one-third of his estate to charity

The plan was revealed by his daughter, Halima Dangote, who said the billionaire sees giving back as a responsibility that should outlive him and remain part of the family’s legacy.

Speaking about the decision, Halima said her father had asked her, her two sisters and his mother to sign the will, allowing one-third of his inheritance to be transferred to the foundation.

“Philanthropy needs to be in existence generation after generation,” she said.

“Giving back is part and parcel of what we do. We believe we’re here and our business is successful because of giving back and because of the philanthropic aspect.”

She explained that the arrangement follows Islamic inheritance principles, which permit up to one-third of a person’s estate to be allocated through a will to charitable causes or beneficiaries outside the prescribed heirs.

Founded in 1994, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has become one of Africa’s largest private charitable organisations, investing in health, education, nutrition, humanitarian relief and economic empowerment across the continent.

The announcement comes as philanthropy is taking on a bigger role in Africa’s development landscape, with more of the continent’s wealthiest entrepreneurs looking beyond business to create lasting social impact.

By setting aside a significant share of his estate, Dangote is signalling that the foundation’s work is intended to continue serving communities for generations to come.