The Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) has named Dangote Group President Alhaji Aliko Dangote its Grand Patron, strengthening the event’s ties with one of Africa’s most influential industrial leaders.
Appointment and wider role
- The appointment was formally conveyed during a GEF Board visit to Dangote. During the meeting, the delegation also presented him with a special honour recognizing his impact on entrepreneurship, business growth and Africa’s economic transformation.
- Dr Elizabeth Jack-Rich, GEF’s Vice Chairman, helped establish the relationship and arrange the meeting between the festival’s leadership and Dangote. Her role reflects the organization’s aim of linking established African business figures with emerging entrepreneurs and raising the profile of African enterprise in the international entrepreneurship community.
- The delegation was headed by GEF President Dr Summy Smart Francis, who said Dangote’s addition was important to the global entrepreneurship movement because of his decades of experience creating companies and investing in major areas of Africa’s economy.
- As Grand Patron, Dangote is expected to help GEF expand its engagement with business executives, investors and institutions that can create more opportunities for entrepreneurs and promote economic development driven by private enterprise across Africa and other markets.
2026 festival
GEF is preparing its 2026 edition as a major international forum in Egypt from November 6 to 8. The gathering is expected to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, innovators, policymakers and institutions from around the world.
