Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, has been named Grand Patron of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF), with organisers describing him as the continent’s foremost business leader and most influential figure in commerce.
In accepting the role, Dangote pledged his backing for GEF’s mission to advance entrepreneurship, innovation, investment and economic transformation globally. Organisers said his involvement lends significant weight to the festival’s objectives, given his standing as one of the world’s most prominent industrialists.
Further details on his responsibilities as Grand Patron are expected in due course.
Separately, Dangote has confirmed he will sit down with Ayanda “Yaya of Africa” Ngwane for an unscripted conversation in Cairo, in an episode that marks a major milestone for Sharing with Ayanda.
The interview comes as global markets await developments on the Dangote Refinery IPO, expected to be Africa’s largest public offering.
The show, known for hard-hitting interviews with global investors and visionaries, counts Henry Kaestner among its previous guests. Its latest push is backed by a renewed partnership with Brand South Africa and GEF.
“I have been looking forward to this engagement,” Dangote said. “I welcome a deeper conversation on Pan-Africanism, trade, investment, and the broader African agenda with Yaya of Africa.”
