As Africa’s first-generation industrialists consolidate decades of expansion, attention is turning to the next generation set to lead multibillion-dollar empires. In Nigeria, that transition is unfolding at BUA Group, where Abdul Samad “Khalifa” Rabiu is increasingly viewed as the likely successor to a $15 billion industrial conglomerate, as reported by Bloomberg and Forbes.
Khalifa, the second child of billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu, has steadily risen through BUA’s operational ranks. He currently serves as Chief Officer for Global Procurement and Strategic Operations at BUA Foods, overseeing initiatives across food production, cement manufacturing, and animal feed operations. His growing operational influence positions him as the natural heir to the family’s industrial empire.
BUA Group is one of West Africa’s largest and most diversified industrial conglomerates, spanning foods, cement, infrastructure, and manufacturing. By early 2026, BUA Foods and BUA Cement had a combined market valuation exceeding ₦20.88 trillion ($15.46 billion), reflecting strong investor confidence and high demand across Nigeria’s consumer and construction sectors. BUA Foods alone is valued at ₦14.38 trillion ($10.65 billion), while BUA Cement stands at ₦6.50 trillion ($4.81 billion), with the cement subsidiary experiencing a 118% growth in market capitalization over the past year.
Khalifa’s rise occurs amid broader boardroom and operational consolidation within BUA. While Isyaku Rabiu, a nephew of BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu, resigned from BUA Foods’ board in 2022, Khalifa has expanded his leadership role. Observers note that succession in family-controlled industrial groups is often gradual and carefully structured, combining board reshuffles with operational consolidation.
The Rabiu family’s industrial legacy spans three generations. Khalifa was named after his late grandfather, Khalifah Isyaku Rabiu, a respected industrialist whose ventures in the 1970s and 1980s laid the foundation for what would become BUA Group. Today, Khalifa is widely viewed as the leading figure to carry that legacy forward, ahead of his siblings Khadija “Cookie” Rabiu, Junaid Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Rania Rabiu, who are not directly involved in core BUA operations.
Khalifa’s educational and operational experience reflects a global outlook. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Regent’s University London and a Master’s in Management from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. He previously served as Director for Special Operations, managing transformation initiatives including strategic wheat sourcing, digital procurement systems, and the establishment of a 40-metric-tonne-per-hour animal feed mill.
Beyond the boardroom, Khalifa’s family maintains significant political and economic influence. His mother, Hannatu Musawa, serves as Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, highlighting the family’s proximity to national policymaking circles.
The Rabiu family’s wealth and global assets highlight their financial strength. Abdul Samad Rabiu controls 92.6% of BUA Foods and 97.66% of BUA Cement, combining direct and indirect holdings. Their portfolio includes private jets such as the Bombardier Global 8000 and Gulfstream G550, luxury vehicles, and yachts, as reported by Bloomberg. Khalifa has also begun engaging in high-level international forums, signaling his growing global stature.
Commenting on his new role, Khalifa said:
“I am excited to assume this role at such a pivotal time in BUA Foods’ growth journey. I look forward to advancing agile, sustainable procurement systems and operational strategies that support the company’s long-term ambitions.“
With operational experience, international education, and family backing, Abdul Samad “Khalifa” Rabiu is poised to steer one of Africa’s largest industrial empires into the next generation.
