Dangote Reveals Sugar Production Inspiration Came from Garri in Sabon Gari, Kano

Africa's wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that his decision to venture into sugar production was inspired by an unexpected encounter with the popular Nigerian food, garri.

In a recent interview, Dangote shared the story behind his foray into the sugar industry, which is now one of the key pillars of his vast business empire.

 

Dangote, who is known for his success in cement, oil, and other industries, explained that his love for traditional Hausa dishes, such as tuwo and masa, was ingrained in him from childhood. However, his perspective on food—and business—shifted during a visit to Sabon Gari, Kano, where he was conducting feasibility studies for a new business venture.

It was there, while connecting with locals, that he was offered a bowl of garri by one of his aides. Garri, a staple food enjoyed by Nigerians across all social classes, immediately caught his attention. "I had never really thought about garri in such a way before," Dangote said. "It was something I had grown up with, but in Sabon Gari, it felt different."

As he enjoyed the meal, Dangote recognized the potential to innovate. "As an entrepreneur, I thought about how this could be enhanced. The garri was great, but with a touch of sugar, it could be even better," he added. This realisation led to the birth of his idea to enter the sugar market.

Since then, Dangote Sugar Refinery has grown into one of the largest producers of sugar in Africa, providing jobs and contributing to the country's economy. Dangote expressed his satisfaction with the industry's success, noting that it has been well-received by the public.

"I’m grateful for the journey, and I’m pleased to see that people have embraced the idea of sugar as a key ingredient in various aspects of their daily lives," Dangote remarked. "What started as a simple taste test turned into a profitable and meaningful venture."