Dangote meets Donald Trump during high-profile visit to Qatar

Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, was among the distinguished guests who exchanged pleasantries with former US President Donald Trump during a state visit to Qatar on Tuesday.

A video circulating online captured the moment Dangote was introduced to Trump during the visit hosted by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The footage showed the Nigerian business magnate warmly shaking hands with the American leader before proceeding to greet the Qatari monarch.

Trump’s arrival in Doha marked the second stage of his Middle East tour, where he received a ceremonial welcome at Hamad International Airport. The welcome featured a fighter jet escort for Air Force One and an impressive motorcade of Tesla Cybertrucks.

During the visit, Trump and Al Thani oversaw a landmark agreement between Qatar Airways and Boeing, encompassing a record-breaking $96 billion deal for up to 210 new aircraft — one of the largest single orders in Boeing’s history.

The event also garnered attention due to Qatar’s proposal of a luxury Boeing 747-8, valued at $400 million, as a potential future Air Force One. The gesture sparked debates in the United States concerning the appropriateness of accepting such lavish gifts from foreign governments.

Dangote, who has consistently maintained connections with influential global leaders and business executives, appeared at the occasion alongside other prominent figures, including billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.

Although details of the conversation between Dangote and Trump remain private, their brief interaction added to the high-profile engagements that characterised the diplomatic and business-focused visit.