Africa’s leading industrialist, Aliko Dangote, is set to receive the Dangote leadership award at EXPO AFRICA BRAZIL 2026 in recognition of his contribution to industrial development and South-South economic cooperation.
Dangote, who is the President of Dangote Group, will receive the EXPO AFRICA BRAZIL LEADERSHIP AWARD 2026, described by the organisers as the highest international distinction presented by the platform.
The decision was unanimously approved by the Expo’s International Honors Committee, according to João Canda, President of EXPO AFRICA BRAZIL.
Canda said the honour reflects Dangote’s industrial vision and the growing importance of stronger economic partnerships between Africa and other emerging markets.
The Dangote leadership award also highlights the industrialist’s role in expanding African productive capacity and positioning the continent within global supply chains.
Through Dangote Group, the businessman has built major operations spanning cement, agriculture and energy, while overseeing some of Africa’s largest private-sector industrial projects.
According to Canda, the recognition celebrates Dangote’s business achievements as well as his contribution to job creation and African industrialisation.
“This recognition celebrates not only extraordinary business achievement, but a lifetime commitment to industrializing Africa, creating jobs, and positioning the continent as a central player in global trade,” he said.
He added that Dangote represents the type of leadership the Expo seeks to promote through stronger cross-continental partnerships.
The formal presentation of the Dangote leadership award will take place during EXPO AFRICA BRAZIL 2026, scheduled for December 3 to 5, 2026, in Brazil.
The three-day summit is expected to feature policy discussions, sector-focused panels and government-to-business engagements aimed at converting diplomatic relationships into commercial opportunities.
Organisers said the event will bring together government officials, business leaders and multilateral institutions to discuss investment, infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, technology and financing.
Delegations from more than 25 African countries are expected to attend, alongside representatives of the Brazilian government, Latin American institutions and international business organisations.
The organisers project attendance of more than 1,000 delegates, including ministers, chief executives and development finance leaders.
Canda said the summit would go beyond facilitating individual business deals, with emphasis also placed on establishing institutional frameworks capable of sustaining Africa-Latin America cooperation.
“Africa brings demographic growth and productive capacity. Brazil brings market access and industrial experience,” he said.
“Leaders like Alhaji Dangote show what is possible when that potential is matched with long-term investment.”
EXPO AFRICA BRAZIL is positioned as an international platform for advancing trade, investment and economic cooperation between Africa, Brazil and the wider Americas.
The Dangote leadership award, organisers said, therefore represents both recognition of an individual industrialist and a broader endorsement of African entrepreneurship as a driver of South-South economic partnerships.
