Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has been chosen to receive the Expo Africa Brazil Leadership Award 2026, one of the highest honours to be presented at the upcoming trade summit in Brazil.
The award was unanimously approved by the Expo’s International Honours Committee and will be presented during Expo Africa Brazil 2026, scheduled to hold from December 3 to 5, 2026.
According to a statement signed by João Canda, President of Expo Africa Brazil, the recognition reflects Dangote’s long-standing contribution to African industrial development, job creation and international trade.
Canda said Dangote represents the kind of leadership the summit wants to promote, particularly through large-scale investment, partnerships across countries and projects capable of transforming economies.
The award comes as African countries seek to expand trade and investment partnerships beyond traditional markets. Expo Africa Brazil is expected to bring together more than 1,000 delegates from over 25 African countries, including government officials, business executives and representatives of multilateral organisations.
Brazilian government officials, Latin American institutions and international business groups are also expected to participate.
The three-day event will focus on areas such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, manufacturing and access to finance. Discussions are expected to centre on how African and Latin American economies can increase trade, attract investment and develop stronger business relationships.
Dangote’s selection also highlights the growing role of African companies in global supply chains. His business interests cover major sectors including cement, agriculture and energy, with the group involved in several large industrial projects across Africa.
One of the most prominent examples is the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a major investment in Nigeria’s energy sector. The refinery is designed to process hundreds of thousands of barrels of crude oil daily and has become a significant part of Nigeria’s efforts to increase domestic refining capacity.
Beyond oil and gas, Dangote Group has major interests in cement and agriculture, making the conglomerate one of Africa’s most recognisable business groups.
Canda said Africa has significant demographic and productive potential, while Brazil offers industrial experience and access to a large market. He described leaders such as Dangote as examples of what can happen when long-term investment is combined with Africa’s economic potential.
Organisers said Expo Africa Brazil will also explore ways to reduce trade barriers and improve logistics between West Africa and South America.
Potential areas for cooperation include manufacturing, renewable energy and food security, with the summit expected to encourage government-to-business discussions and joint ventures.
For Dangote, the award represents recognition not only of his personal business achievements but also of the wider push for African companies to build industries capable of competing in international markets.
Expo Africa Brazil organisers said their ambition goes beyond signing deals during the event. They want the summit to help create lasting institutional partnerships between Africa and Latin America.
