Halima Aliko Dangote is a prominent Nigerian businesswoman and the executive director of commercial operations at Dangote Industries Limited.
She is the second daughter of billionaire Aliko Dangote.
Halima holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and an MBA, having also completed leadership programs at Harvard and Kellogg.
She has significantly impacted the Dangote Group, notably turning around Dangote Flour Mills’ profitability.
Additionally, Halima serves on several boards, including the Africa Centre in New York, and is passionate about women’s empowerment.
Education
Dangote obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the American Intercontinental University in London.
She later earned an MBA from Webster Graduate School in England.
Additionally, she has participated in several prestigious leadership programs, including the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School, the Executive Development Program at Kellogg School of Management, and courses at Columbia Business School focused on finance and accounting for non-financial executives.
Career
Halima began her professional journey at KPMG Professional Services, where she worked as a Business Analyst. In this role, she focused on business performance improvement and strategic consulting, gaining valuable insights into analyzing business operations and developing strategies for growth. This foundational experience equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate complex business environments.
In 2008, Halima joined Dangote Industries Limited, one of Africa’s largest conglomerates, which operates across various sectors, including cement, sugar, flour, and food processing. Her ascent within the company culminated in her appointment as the Group Executive Director of Commercial Operations in 2019. In this leadership role, Halima oversees the commercial strategies for the company’s extensive portfolio. Her responsibilities include developing and implementing strategies to enhance market share and profitability, streamlining operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs, and identifying new market opportunities to expand the company’s reach within Africa and beyond.
One of Halima’s notable achievements has been her leadership in turning around Dangote Flour Mills. Under her guidance, the company successfully shifted from operating at a loss to achieving significant profitability. She introduced innovative marketing initiatives such as the “World ‘Puff Puff’ Day,” which not only promoted the brand but also engaged consumers in a fun and interactive manner.
In addition to her role at Dangote Industries, Halima serves on the board of NASCON Allied Industries Plc, which is involved in food processing, particularly salt production. In this capacity, she guides strategic decisions that align with industry standards and consumer needs. Furthermore, Halima is actively involved with the Aliko Dangote Foundation, which focuses on health, education, and poverty alleviation initiatives across Africa. Her commitment to social responsibility is evident in her advocacy for women’s empowerment in business; she participates in initiatives aimed at promoting female leadership and entrepreneurship both in Nigeria and beyond.
Halima’s educational background has played a crucial role in her career development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from American Intercontinental University in London and an MBA from Webster Graduate School in England. Additionally, she has completed prestigious leadership programs at institutions like Harvard Business School and Kellogg School of Management. These experiences have equipped her with advanced skills in management and strategic thinking, enabling her to effectively navigate complex business challenges.
Awards and achievements
Halima has received notable recognition for her contributions to business and society.
She played a pivotal role in revitalizing Dangote Flour Mills, leading to significant profitability and the introduction of innovative marketing initiatives like the “World ‘Puff Puff’ Day,” which garnered international attention.
Her leadership has been instrumental in promoting women’s empowerment, as evidenced by her active involvement in organizations such as Women Corporate Directors.
Additionally, Halima serves on the boards of several influential organizations, including NASCON Allied Industries Plc and the Aliko Dangote Foundation.
Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her participation in prestigious leadership programs at Harvard and Kellogg, enhancing her strategic acumen in global business dynamics.
Halima’s achievements not only underscore her business prowess but also her dedication to societal progress and philanthropy, making her a trailblazer in the African business landscape.
