During President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Qatar, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, was among the dignitaries who exchanged pleasantries with the U.S. leader. The encounter occurred during a state dinner hosted by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha.
President Trump’s visit was marked by the announcement of a significant agreement between Qatar Airways and Boeing, involving the purchase of up to 210 Boeing jets, valued at approximately $96 billion. This deal is considered one of the largest in Boeing’s history.
Additionally, the visit garnered attention due to Qatar’s offer of a luxurious Boeing 747-8 jet, estimated at $400 million, intended as a potential replacement for Air Force One. This gesture sparked bipartisan debate in the United States regarding the ethics and legality of accepting such gifts from foreign governments.
While the specifics of the conversation between Dangote and President Trump remain undisclosed, their meeting underscores the intersection of global business and diplomacy during high-profile international events.