Tinubu congratulates Dangote on World Bank appointment, hails his transformative impact

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, on his recent appointment to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, describing the recognition as well-deserved and timely. The lab is a high-level advisory body focused on promoting private investment and job creation in emerging economies.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded Dangote’s extensive private sector experience and his role in creating employment opportunities through the Dangote Group.

The President described Dangote’s appointment as “apt, given his rich private sector experience, strategic investments, and many employment opportunities created through his Dangote Group”.

He urged Dangote to bring to bear on the World Bank appointment his transformative ideas and initiatives to impact the emerging markets across the world fully.

The Dangote Group, under Dangote’s leadership, has grown into one of Africa’s leading conglomerates with diversified interests in cement, fertiliser, salt, sugar, oil, and gas.

Dangote had expressed gratitude and excitement about the appointment, calling it “both an honour and a reflection of my long-standing commitment to economic development through private enterprise.”

He added, “This opportunity aligns with my long-standing commitment to sustainable development and unlocking the potential of developing economies,” drawing inspiration from the rapid growth of the Asian Tigers and expressing eagerness to collaborate with fellow leaders to replicate such success globally.

The World Bank announced Dangote’s appointment as part of a broader expansion of the Private Sector Investment Lab, which now includes other global business leaders such as Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer AG; Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chair of Bharti Enterprises; and Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

The expanded lab aims to scale up solutions to attract private capital and create jobs in developing countries.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga noted that the enlarged membership “underscores the institution’s focus on integrating private-sector leadership into its strategy for global job creation,” highlighting Dangote’s invaluable experience in scaling businesses and creating employment in emerging economies.