The Rise of Aliko Dangote Part 2

Kano, with its rich history as a center of commerce, particularly in goods like kola nuts, groundnuts, textiles, and leather, played a crucial role in shaping Dangote's early understanding of trade and economics. He was surrounded by the bustling energy of merchants and traders, which sparked his interest in business from a young age. This environment, coupled with his family’s established reputation in commerce, naturally steered him towards a career in entrepreneurship.

Following his secondary education, Dangote's path took him to Cairo, Egypt, where he attended Al-Azhar University. Al-Azhar, founded in the 10th century, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Islamic world, renowned not only for its religious studies but also for its secular academic programs. At Al-Azhar, Dangote pursued a degree in business administration, a field that combined his passion for commerce with the rigorous academic discipline required to manage and grow business enterprises.

His time at Al-Azhar was pivotal, as it provided him with a global perspective on business practices and economic principles. Studying in Cairo, a city at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, exposed Dangote to a diverse range of business ideas and cultural influences. This broadened his worldview and equipped him with the knowledge and skills that would later prove invaluable as he embarked on his entrepreneurial journey.