Mariya Dangote is far from just being the daughter of Africa’s richest man. She has carved out a space for herself in Nigeria’s business landscape, quietly but effectively contributing to one of the continent’s largest conglomerates. While her name draws attention because of her lineage, Mariya’s career and lifestyle suggest someone who prefers action over show.
Life as Aliko Dangote’s Youngest Daughter
Mariya is the youngest of Aliko Dangote’s three biological daughters. Born in the 1980s to Zainab Dangote, she shares her name with her maternal grandmother, Mariya Dantata. Though her exact birth year remains unclear, what’s not in doubt is her quiet confidence and presence in the family’s business empire.
Her father’s marriage to her mother ended in divorce, and she was later raised alongside two sisters and an adopted brother, Abdulrahman Fasasi. Today, the Dangote daughters are all involved in the daily operations of their father’s vast business network, each handling different divisions.
Generational Wealth
Mariya’s family name is deeply connected to wealth that goes back decades. Her great-great-grandfather, Alhassan Dantata, was once the richest man in West Africa. This wealth passed through generations, including her great-grandfather, Alhaji Sanusi Dantata, and prominent relatives like Aminu Dantata and Usman Dantata.
However, the name that resonates most globally is Aliko Dangote. With an estimated net worth of $28.5 billion as of mid-2025, he remains Africa’s most recognized billionaire. While most of his fortune comes from cement, sugar, and now oil refining, he’s known just as much for building a business family—his children included.
Educational Foundation
Mariya received her early education in Nigeria before heading to Bayero University in Kano, where she studied Law. She later attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Bar, becoming a qualified lawyer. Her academic journey didn’t stop there.
In 2014, she enrolled at Coventry University in the UK for her MBA and completed the program in 2015. She has since expanded her expertise with training in areas like productivity optimization, alternative dispute resolution, and advanced management. Her education helped shape her current approach to leadership and business.
Executive Director at Dangote Sugar Refinery
By 2016, Mariya had already joined the Dangote Group, working in strategic positions across various departments. She spent three years at Dangote Industries Limited, contributing to the group’s business strategy and risk management.
In 2019, she began working with Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC, first as the Director of Strategy/BIP Support. Four years later, in July 2023, she was appointed Executive Director of Operations. With the Dangote Sugar Refinery being the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa, this role placed her at the heart of one of Nigeria’s most critical industries.
The board’s decision to elevate her was officially confirmed on July 28, 2023. This followed her consistent performance in driving operational efficiencies and digital transformation.
Board Member at Dangote Peugeot
Aside from sugar, Mariya is also on the board of Dangote–Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN). This partnership between the Dangote Group and five northern states oversees the assembly of Peugeot cars in Kaduna. With a production capacity that exceeded 120 vehicles per day in 2022, the plant is one of the few successful vehicle assembly lines in Nigeria.
Although her shareholding is not public, her position on the board suggests an important strategic role. The company is valued at over ₦3 billion and continues to grow as local auto manufacturing gains momentum.
Additional Board Role at Dangote Cement
Following her role at Dangote Sugar, Mariya was also appointed to the board of Dangote Cement in 2025. As one of Nigeria’s most valuable companies, the cement business is core to the group’s long-term profitability.
Her role on this board shows a shift in the company’s approach as Aliko Dangote begins stepping back from his boardroom duties. The move aligns with the family’s ongoing transition strategy, preparing the next generation to take over key leadership roles.
To better understand the man behind this empire, visit this comprehensive biography of Aliko Dangote.
Private Life and Low Public Profile
Despite her achievements, Mariya rarely appears in media headlines or social events. She keeps her personal life away from public scrutiny. What’s known, however, is that she is married and a mother. Details about her husband and children remain private, although it’s believed she married within Northern Nigeria’s elite circle.
Her older sisters also followed similar paths—Fatima married a wealthy pilot, Mohammed Abubakar, while Halima is married to businessman Sulaiman Sani Bello. This tradition of marrying within successful, influential families seems to point to the fact that the family’s preference for privacy and structure is non-negotiable.
Comparisons With Her Sisters
Mariya’s approach to business is often compared to her sisters. Halima, the most visible of the three, currently manages the Dangote Family Office in Dubai. She has held roles at NASCON Allied Industries and led the turnaround of Dangote Flour Mills, which was eventually sold to Olam Group.
Fatima, on the other hand, is involved in commercial operations across Dangote Industries Limited. She also runs the Cupcake Factory and has taken part in efforts to improve Nigeria’s food self-sufficiency, especially in the sugar sector.
Each sister holds her space within the empire, with Mariya often seen as the one behind the scenes, focused on strategic impact and operational excellence.
Social Media and Public Perception
Mariya is present on social media but rarely active. Her Instagram handle, @mariyadangote, exists with minimal public interaction. Unlike some children of billionaires, she doesn’t use social media to flaunt lifestyle or wealth.
This aligns with how the Dangote children were raised. Observers who have met them often speak of their humility and politeness. The family’s values seem rooted in a mix of tradition, discipline, and quiet ambition.
Mariya Dangote Net Worth Breakdown
Although Mariya’s exact salary figures aren’t public, estimates place her net worth at around $5 million. As a former group strategy lead at Dangote Industries Limited, she likely earned between ₦3 million to ₦15 million annually. Over three years, this amounts to approximately ₦9 million to ₦45 million.
Her earnings increased significantly after moving to Dangote Sugar and joining other boards. While she doesn’t flaunt her wealth, her financial status is a result of accumulated salaries, shares, and strategic business decisions.
Professional Growth
To keep up with global standards, Mariya enrolled in the Cambridge Senior Management Program. She’s also completed multiple leadership and management courses, some of which are tailored to industry-specific needs like sugar processing and business continuity.
These programs support her current roles and prepare her for greater responsibilities in the future. Her approach to leadership is data-driven and performance-oriented.
Finally
With her father gradually stepping away from executive roles, Mariya and her siblings are positioned to take on more responsibility. Her presence on multiple boards, coupled with a solid academic and professional background, suggests she’s ready for whatever lies ahead.
Article updated 3 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
