For the first time in recorded history, Africa’s billionaires have reached the unprecedented milestone of a collective fortune that now surpasses $100 billion. As a frame of reference, the total was less than $85 million just last year, demonstrating remarkable growth in the sector.
Twenty-two different African-based individuals have secured spots on Forbes’ 2025 Billionaires List. This upswing in the wealth of Africa’s wealthiest faction is all the more notable given the continent’s ongoing economic challenges, ranging from currency fluctuations and political instability to shifting consumer markets. Despite these challenges and potential setbacks, Africa’s wealthiest have thrived.
These are the ten wealthiest billionaires in Africa:
10. Patrice Motsepe ($3 Billion) – South Africa (Metals & Mining)
Patrice Motsepe, the founder of African Rainbow Minerals, has built his fortune through strategic investments in the mining sector, particularly in gold and platinum. As the current president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Motsepe plays a crucial role in shaping the future of African football while continuing to grow his wealth through profitable ventures.
9. Mohamed Mansour ($3.4 Billion) – Egypt (Diversified)
Mohamed Mansour, the third of the Mansour siblings, plays a vital role in Egypt’s business scene. Thanks to his direction, the Mansour Group has obtained exclusive distribution rights for General Motors across several African nations, reinforcing its leadership in the continent’s automotive sector.
8. Koos Bekker ($3.4 billion) – South Africa (Media & Entertainment)
Koos Bekker is renowned for transforming Naspers into a global e-commerce giant and media powerhouse. His visionary leadership guided Naspers to make a groundbreaking investment in Tencent, the Chinese internet and entertainment behemoth, a decision that propelled the company’s—and Bekker’s—wealth to new heights.
7. Naguib Sawiris ($5 Billion) – Egypt (Telecom)
Naguib Sawiris built his fortune in telecommunications and later expanded into gold mining and media. His ability to diversify and adapt has solidified his influence in African and global business landscapes.
6. Abdulsamad Rabiu ($5.1 billion) – Nigeria (Diversified)
Abdulsamad Rabiu founded BUA Group, a leading force in Nigeria’s cement, sugar, and real estate sectors. Through continued infrastructure and industrial production expansion, BUA Group has played a key role in boosting Rabiu’s fortune.
5. Mike Adenuga ($6.8 billion) – Nigeria (Diversified)
Mike Adenuga founded Globacom, Nigeria’s second-largest telecommunications company, which has expanded throughout West Africa. Besides telecom, Adenuga has significant investments in the oil industry via his stake in Conoil and extensive real estate assets.
4. Nassef Sawiris ($9.6 billion) – Egypt (Construction & Engineering)
Nassef Sawiris, a member of Egypt’s wealthiest family, has amassed a vast fortune through strategic investments in various industries, including construction, chemicals, and sports. Notably, he holds substantial stakes in OCI N.V., a leading global producer of nitrogen fertilizers, and in Adidas, which has further enhanced his wealth.
3. Nicky Oppenheimer & Family ($10.4 billion) – South Africa (Metals & Mining)
Nicky Oppenheimer, heir to the De Beers diamond fortune, is a prominent figure in the business and conservation. His family’s legacy in the global diamond trade was established over decades until 2012, when Oppenheimer sold his family’s 40% stake in De Beers for an astonishing $5.1 billion.
2. Johann Rupert & Family ($14.0 billion) – South Africa (Fashion & Retail)
Johann Rupert, the chairman of Compagnie Financière Richemont, known for luxury brands like Cartier and Montblanc, continues solidifying his status as one of Africa’s wealthiest individuals. His fortune has surged significantly, increasing by 39% to $14 billion, marking the second-largest gain among African billionaires.
1. Aliko Dangote ($23.9 billion) – Nigeria (Manufacturing)
Aliko Dangote, named Africa’s wealthiest billionaire for the 14th year in a row, has witnessed his net worth soar to $23.9 billion, rising from $13.9 billion in 2024. This impressive increase is primarily due to the successful launch of his oil refinery on the outskirts of Lagos, which started operations in early 2024 and is expected to achieve full capacity by April 2025.
