Unlike many Africans, Africa’s richest man and the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, says having a son to inherit his business empire is not a priority, as his three daughters are capable of taking over the Dangote Group.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE News on Tuesday, Dangote expressed confidence that one of his daughters could eventually lead the conglomerate, adding that his three daughters are all involved in his businesses.
According to him their involvement in the family business is based on their personal interest, stressing that they were not pressured to be involved in the conglomerate.
Reports say Dangote’s daughters, Halima, Fatima and Mariya, hold senior positions within the business empire, with their roles steadily increasing as the conglomerate expands.
As stated while answering questions on whether one of his daughters takes charge of the group, Dangote pointed out: “I think, yes, I can see one of them. I’ve been watching all of them, so I can definitely see one of the three that can actually lead.
“They are very, very interested in the business. I’m not forcing them to come and be part of this business, no. They are very interested, and they enjoy it.”
He expressed confidence that his daughters could surpass his achievements and take the company to a higher level.
“But I’m sure they’re highly educated, so they will be more creative. So most likely, they might be even taking the company to the next level,” he enthused.
On whether he still hoped to have a son, particularly given the traditional expectations surrounding male heirs in Kano, Dangote said it was not important to him.
“Sometimes you can pray for God to give you a son, but that son might be the one to bring down the name of the family.
“Sometimes when God doesn’t give you something, don’t push. I don’t think a son would have done something better than these three daughters that I have. That one, I think, you know, it’s not my priority,” the billionaire asserted.
Africa’s richest man said his broader succession plan was not simply about transferring control of the conglomerate to a family member, but ensuring that the company was professionally managed like many world acclaimed outfits that have outlasted their founders.
While citing companies such as Microsoft and Apple as examples, he stated: “I want this company to be run professionally. I want to have the highest level of governance.
“We want to make sure that we make it very difficult for any family member to come and destroy anything.
“What I want to leave as a legacy is to industrialise Africa,” Dangote noted.
