"We Will Open Africa" — A Conversation with Aliko Dangote

In this candid conversation, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop sits down with Aliko Dangote, Africa’s leading industrialist to explore the scale and urgency of building the continent’s economic future. Dangote reflects on his ambitions in energy, fertilizer, water and logistics, while making the case for African-led investment. The discussion tackles persistent barriers like visa restrictions, costly intra-African trade, and fragmented markets, and the investments needed to overcome them. Dangote also shares his journey from early cement trading to building a global industrial powerhouse. With IFC’s support in focus, the conversation centers on turning ambition into results.