Entrepreneurs, investors, and economic analysts are curious to know who the wealthiest individuals in Malawi are in 2025.
This article gives you a comprehensive breakdown of the richest men in Malawi in 2025, their estimated net worth in US dollars, how they made their money, the industries they lead, and how they appear in Forbes‑style and other regional wealth rankings.
Whether you’re researching Malawi’s economy, looking for business inspiration, or simply curious about who holds the most wealth in Malawi, this guide has everything you need.
Who Are the Richest Men in Malawi in 2025?
The richest men in Malawi in 2025 mainly operate in sectors such as agriculture, banking, telecommunications, construction, and retail.
Most of them are self‑made businesspeople who started small and expanded over decades, while a few inherited established family enterprises and grew them even further.
Here is the official ranking of the top 10 richest Malawian men in 2025, their net worth, and their main sources of income.
1. Simbi Phiri – Net Worth: $820 Million
Simbi Phiri is Malawi’s richest man in 2025. He built his fortune by leading massive water infrastructure and construction projects across Southern Africa.
Main income sources: Construction, water projects, property
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $820 million
Known for: Founder of Khato Civils, operating in Malawi, South Africa, and beyond
Phiri’s focus on infrastructure development earned him lucrative government and private contracts across Africa.
2. Thom Mpinganjira – Net Worth: $620 Million
Thom Mpinganjira is a pioneer in Malawi’s banking sector, best known for building one of the country’s largest financial institutions.
Main income sources: Banking, investments
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $620 million
Known for: Founder of FDH Bank, one of Malawi’s leading banks
His investments also include real estate and financial technology ventures.
3. Napoleon Dzombe – Net Worth: $550 Million
Napoleon Dzombe is an entrepreneur who rose from humble beginnings to build a thriving business empire.
Main income sources: Agriculture, retail, hospitality
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $550 million
Known for: Large‑scale farming, food production, and hotel chains
Dzombe focuses on creating jobs and boosting food security while growing his businesses.
4. Leston Mulli – Net Worth: $480 Million
Leston Mulli is the head of Mulli Brothers Limited, one of the most diversified companies in Malawi.
Main income sources: Agriculture, logistics, construction
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $480 million
Known for: Managing farms, transport, and supply chains nationwide
His resilience through Malawi’s changing economic climate has kept his companies profitable.
5. Jimmy Korea Mpatsa – Net Worth: $400 Million
Jimmy Korea Mpatsa is a prominent businessman with decades of experience in Malawi’s private sector.
Main income sources: Media, hospitality, real estate
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $400 million
Known for: Mpatsa Holdings, owning hotels, radio stations, and commercial properties
He has played a key role in shaping Malawi’s hospitality and media landscape.
6. Mike Mlombwa – Net Worth: $350 Million
Mike Mlombwa is known for founding one of Malawi’s largest indigenous companies despite starting with very little capital.
Main income sources: Logistics, agriculture, retail
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $350 million
Known for: Serving both government and private sector with supply chain solutions
Mlombwa is celebrated as a symbol of determination and business acumen in Malawi.
7. Shepherd Bushiri – Net Worth: $310 Million
Shepherd Bushiri, also known as Prophet Bushiri, combines religious leadership with successful business ventures.
Main income sources: Investments, real estate, media, hospitality
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $310 million
Known for: Shepherd Bushiri Investments (SBI) and Enlightened Christian Gathering Church
He owns hotels, mines, farms, and media houses in Malawi and abroad.
8. Bright Malopa – Net Worth: $280 Million
Bright Malopa built his fortune in the media, consultancy, and energy sectors.
Main income sources: Media, consultancy, energy projects
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $280 million
Known for: Developing communication strategies and advising corporations
His influence extends into corporate governance and strategic business planning.
9. Matthews Mtumbuka – Net Worth: $250 Million
Matthews Mtumbuka is a technology entrepreneur and executive who made his mark in IT and telecom.
Main income sources: Technology, telecom, consultancy
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $250 million
Known for: Driving innovation in Malawi’s telecom and digital sectors
He invests in start‑ups, mentoring young tech talent while growing his portfolio.
10. Sidik Mia Family – Net Worth: $230 Million
Although Sidik Mia passed away in 2021, his family continues to manage his thriving businesses.
Main income sources: Transport, real estate, agriculture
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $230 million
Known for: Political and business leadership, family‑run conglomerates
The family maintains his legacy in both business and public service.
Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Men in Malawi 2025
| Rank | Name | Estimated Net Worth | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Simbi Phiri | $820 Million | Construction, Water Projects, Property |
| 2 | Thom Mpinganjira | $620 Million | Banking, Investments |
| 3 | Napoleon Dzombe | $550 Million | Agriculture, Retail, Hospitality |
| 4 | Leston Mulli | $480 Million | Agriculture, Logistics, Construction |
| 5 | Jimmy Korea Mpatsa | $400 Million | Media, Hospitality, Real Estate |
| 6 | Mike Mlombwa | $350 Million | Logistics, Agriculture, Retail |
| 7 | Shepherd Bushiri | $310 Million | Real Estate, Hospitality, Media |
| 8 | Bright Malopa | $280 Million | Media, Consultancy, Energy |
| 9 | Matthews Mtumbuka | $250 Million | Technology, Telecom, Consultancy |
| 10 | Sidik Mia Family | $230 Million | Transport, Real Estate, Agriculture |
Key Lessons from Malawi’s Richest Men
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Start small but dream big — Many began as small traders or farmers before scaling up.
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Diversify — Combining agriculture, logistics, real estate, and technology helps weather tough times.
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Serve critical needs — Investing in food, transport, finance, and housing meets national demand.
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Build resilience — Adapting to Malawi’s economic and political challenges is crucial.
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Reinvest profits — Most of these individuals continually reinvest to grow their businesses.
FAQs – Richest Men in Malawi 2025
Who is the richest man in Malawi in 2025?
Simbi Phiri is Malawi’s richest man, with an estimated net worth of $820 million.
Are there billionaires in Malawi?
No. As of 2025, Malawi does not yet have a confirmed billionaire, but Simbi Phiri is the closest.
Which industry creates the most millionaires in Malawi?
Agriculture, construction, and banking are the leading wealth‑creating industries.
Do these men invest outside Malawi?
Yes. Many of them own businesses and properties in South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, and beyond.
How did Simbi Phiri make his money?
By building Khato Civils into one of Africa’s most prominent infrastructure and construction firms.
Are politics and business connected in Malawi?
For some, political connections helped them secure contracts and expand business interests.
Do they contribute to charity?
Yes. Many fund schools, health clinics, and community development projects.
Which sectors are best for young entrepreneurs in Malawi?
Renewable energy, fintech, agribusiness, and logistics are promising in 2025.
Are any of them on the global Forbes billionaire list?
Not yet, but they feature on African wealth rankings and Forbes regional reports.
How do they maintain and grow their wealth?
Through diversification, reinvestment, and professional management of their enterprises.
Final Thoughts on the Top 10 Richest Men in Malawi 2025
The top 10 richest men in Malawi in 2025 demonstrate that with determination, innovation, and smart investments, significant wealth can be created even in a small economy.
These entrepreneurs dominate sectors that are essential to Malawi’s growth, such as agriculture, finance, construction, and retail.
If you’re seeking inspiration from African business leaders or learning how to invest wisely, this list of Malawi’s wealthiest individuals provides valuable insights into resilience and success.
Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an investor, understanding how these men built their fortunes can guide you in making informed business decisions.