Africa’s billionaires in 2025 reflect the continent’s diverse economic landscape, with wealth concentrated in resources such as cement, oil, diamonds, luxury goods, telecoms, and banking
By Moses Okorie
South Africa has emerged as a country with the highest number in the list of 10 richest African billion according to the current Forbes billionaires list.
Though Aliko Dangote of Nigeria remains the number number in the lists, followed by Johann Rupert, Nicky Oppenheimer, including Michiel Le Roux, Koos Bekker and Patrice Motsepe who are all South African billionaires.
The continent’s economic growth is forecast to improve from 3.4% in 2024 to 3.7% in 2025 and further to 4.0% in 2026. This positive trajectory reflects recoveries in key economies driven by key industries such as manufacturing.
Africa’s billionaires in 2025 reflect the continent’s diverse economic landscape, with wealth concentrated in resources such as cement, oil, diamonds, luxury goods, telecoms, and banking.
Who are the richest men in Africa?
1. Aliko Dangote – Nigeria
Topping the list once again is Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, whose net worth has surged to an estimated $23.9 billion (KSh 3.09 trillion) as of March 2025.
The 67-year-old magnate’s wealth is anchored by the Dangote Group, a conglomerate with dominant stakes in cement, sugar, and petroleum refining. His crown jewel, the Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest oil refinery, began full operations in 2024, processing up to 500,000 barrels of crude per day by early 2025.
Dangote’s vision extends beyond oil, with plans to expand his fertilizer plant and list the refinery publicly within the next two years.
2. Johann Rupert – South Africa
South African luxury goods tycoon Johann Rupert holds the second spot with a net worth of $10.1 billion (KSh 1.31 trillion). At 74, Rupert chairs Compagnie Financiere Richemont, the maker of iconic brands like Cartier and Montblanc.
Despite a slight dip from $10.7 billion (KSh 1.38 trillion) in 2023 due to fluctuating stock prices, his empire remains a global leader in the luxury sector. Rupert’s wealth is further bolstered by his investments through Remgro, a South African investment holding company with interests in banking, healthcare, and consumer products.
3. Nicky Oppenheimer – South Africa
The 79-year-old Nicky Oppenheimer ranks third among Africa’s richest with a fortune of $9.4 billion (KSh 1.22 trillion).
Nicky’s wealth is tied to a diversified portfolio, including private investments and stakes in mining ventures across the continent particularly the diamond business.
4. Nassef Sawiris – Egypt
Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris, aged 64, boasts a net worth of $8.7 billion (KSh 1.13 trillion), driven by his leadership of OCI N.V., a global leader in construction and fertilizers.
Sawiris has capitalised on infrastructure booms across Africa and the Middle East. His investments also span sports, with a significant stake in Adidas and ownership interests in Aston Villa Football Club in the English Premier League.
5. Mike Adenuga – Nigeria
The 71-year-old Nigerian telecom and oil magnate rounds up the top five richest Africans with a net worth of $6.9 billion (KSh 892.86 billion).
Adenuga’s fortune is fueled by Globacom, one of Africa’s largest telecommunications companies, and his oil exploration firm, Conoil Producing.
Other notable African billionaires:
6. Abdulsamad Rabiu ($5.9 billion, KSh 763.46 billion, Nigeria)
7. Naguib Sawiris ($3.8 billion, KSh 491.72 billion, Egypt)
8. Michiel Le Roux ($1.6 billion, KSh 207.04 billion, South Africa)
9. Koos Bekker ($2.7 billion, KSh 349.38 billion, South Africa)
10. Patrice Motsepe ($2.7 billion, KSh 349.38 billion, South Africa)