African billionaires are becoming wealthier as economic conditions across the continent gradually improve. In recent years, stronger stock markets, stabilizing currencies, and expanding industries have pushed the fortunes of the region’s richest entrepreneurs higher.
According to the latest ranking, the group often referred to as Africa’s “three-comma club” now includes 23 individuals. Together, they hold a combined wealth of $126.7 billion, which represents a 21 percent increase compared with 2025. As a result, the financial influence of African billionaires continues to expand alongside Africa’s evolving business landscape.
At the top of the list remains Aliko Dangote, who once again leads the ranking with an estimated net worth of $28.5 billion. Meanwhile, several other entrepreneurs across sectors such as manufacturing, mining, telecommunications, and finance have also strengthened their fortunes.
Below are the top 10 African billionaires, according to the latest ranking.
1. Aliko Dangote — $28.5B | Manufacturing
To begin with, Aliko Dangote remains the richest among African billionaires. His fortune climbed to $28.5 billion, increasing by $4.6 billion during the year. This growth followed a surge of nearly 69 percent in Dangote Cement shares, which significantly boosted the value of his holdings.
Through the Dangote Group, he oversees a vast industrial network that includes cement production, sugar refining, fertilizer manufacturing, and salt processing across several African countries. In addition, Dangote continues expanding the Dangote Refinery, one of the continent’s largest energy projects. Recently, the refinery secured a $400 million Chinese machinery deal, further strengthening its production capacity. Meanwhile, the Dangote Group doubled its profits in 2025 to ₦1 trillion, reinforcing Dangote’s dominance among African billionaires.
2. Johann Rupert — $16.1B | Fashion and Retail
Next on the list is Johann Rupert, whose fortune now stands at $16.1 billion. Rupert built his wealth through Richemont, the luxury goods group that owns prestigious brands such as Cartier, Montblanc, and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Moreover, Richemont’s global retail network spans boutiques and distributors across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. At the same time, Rupert maintains investments through Remgro, a diversified investment company involved in financial services, healthcare, and private equity. Consequently, his strategy focuses on building long-term value through premium global brands.
3. Abdulsamad Rabiu — $11.2B | Diversified
Meanwhile, Abdulsamad Rabiu recorded the largest wealth increase among African billionaires this year. His fortune surged to $11.2 billion, marking a remarkable 120 percent increase, equivalent to a $6.1 billion gain.
Rabiu founded the BUA Group, a major conglomerate investing in cement manufacturing, sugar refining, agriculture, and real estate. Notably, shares of BUA Cement, his largest asset, rose by 135 percent, outperforming the Nigerian Stock Exchange. In addition, Rabiu supports large philanthropic initiatives through the Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative, which funds projects in education, healthcare, and social development across Africa.
4. Nicky Oppenheimer — $10.6B | Metals and Mining
Moving further down the ranking, Nicky Oppenheimer holds a fortune estimated at $10.6 billion. His wealth originally grew through De Beers, the diamond company long controlled by his family.
However, after selling his stake in the company, Oppenheimer shifted his focus toward global investments through Stockdale Street, his private investment firm. As a result, his portfolio now includes technology ventures, natural resource investments, and conservation projects across Southern Africa.
5. Nassef Sawiris — $9.6B | Construction and Engineering
Similarly, Nassef Sawiris continues to build a diversified global portfolio with an estimated wealth of $9.6 billion. His fortune is anchored in OCI N.V., a global fertilizer and chemicals company.
In addition, he holds major stakes in Orascom Construction, a global engineering and infrastructure firm. Beyond construction and chemicals, Sawiris has also expanded into international investments. For instance, he holds shares in Adidas and owns a stake in Aston Villa Football Club, creating a portfolio that spans multiple industries.
6. Mike Adenuga — $6.5B | Diversified
Meanwhile, Mike Adenuga ranks sixth among African billionaires, with an estimated net worth of $6.5 billion. He built his fortune primarily through telecommunications and energy ventures.
Adenuga founded Globacom, one of Nigeria’s largest telecom networks. As a result, the company now serves millions of subscribers across Africa. Additionally, he owns Conoil Producing, an oil exploration company. His investments also extend into banking, infrastructure, and real estate.
7. Naguib Sawiris — $5.6B | Telecom
Further down the list, Naguib Sawiris holds a fortune valued at $5.6 billion. He originally built his wealth through Orascom Telecom, which expanded mobile networks across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
However, after selling key telecom assets, he diversified into new sectors. Today, his investments include media, tourism, venture capital, and gold mining. Moreover, Sawiris actively supports technology startups and hospitality projects across Europe.
8. Patrice Motsepe — $4.3B | Metals and Mining
Likewise, Patrice Motsepe continues to strengthen his presence among African billionaires with a fortune of $4.3 billion. He founded African Rainbow Minerals, a company that mines gold, platinum, iron ore, and other resources.
In addition to mining, Motsepe has expanded into renewable energy and financial services. At the same time, he owns Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and serves as President of the Confederation of African Football. Through the Motsepe Foundation, he also funds major initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
9. Mohamed Mansour — $4B | Diversified
Similarly, Mohamed Mansour built a fortune estimated at $4 billion through the multinational Mansour Group. The company operates across automotive distribution, logistics, and consumer goods sectors.
Furthermore, the group partners with major international companies such as General Motors and Caterpillar across Africa and the Middle East. Meanwhile, Mansour continues investing in private equity, financial markets, and technology ventures worldwide.
10. Michiel Le Roux — $3.8B | Finance and Investments
Finally, Michiel Le Roux completes the top ten list of African billionaires, with a net worth of $3.8 billion. He founded Capitec Bank, one of South Africa’s most successful retail banks.
Capitec transformed the banking sector by offering affordable financial services and improving financial inclusion. As a result, the bank grew into one of the country’s fastest-expanding financial institutions. In addition, Le Roux continues investing in financial technology startups and venture capital initiatives.
Overall, the rising fortunes of African billionaires reflect broader economic shifts across the continent. As industries expand and capital markets mature, African entrepreneurs continue building companies with global influence. Consequently, these business leaders play a growing role in shaping Africa’s economic future and strengthening its position in the global economy.
