Nigerian businessman and billionaire Aliko Dangote has highlighted his ambition to democratize wealth across the continent, stating that public equity listings are the key to spreading economic prosperity to everyday Africans.

He said this during a promotional interview with Afrobeats star Davido in New York, where both figures gathered alongside side-events of the United Nations General Assembly to promote the landmark $1.6 billion Initial Public Offering (IPO) of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals.

Davido had questioned Dangote on why everyday Nigerians and Africans should invest in the mega-refinery.

Responding directly to the singer, Dangote emphasized that public equity ownership remains the most direct mechanism for shared economic growth.

"Well, it is very important, David, because that's the only way to spread prosperity and wealth throughout Africa. And this is not going to be the first and the last. We will continue to do even our fertilizer. By the time we finish listing, every single African will own part of our businesses and they will create, you know, [a] pool of cash," Dangote said.

The interaction came alongside a high-profile digital billboard takeover in Times Square, where a massive display at the Nasdaq tower showcased the Dangote Refinery with the slogan: "Made in Nigeria. Built for the World."

The public offer, widely regarded as Africa's largest IPO, opened on September 14, 2026, offering 4.1 billion ordinary shares at ₦525 each to retail and institutional investors across Nigeria and the broader African continent.

Seeking to raise approximately ₦2.15 trillion ($1.63 billion), the public offer is designed as an "IPO for the people," featuring a low minimum subscription threshold of 10 shares (₦5,250) to encourage broad retail participation before closing on October 13, 2026.

In addition to the flagship 650,000 barrel-per-day Lekki refinery, Dangote Industries has confirmed long-term plans to eventually list its $2.5 billion fertilizer division, further expanding retail investor access to Africa's largest industrial conglomerate.

Watch the video below:

Davido: Why is it important for Nigerians to buy Dangote shares?

Dangote:pic.twitter.com/8rZ5vtOUa4

— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) September 23, 2026