The Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) has officially named Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, as its Grand Patron. The appointment was formally delivered during a visit by the GEF board to Dangote's office, where he also received a special recognition award for his contributions to entrepreneurship and economic development across Africa.
GEF Board Presents Appointment and Award
The delegation was led by GEF President Dr. Summy Smart Francis, who presented Dangote with a certificate of appointment and a special recognition award. The award acknowledges Dangote's decades of work in entrepreneurship, business development, and economic transformation across the continent.
Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich, Vice Chairman of GEF, played a central role in facilitating the appointment. She helped connect GEF's leadership with Dangote, describing the effort as an extension of a mentorship mission close to her heart. "For me, as a mentee, I have seen tremendous growth since I joined the mentorship programme. That was why I reached out to extend such mentorship to millions of entrepreneurs out there, and I am so grateful for its acceptance," Jack-Rich said.
Dangote Emphasizes the Power of Connection
Accepting the role, Dangote said the appointment was an honour he intended to take seriously. "It is a great pleasure to receive this award, and I promise I will do my best," he said.
He also highlighted what he considers the most important aspect of the GEF platform: "The main benefit of this is actually the connection. It is about connecting, merging and seeing what people can do together. You have people from North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and different countries coming together."
GEF 2026 Edition Set for Egypt
Dr. Francis described Dangote's inclusion as a significant moment for the global entrepreneurship movement, given the industrialist's track record of building businesses across key sectors of the African economy. He confirmed the appointment on behalf of the board, which is chaired by Mr. Dan Vatovic in Colorado, United States.
With Dangote now serving as Grand Patron, the festival said it aims to deepen ties with investors, business leaders, and institutions capable of widening opportunities for entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond. GEF's 2026 edition is scheduled to hold in Egypt from November 6 to 8, and is billed as a major international gathering of entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers, and investors from across the world.
