Africa, a continent brimming with natural wealth, entrepreneurial spirit, and economic potential, has seen a remarkable rise in billionaires over the years. These individuals have built vast empires through hard work, innovation, and strategic investments. If you’ve been wondering: Who are the richest people in Africa in 2025? What are their net worths? How did they build their wealth? What sectors do they dominate? How do they spend their money? And what lies ahead for their fortunes? You are in the right place!
This article explores the top 10 richest people in Africa in 2025 and their net worth in dollars, answering these questions and more.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the financial journeys, industries, and legacies of Africa’s wealthiest figures. From oil tycoons to tech magnates, each has left a unique mark on the continent’s economic landscape. By the end, you’ll understand not only how they made their money but also what sets them apart.
Who Are the Top 10 Richest People in Africa in 2025?
These top 10 African billionaires in 2025 are more than just wealthy – they are industry leaders, visionaries, and drivers of change. Their influence spans countries and sectors, including oil, telecom, mining, luxury goods, construction, and technology.
Below is a detailed look at the top 10 richest people in Africa in 2025, along with their estimated net worth. Let’s explore how they built their fortunes and what makes them stand out.
Profiles of the Top 10 Richest People in Africa in 2025
1. Aliko Dangote (Nigeria) – Net Worth: $23.9 Billion
Who is Aliko Dangote?
Aliko Dangote is the founder and chairman of Dangote Group, Africa’s largest industrial conglomerate.
How did he make his money?
Dangote made his fortune through cement manufacturing, sugar refining, salt processing, and most recently, oil refining. The Dangote Refinery, which became fully operational in 2024, is a game-changer in Africa’s energy sector.
Financial Journey
Starting as a small trader in Lagos, Dangote expanded into manufacturing and later dominated African markets. His bold decision to invest over $19 billion into a refinery is now paying off massively.
Fun Fact
Dangote plans to buy Arsenal Football Club and has expressed serious interest in sports ownership.
2. Nassef Sawiris (Egypt) – Net Worth: $9.6 Billion
Who is Nassef Sawiris?
A member of Egypt’s most prominent business family, Nassef is the CEO of OCI N.V., a leading global fertilizer producer.
How did he make his money?
His wealth comes from construction, chemicals, and a substantial stake in Adidas. He also owns part of Aston Villa Football Club in the UK.
Financial Journey
With a legacy rooted in Orascom Construction, Nassef diversified into chemicals and international investments, steadily increasing his fortune.
Fun Fact
He’s considered one of the most powerful men in both African and European football.
3. Johann Rupert (South Africa) – Net Worth: $10.7 Billion
Who is Johann Rupert?
Chairman of Compagnie Financière Richemont, the company behind luxury brands such as Cartier and Montblanc.
How did he make his money?
Rupert’s empire is built on luxury goods, fashion, and financial services, with global influence in the luxury retail space.
Financial Journey
From tobacco to timepieces, Rupert transitioned into high-end consumer goods, capturing the global luxury market.
Fun Fact
He’s a known conservationist and owns extensive wildlife reserves in South Africa.
4. Abdulsamad Rabiu (Nigeria) – Net Worth: $8.1 Billion
Who is Abdulsamad Rabiu?
He is the founder of BUA Group, a diversified company with interests in cement, sugar, and food processing.
How did he make his money?
Rabiu built one of Africa’s largest cement firms and runs the second-largest sugar refinery in sub-Saharan Africa.
Financial Journey
From family trading roots, Rabiu grew BUA into a conglomerate rivaling even Dangote in key markets.
Fun Fact
He’s often called the “silent billionaire” due to his low media presence.
5. Nicky Oppenheimer (South Africa) – Net Worth: $8.4 Billion
Who is Nicky Oppenheimer?
Former chairman of De Beers, the world’s leading diamond company.
How did he make his money?
Oppenheimer sold the family’s 40% stake in De Beers to Anglo American for $5.1 billion in 2012, and has since invested in sustainable agriculture and aviation.
Financial Journey
From the diamond mines of Botswana to global philanthropy, Oppenheimer’s wealth story spans generations.
Fun Fact
He owns one of the largest private game reserves in South Africa.
6. Mike Adenuga (Nigeria) – Net Worth: $6.8 Billion
Who is Mike Adenuga?
The reclusive Nigerian businessman behind Globacom, a major telecom operator.
How did he make his money?
Adenuga’s fortune comes from telecom, oil (through Conoil), and banking.
Financial Journey
He started as a distributor of soft drinks before venturing into oil and telecom, now serving millions of Nigerians.
Fun Fact
He’s Nigeria’s second-richest man and prefers a life away from the media spotlight.
7. Strive Masiyiwa (Zimbabwe) – Net Worth: $7.3 Billion
Who is Strive Masiyiwa?
Strive is the founder of Econet Wireless, a major telecom company with operations across Africa.
How did he make his money?
He pioneered mobile telecom in Zimbabwe and later expanded across the continent and into fintech and energy.
Financial Journey
From overcoming political resistance to launching multiple pan-African ventures, Masiyiwa is now a global tech leader.
Fun Fact
He sits on the board of Netflix and is a champion of education and youth empowerment in Africa.
8. Issad Rebrab (Algeria) – Net Worth: $6.5 Billion
Who is Issad Rebrab?
Rebrab is the founder of Cevital, Algeria’s largest privately-owned company.
How did he make his money?
Cevital operates in food processing, retail, steel, and glass. His group also has investments in Europe.
Financial Journey
He started as an accountant and transformed into an industrialist dominating North African markets.
Fun Fact
He was once imprisoned during Algeria’s anti-corruption campaign but later cleared and resumed business.
9. Naguib Sawiris (Egypt) – Net Worth: $5 Billion
Who is Naguib Sawiris?
Brother to Nassef Sawiris, Naguib is a telecom tycoon and media investor.
How did he make his money?
His firm, Orascom Telecom, had major stakes across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia before being sold to VEON.
Financial Journey
Sawiris diversified into mining, tech, and television networks, becoming a pan-Arab media mogul.
Fun Fact
He’s known for his bold political views and outspoken nature on social issues.
10. Koos Bekker (South Africa) – Net Worth: $3.4 Billion
Who is Koos Bekker?
Chairman of Naspers, Africa’s largest media and tech company.
How did he make his money?
Bekker famously led the investment into Chinese tech giant Tencent, earning Naspers billions in returns.
Financial Journey
Turning a local publishing company into a global tech investor, Bekker revolutionized Africa’s digital space.
Fun Fact
He doesn’t take a salary and only gets paid in stock options aligning his fortune directly with company success.
How Do Africa’s Richest People Make Their Money?
Africa’s billionaires in 2025 draw their wealth from several high-growth sectors:
Cement & Construction (Dangote, Rabiu)
Telecommunications (Adenuga, Masiyiwa)
Luxury Goods (Rupert)
Mining & Diamonds (Oppenheimer, Sawiris)
Food & Industry (Rebrab, Moukarzel)
Technology & Investments (Bekker, Nassef Sawiris)
Challenges Faced by Africa’s Richest in 2025
Economic volatility and inflation
Currency depreciation
Political instability
Regulatory challenges
Global market shifts
Despite these obstacles, their adaptability keeps them ahead.
How Do They Spend Their Wealth?
Luxury assets: yachts, jets, football clubs
Philanthropy: education, health, and social change
Reinvestment: expanding their businesses across borders
Empowerment: youth mentorship, startups, innovation hubs
Lessons from Africa’s Billionaires
Be bold and visionary
Invest in essential sectors
Scale regionally and globally
Give back to the continent
Adapt to changing times
 (FAQs) Top 10 Richest People in Africa in 2025
1. Who is the richest person in Africa in 2025?
The richest person in Africa in 2025 is Aliko Dangote, with an estimated net worth of $23.9 billion. He is a Nigerian industrialist and the founder of the Dangote Group, which operates in cement, sugar, salt, and oil refining.
2. How do Africa’s richest people earn their wealth?
Africa’s wealthiest individuals primarily earn their fortunes through industries such as:
Manufacturing and construction
Telecommunications
Oil and gas
Mining and diamonds
Luxury goods
Technology and fintech
These sectors are high-growth and essential to the continent’s development.
3. Which countries have the most billionaires in Africa?
As of 2025, the African countries with the most billionaires are:
Nigeria (Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Abdulsamad Rabiu)
South Africa (Johann Rupert, Nicky Oppenheimer, Koos Bekker)
Egypt (Nassef Sawiris, Naguib Sawiris)
These countries have well-established industries and favorable investment climates.
4. Are there any female billionaires in Africa in 2025?
As of 2025, no African woman is listed among the top 10 richest people in Africa. However, successful female entrepreneurs like Folorunsho Alakija (Nigeria) and Patricia Poku-Diaby (Ghana) are prominent and continue to make strides in industries like oil, fashion, and cocoa processing.
5. What industries are most profitable in Africa right now?
The most profitable and wealth-generating industries in Africa in 2025 include:
Cement and infrastructure development
Telecom and digital services
Oil refining and energy
Agri-processing and food production
Technology and venture capital
These sectors offer significant opportunities for new entrepreneurs and investors across the continent.
Conclusion
The top 10 richest people in Africa in 2025 reflect the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of a continent on the rise. Their fortunes are built on smart investments, hard work, and a deep understanding of African markets. As these billionaires lead the way in business and philanthropy, they inspire a new generation to build, innovate, and transform Africa for the better.
