“Having a Son to Inherit My Business Is Not a Priority” — Aliko Dangote

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has said having a male child to inherit his business empire is not a priority, stressing that his three daughters are capable of taking over the business in the future.

Speaking with Arise TV, Dangote was asked whether he still considered having a son, particularly given traditional expectations around male heirs in Kano, his home state.

The businessman said his daughters, Halima, Fatima and Mariya, are all capable of leading the business and that succession should not be determined by gender.

“God controls everything. And for me, really, sometimes, yeah, you can pray for God to give you a son, but that son might be the one that would tear down the name of the family. So sometimes when God doesn’t give you something, don’t push.

Even if I had a son, I don’t think the son would have done better than these three daughters that I have.”

When asked whether he could see one of his daughters taking charge of the group, Dangote said

“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 said