What does Dangote's IPO mean for young investors?

What does Dangote's IPO mean for young investors?

Author: BBC World Service September 15, 2026 Duration: 22:59

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has launched Africa's largest-ever share sale, offering a stake in his oil refinery to the general public. The initial public offering (IPO) covers roughly 3% of the Dangote Refinery and aims to raise $1.6 billion across Africa, targeting up to 10 million shareholders.

Hours after the offer went live, several stockbroking applications reported downtime due to unusually heavy traffic from potential investors believed to be rushing to buy stakes in the company. We explore how young people across the continent are reacting and what this means for them.

And African literature continues to gain global recognition as we hear from writers from Kenya, Cameroon, Nigeria, Egypt and Zimbabwe shortlisted for the 2026 Caine Prize for African Writing. What do their stories reveal about the evolution of the continent?

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Ayuba Iliya, Bella Twine and Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba Editors: Daniel Dadzie and Maryam Abdalla


Each weekday, as the afternoon draws to a close, Focus on Africa provides a thoughtful and necessary pause to understand the continent's dynamic pulse. Produced by the BBC World Service, this daily podcast goes beyond headlines, unpacking two essential stories with depth and context. The reporting doesn't just explain the major events shaping nations and communities; it deliberately highlights the individuals living through these changes, ensuring the human dimension of every story is heard. Furthermore, the program offers a vital African perspective on worldwide events, examining how global developments resonate locally. Under the steady guidance of host Nkechi Ogbonna, listeners are offered clarity and insight, making complex issues accessible. This reliable briefing is crafted to fit into your routine, arriving before the evening with the authority and nuance you expect. Tuning into this podcast means connecting with a nuanced portrait of a continent, its people, and its place in the world, all delivered with journalistic rigor five days a week.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Focus on Africa
Podcast Episodes
Hormuz attacks threaten Liberian shipping registry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:58
As tensions between the United States and Iran continue, security in the Strait of Hormuz remains under scrutiny. On 3 August, a Liberian-flagged vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman, leaving one crew member missing…
Exclusive interview with Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
Zambia heads to the polls next week to elect a President, lawmakers and local council leaders. The election has been widely perceived as a two horse race following the emergance of an opposition coallition candidate. In…
Morocco migrant crossings into Spain's Ceuta [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
A tiny enclave named Ceuta has become the flashpoint of a migration crisis between Morocco and Spain. Geographically situated in Africa, but under Spanish control, Ceuta has become a destination of over 60 000 migrants r…
Exclusive interview with Zambia's Brian Mundubile [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
Zambia voters will head to the polls on the 13th of August in what is shaping up to be one of the country's most closely watched elections. Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term but faces a stro…
African women turning gaming into a living [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
Africa's video gaming industry is booming. The sector generated more than $1 billion in revenue in 2024, with mobile gaming making up around 90% of the market, according to KPMG. Although the industry has long been domin…
Burkina Faso's Traore on religious extremism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:58
In Burkina Faso, the military-led government has launched a controversial campaign targeting what it describes as religious extremism. Transitional leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, appears to be at odds with sections of th…
South Africa proposes strategic oil reserve expansion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:58
South Africa has announced plans to expand its strategic oil reserve for the first time since the apartheid era. this is in its response to the global supply shocks. The proposal aims to reserve approximately 36 million…
Ethiopians on death row in Saudi Arabia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:58
Saudi Arabia has executed five more Ethiopian migrants after convicting them of smuggling hashish, a concentrated form of cannabis. The Saudi Interior Ministry announced on Monday, July 27th. This latest execution brings…
WAFCON officially kicks off in Morocco [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
The Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has kicked off in Morocco, with an expanded 16-team tournament bringing together the continent's best sides in the battle for the African title. The host country, Morocco has d…
Yemi Alade: beyond the music [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
Grammy-nominated Yemi Alade is one of Africa's biggest music stars and a trailblazer who has helped take Afrobeats to audiences around the world. She's collaborated with artists including Beyoncé and became the first fem…