Top 20 Richest People in Africa
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Africa is home to some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, with billionaires who have made their fortunes across various sectors, including mining, telecommunications, and real estate. As of March 3, 2025, the list of Africa's richest individuals has been compiled, highlighting the power and influence of the continent's top billionaires. The data sourced from Forbes reveals that the wealthiest people in Africa come from a diverse set of industries, with several prominent business figures.
South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt Dominate the List
The wealthiest individuals in Africa predominantly hail from three countries: South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt. Together, these nations are home to the majority of Africa’s billionaires, exerting significant influence in both regional and global markets.
1. Aliko Dangote - Nigeria - $23.4 Billion
Aliko Dangote is Africa’s richest person, with an impressive net worth of $23.4 billion. Dangote’s wealth primarily comes from his vast cement empire, Dangote Cement, which is the largest producer of cement in Africa. Additionally, his business interests span commodities, including salt, sugar, and flour. Dangote’s influence is felt across the African continent, where he continues to expand his business footprint.
2. Johann Rupert & Family - South Africa - $15.1 Billion
Johann Rupert, a prominent South African businessman, is the chairman of Richemont, a luxury goods company known for owning prestigious brands such as Cartier, Montblanc, and Van Cleef & Arpels. With a net worth of $15.1 billion, Johann Rupert is a key figure in the luxury goods market globally. His wealth is also derived from investments in other industries, such as banking, agriculture, and media.
3. Nicky Oppenheimer & Family - South Africa - $10.4 Billion
The Oppenheimer family, long associated with the diamond industry, made their fortune through De Beers, the world-renowned diamond mining company. Nicky Oppenheimer, the former chairman of De Beers, has a net worth of $10.4 billion. After selling their stake in De Beers to Anglo American in 2012, the Oppenheimer family has diversified their wealth into other sectors, including agriculture, real estate, and technology.
4. Nassef Sawiris - Egypt - $9.3 Billion
Nassef Sawiris is one of the wealthiest men in Egypt, with a net worth of $9.3 billion. His fortune is derived from his investments in industries such as construction, chemicals, and telecommunications. As the CEO of OCI, one of the world’s largest nitrogen fertilizer producers, Sawiris has built a global business empire that extends far beyond Egypt.
5. Nathan Kirsh - Eswatini - $6.8 Billion
Nathan Kirsh is the richest person in Eswatini, with a net worth of $6.8 billion. Kirsh made his fortune through investments in retail, real estate, and agriculture. His company, Jetro Holdings, is a leading wholesale food distributor in the United States, and his holdings also include properties and businesses across Southern Africa.
6. Naguib Sawiris - Egypt - $5.0 Billion
Naguib Sawiris, the brother of Nassef Sawiris, is a telecommunications mogul with a net worth of $5 billion. He is the founder of Orascom Telecom Media and Technology, and his investments have spanned industries such as construction, media, and technology. Sawiris has also been a key player in Egypt’s privatization process, capitalizing on opportunities in the country’s growing economy.
7. Abdulsamad Rabiu - Nigeria - $4.7 Billion
Abdulsamad Rabiu is a Nigerian businessman with a net worth of $4.7 billion. He is the founder of BUA Group, a conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar, real estate, and agriculture. Rabiu’s companies are vital players in Nigeria’s industrial sector, and his wealth continues to grow as his businesses expand across West Africa.
8. Mohamed Mansour - Egypt - $3.3 Billion
Mohamed Mansour is an influential Egyptian businessman with a net worth of $3.3 billion. He is the chairman of the Mansour Group, one of the largest companies in Egypt, with interests in automotive, retail, and technology. The Mansour Group is a key distributor for brands like General Motors, and Mansour’s influence spans multiple sectors within Egypt’s economy.
9. Koos Bekker - South Africa - $3.3 Billion
Koos Bekker is a South African businessman who made his fortune in media and technology. With a net worth of $3.3 billion, Bekker is best known for his role as the former CEO and current chairman of Naspers, a multinational consumer internet group. Under his leadership, Naspers grew into a global powerhouse in e-commerce and digital media.
10. Patrice Motsepe - South Africa - $2.9 Billion
Patrice Motsepe is one of South Africa’s most successful mining magnates, with a net worth of $2.9 billion. He is the founder of African Rainbow Minerals, a mining company with interests in gold, platinum, and other precious metals. Motsepe made history in 2013 when he became the first black African to join the Forbes billionaires list.
11. Issad Rebrab & Family - Algeria - $2.9 Billion
Issad Rebrab is the wealthiest individual in Algeria, with a net worth of $2.9 billion. Rebrab is the founder of Cevital, the largest privately-owned conglomerate in Algeria. His businesses span food processing, retail, and industrial activities, and Cevital is a key player in Algeria’s economy.
12. Mohammed Dewji - Tanzania - $2.2 Billion
Mohammed Dewji is the youngest billionaire in Tanzania, with a net worth of $2.2 billion. He is the founder of MeTL Group, a conglomerate with interests in agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. Dewji has expanded his business operations across East Africa, making him a major player in the region’s economy.
13. Michiel Le Roux - South Africa - $2.2 Billion
Michiel Le Roux is the founder of Capitec Bank, one of South Africa’s leading banks, with a net worth of $2.2 billion. Le Roux revolutionized the South African banking sector by offering affordable banking services to low-income individuals. Capitec Bank’s rapid growth has made Le Roux one of South Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs.
14. Strive Masiyiwa - Zimbabwe - $1.9 Billion
Strive Masiyiwa is Zimbabwe’s richest man, with a net worth of $1.9 billion. He is the founder of Econet Wireless, one of Africa’s leading telecommunications companies. Masiyiwa has been instrumental in expanding mobile phone coverage across Africa, and his investments also include ventures in technology, energy, and agriculture.
15. Othman Benjelloun & Family - Morocco - $1.5 Billion
Othman Benjelloun is a Moroccan businessman with a net worth of $1.5 billion. He is the CEO of BMCE Bank, one of Morocco’s largest banks, and also has significant investments in insurance, real estate, and telecommunications. His wealth is a result of his diversified business interests across multiple industries.
16. Aziz Akhannouch & Family - Morocco - $1.5 Billion
Aziz Akhannouch is a Moroccan businessman and politician with a net worth of $1.5 billion. He is the owner of the Akwa Group, a conglomerate involved in petroleum, chemicals, and real estate. Akhannouch also serves as Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, which has further bolstered his influence in the country’s economic landscape.
17. Christoffel Wiese - South Africa - $1.5 Billion
Christoffel Wiese is a South African businessman with a net worth of $1.5 billion. He is best known for his leadership of Shoprite, Africa’s largest supermarket chain. Wiese has also been involved in retail, real estate, and other industries, and his investments continue to drive his significant wealth.
18. Femi Otedola - Nigeria - $1.4 Billion
Femi Otedola is a Nigerian businessman with a net worth of $1.4 billion. He is the chairman of Forte Oil, a leading oil marketing company in Nigeria. Otedola has made his fortune in the energy sector, and he is known for his investments in oil, gas, and power generation.
19. Youssef Mansour - Egypt - $1.3 Billion
Youssef Mansour is an Egyptian businessman with a net worth of $1.3 billion. He is the chairman of the Mansour Group and has made significant wealth through retail, including the exclusive franchise rights for brands like McDonald's in Egypt.
20. Yasseen Mansour - Egypt - $1.2 Billion
Yasseen Mansour, the brother of Youssef Mansour, is another wealthy individual from Egypt, with a net worth of $1.2 billion. He has substantial holdings in real estate, retail, and other sectors through the Mansour Group.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which country has the most billionaires in Africa?
South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt dominate the list of the wealthiest billionaires in Africa. These countries are home to the top 20 wealthiest individuals, with South Africa leading in the number of billionaires.
2. How do these billionaires accumulate their wealth?
The wealth of African billionaires is primarily derived from industries such as mining, telecommunications, agriculture, real estate, and luxury goods. Many of these billionaires have diversified investments that span various sectors.
3. What is the primary source of Aliko Dangote’s wealth?
Aliko Dangote’s wealth comes primarily from his cement business, Dangote Cement, as well as from investments in other sectors like sugar, flour, and salt.
4. Who is the richest person in Africa?
Aliko Dangote, from Nigeria, is the richest person in Africa, with a net worth of $23.4 billion.
5. Are these billionaires investing outside of Africa?
Yes, many of these billionaires have expanded their businesses internationally. For example, Johann Rupert’s Richemont operates globally, and Nassef Sawiris has business ventures in Europe and the U.S.
Conclusion
The wealthiest individuals in Africa are not only building substantial empires within their home countries but are also making significant global impacts through their business ventures. South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt stand out as the dominant nations with the most billionaires, showcasing their economic importance within Africa and the world.
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