In the ever-evolving landscape of global wealth, Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote has once again emerged as the undisputed leader among Africa’s elite, commanding a net worth of $24.4 billion and securing the 88th position worldwide. This achievement not only underscores his enduring influence but also highlights the vast disparity in fortunes across the continent, where his assets dwarf those of his closest rivals by multiples.
Dangote’s journey to prominence began years ago, with his initial appearance on international wealth lists in 2008, followed by a reclaim in 2011 that launched a 14-year streak as Africa’s richest individual. His empire spans critical sectors like cement production, sugar refining, and a groundbreaking petroleum refinery operational since 2023, embodying Nigeria’s push toward industrial self-sufficiency and economic diversification.
Among his Nigerian peers, Dangote’s lead is particularly pronounced. Abdulsamad Rabiu follows with $7.2 billion, ranking 516th globally, his wealth rooted in cement and sugar enterprises—yet amounting to less than a third of Dangote’s total. Mike Adenuga, with interests in telecommunications and oil, holds $6.3 billion and the 592nd spot, while Femi Otedola, who has made a notable comeback to the rankings through investments in energy and utilities, stands at $1.5 billion and 2424th place. Collectively, these figures illustrate Nigeria’s concentration of billionaire wealth in manufacturing, energy, telecom, and power industries, positioning the country as a powerhouse in African affluence.
Shifting focus to South Africa, Johann Rupert leads the pack with $13.2 billion, derived from luxury goods and diversified holdings, trailed by Nicky Oppenheimer at $10.4 billion from diamond mining legacies. Other notable South Africans include Koos Bekker with $3.8 billion in media and technology, Patrice Motsepe at $3.4 billion through mining ventures, Michiel le Roux with $2.7 billion in banking, Jannie Mouton and family at $1.9 billion in financial services, and Christoffel Wiese with $1.7 billion in retail.
Egypt contributes significantly to the continental tally, where Nassef Sawiris tops the list at $8.8 billion, primarily from construction and chemicals, followed by his brother Naguib Sawiris with $5.0 billion in telecom. The Mansour family also features prominently: Mohamed at $3.4 billion, Youssef at $1.4 billion, and Yasseen at $1.2 billion, all tied to consumer goods and automotive sectors.
Beyond these nations, the billionaire map extends to Eswatini’s Nathan Kirsh with $8.0 billion in retail and real estate, Morocco’s Othman Benjelloun and family at $2.0 billion in banking, Aziz Akhannouch with $1.6 billion in energy, and Anas Sefrioui and family also at $1.6 billion in real estate. Tanzania’s Mohammed Dewji holds $2.2 billion through diversified manufacturing, while Zimbabwe’s Strive Masiyiwa rounds out the representation with $1.3 billion in telecommunications.
This snapshot of Africa’s wealthiest individuals reveals a tapestry of innovation and resilience, driven by key industries that fuel economic growth across borders. As global markets fluctuate, Dangote’s continued dominance serves as a benchmark for aspiring entrepreneurs, reflecting the potential for transformative wealth creation on the continent.
