Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has revealed how important his mobile phone is to him, saying he would rather be imprisoned than have the device taken away.
The billionaire businessman made the statement at an event in Lagos where he unveiled his “Vision 2030” plan, aimed at driving Africa’s industrial revolution.
During the event, Dangote was asked to choose between spending one week without his phone and giving up access to his private jet.
In response, he made it clear that losing his phone would be far more difficult for him than giving up the luxury aircraft.
“Ah… I think it’s easier you put me in prison than to take my phone away. So, you know, I mean taking my phone away is no-go area, okay?” Dangote said.
The industrialist also disclosed that he has more than 13,000 contacts saved on his phone, highlighting the role the device plays in maintaining his extensive personal and professional network.
“I know that would be almost… my number — I have that number since… Twitter… I have more than 13,000 contacts on my phone,” he said.
Reacting to the size of his contact list, Dangote explained that he rarely blocks people, which he suggested had contributed to the large number of contacts stored on his device.
“Wow. Wow. I hardly… I don’t like blocking people, so a lot of people,” he added.
His comments offer a glimpse into the importance of his phone in managing relationships and staying connected while overseeing a vast business empire with interests across several industries.
Dangote is the president and chief executive of Dangote Group, one of Africa’s largest industrial conglomerates, with operations spanning manufacturing, cement, fertiliser, oil refining and other sectors across the continent.
His remarks came as he presented his Vision 2030 plan, underscoring his broader ambitions for industrial development in Africa.
