The Aliko Dangote Foundation plans to partner with state governments to help up to two million vulnerable women participate in the planned initial public offering of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited.
Aliko Dangote disclosed the initiative in New York during the 81st United Nations General Assembly while responding to a question about how public-private partnerships could support conflict-affected communities, particularly widows.
Under the proposed programme, eligible women would be supported to purchase shares in the refinery, while the foundation would provide additional shares to participating beneficiaries as a long-term financial asset.
Dangote said the initiative would focus on widening access to equity ownership among groups that might otherwise be excluded from major capital-market opportunities. The programme is expected to have particular relevance in conflict-affected communities, where widows and other vulnerable households face persistent economic challenges.
The initiative forms part of the broader “People’s IPO” for the 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery, which is designed to expand Nigerian participation in ownership of the major industrial project. The share offer has already attracted strong retail interest, with the minimum subscription set at 10 shares.
The proposed partnership could also strengthen financial inclusion by introducing more women to formal investment and equity ownership.
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