Africa’s leading industrialist and President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, is set to receive the EXPO AFRICA BRAZIL LEADERSHIP AWARD 2026, the highest international honour presented by the organisers of Expo Africa Brazil.
President of EXPO AFRICA BRAZIL, João Canda, said the decision was taken in recognition of Dangote’s industrial vision and his contribution to the advancement of South-South cooperation.
According to Canda, the award was unanimously approved by the Expo’s International Honors Committee.
The recognition is expected to further spotlight Africa’s growing industrial capacity and its potential role in global supply chains.
Dangote, founder of one of Africa’s largest business conglomerates, has overseen major investments across sectors including cement, agriculture and energy.
His industrial projects have contributed to the expansion of manufacturing capacity and investment across the continent.
The formal presentation of the award is scheduled to take place during EXPO AFRICA BRAZIL 2026, which will hold from December 3 to 5, 2026, in Brazil.
The three-day summit will bring together government officials, business executives, development institutions and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for stronger economic cooperation.
The programme will feature policy discussions, sector-specific panels and government-to-business engagements aimed at converting diplomatic relationships into concrete commercial partnerships.
Canda described the decision to honour Dangote as one of the most significant institutional resolutions adopted since the establishment of the platform.
He said the honour goes beyond individual business success.
“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.
Canda added that Dangote represented the type of leadership the Expo seeks to promote through stronger relationships between Africa and Brazil.
“Mr. Dangote embodies the vision we seek to advance: bold leadership, cross-continental partnership, and transformative impact,” he said.
The organisers said the award would also draw attention to African entrepreneurship as an important driver of the emerging economic relationship between Africa and Brazil.
According to Canda, Africa offers demographic expansion and productive capacity, while Brazil provides market access and industrial expertise.
“Leaders like Alhaji Dangote show what is possible when that potential is matched with long-term investment,” he said.
The organisers said the summit would go beyond facilitating individual business deals by seeking to establish institutional frameworks capable of sustaining Africa-Latin America cooperation beyond the event.
EXPO AFRICA BRAZIL has positioned itself as a major platform for economic engagement between Africa, Brazil and the wider Americas.
The 2026 edition is expected to attract delegations from more than 25 African countries, alongside Brazilian government officials, Latin American institutions and international business organisations.
Organisers project attendance of more than 1,000 delegates, including ministers, chief executives and development finance leaders.
Discussions at the summit will cover investment, infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, technology and financing.
The organisers said the event comes at a significant time as the global economy increasingly shifts towards emerging markets and South-South trade.
They added that EXPO AFRICA BRAZIL would continue to provide a platform for governments, corporations and institutions to develop joint economic projects and deepen trade and investment ties across Africa, Brazil and the wider Americas.
