Africa is not only rich in natural resources and cultural diversity but also home to some of the wealthiest companies in the world. These companies dominate sectors such as oil and gas, banking, telecommunications, mining, manufacturing, and retail. They contribute massively to Africa’s GDP, create millions of jobs, and position the continent as a rising player in the global economy.
In 2025, Africa’s largest corporations have continued to grow despite economic challenges like inflation, currency fluctuations, and global market competition. Their resilience comes from diversification, investment in technology, expansion into international markets, and strong leadership.
This article provides a comprehensive ranking of the top 12 wealthiest companies in Africa 2025 and their net worth, including their revenue, industries, achievements, and global impact. Whether you are a student, investor, or business enthusiast, this guide will give you a clear picture of Africa’s most valuable businesses.
Summary Table: Top 12 Wealthiest Companies in Africa 2025
| Rank | Company Name | Country | Industry | Estimated Net Worth (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Naspers Limited | South Africa | Media & Internet | $45 Billion |
| 2 | Anglo American Plc | South Africa | Mining | $38 Billion |
| 3 | MTN Group | South Africa | Telecommunications | $25 Billion |
| 4 | Safaricom PLC | Kenya | Telecommunications | $18 Billion |
| 5 | Sonatrach | Algeria | Oil & Gas | $16 Billion |
| 6 | Standard Bank Group | South Africa | Banking & Finance | $15 Billion |
| 7 | Shoprite Holdings | South Africa | Retail | $12 Billion |
| 8 | FirstRand Bank | South Africa | Banking & Finance | $11 Billion |
| 9 | Sasol Limited | South Africa | Energy & Chemicals | $10.5 Billion |
| 10 | Dangote Cement | Nigeria | Manufacturing | $10 Billion |
| 11 | Bidvest Group | South Africa | Conglomerate | $9 Billion |
| 12 | Absa Group Limited | South Africa | Banking & Finance | $8.5 Billion |
Note: Figures are estimates for 2025 based on market capitalization, total assets, and financial reports.
How This Ranking Was Determined
To compile this list of the wealthiest companies in Africa 2025, several key factors were considered:
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Market Capitalization – The total value of a company’s shares traded on stock exchanges.
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Revenue & Profit – Annual financial performance.
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Assets – Properties, investments, and subsidiaries.
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Global Reach – Operations outside Africa and influence in international markets.
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Industry Importance – Contribution to Africa’s GDP and job creation.
1. Naspers Limited – South Africa
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Industry: Media & Internet
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Net Worth (2025): $45 Billion
Naspers Limited is Africa’s wealthiest company in 2025, headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa. Originally founded in 1915 as a print media company, Naspers transformed into a global tech and internet investment powerhouse.
The company is best known for its early investment in Tencent, the Chinese tech giant, which remains one of its most profitable assets. Naspers also owns Prosus, a global consumer internet group listed in Amsterdam, managing investments in e-commerce, food delivery, fintech, and education technology.
Why It’s Wealthy:
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Massive stake in Tencent.
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Expansive tech portfolio across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
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Strong dominance in Africa’s online markets (Takealot, OLX, PayU).
2. Anglo American Plc – South Africa
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Industry: Mining
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Net Worth (2025): $38 Billion
Anglo American Plc is one of the largest mining companies in the world and Africa’s second-wealthiest company. It extracts and sells diamonds, platinum, copper, iron ore, and coal.
Through its subsidiary De Beers, Anglo American dominates the diamond market globally. With headquarters in Johannesburg and London, the company employs thousands of Africans and contributes significantly to mining revenues across the continent.
Key Strengths:
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Leading diamond producer (via De Beers).
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Diverse mining portfolio.
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Strong global demand for platinum and copper in renewable energy and electric vehicles.
3. MTN Group – South Africa
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Industry: Telecommunications
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Net Worth (2025): $25 Billion
MTN Group is Africa’s largest telecommunications company, serving over 290 million subscribers in more than 20 countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, and South Africa.
The company is not just a telecom operator but also a leader in mobile money (MoMo) services, competing with banks in digital payments. Its strong presence in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, contributes massively to its wealth.
Why MTN is Wealthy:
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Huge customer base across Africa.
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Expansion into fintech and mobile banking.
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Strong brand recognition and infrastructure.
4. Safaricom PLC – Kenya
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Industry: Telecommunications
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Net Worth (2025): $18 Billion
Safaricom is Kenya’s largest telecom company and the pioneer of mobile money in Africa through its revolutionary M-Pesa platform.
The company controls over 60% of Kenya’s telecom market and has expanded its mobile money services to Ethiopia and other African countries.
Reasons for Wealth:
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Dominance in Kenya’s telecom sector.
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M-Pesa generates billions annually in transaction fees.
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Strategic expansion into new markets.
5. Sonatrach – Algeria
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Industry: Oil & Gas
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Net Worth (2025): $16 Billion
Sonatrach is Africa’s largest state-owned oil and gas company, based in Algeria. It plays a key role in the country’s economy and contributes a significant share of government revenues.
The company is involved in exploration, refining, pipelines, and exports of natural gas, especially to Europe. In 2025, high global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) has boosted Sonatrach’s wealth.
Key Strengths:
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Strong government backing.
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Strategic position as Europe’s gas supplier.
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Huge reserves of oil and natural gas.
6. Standard Bank Group – South Africa
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Industry: Banking & Finance
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Net Worth (2025): $15 Billion
Standard Bank is Africa’s largest bank by assets. Founded in 1862, the bank operates in 20 African countries and partners with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC).
The bank specializes in corporate banking, retail banking, investment banking, and wealth management.
Why It’s Wealthy:
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Africa-wide presence.
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Strong Chinese partnership.
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Leader in infrastructure and corporate financing.
7. Shoprite Holdings – South Africa
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Industry: Retail
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Net Worth (2025): $12 Billion
Shoprite Holdings is Africa’s biggest supermarket chain, with over 3,000 outlets across 15 countries. It sells groceries, clothing, household items, and electronics.
The company dominates the retail industry by targeting both low- and middle-income consumers.
Strengths:
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Wide retail network.
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Affordable pricing strategy.
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Strong presence in Southern and West Africa.
8. FirstRand Bank – South Africa
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Industry: Banking & Finance
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Net Worth (2025): $11 Billion
FirstRand Bank is one of South Africa’s biggest financial institutions. It operates under different subsidiaries, including:
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FNB (First National Bank) – retail banking.
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RMB (Rand Merchant Bank) – investment banking.
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WesBank – vehicle and asset finance.
Reasons for Wealth:
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Diverse financial services.
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Large customer base.
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Innovative digital banking solutions.
9. Sasol Limited – South Africa
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Industry: Energy & Chemicals
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Net Worth (2025): $10.5 Billion
Sasol is a global energy and chemicals company headquartered in Johannesburg. It produces fuels, chemicals, and electricity.
The company is known for its coal-to-liquid (CTL) technology and innovations in synthetic fuels.
Key Factors:
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Global chemical exports.
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Large energy projects in South Africa and Mozambique.
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Innovation in clean fuel technology.
10. Dangote Cement – Nigeria
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Industry: Manufacturing (Cement)
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Net Worth (2025): $10 Billion
Dangote Cement is the largest cement producer in Africa, owned by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote. It operates in more than 10 African countries, including Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Zambia.
The company supplies cement for Africa’s fast-growing construction and infrastructure sector.
Why It’s Wealthy:
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Africa’s leading cement brand.
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Expanding production plants.
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Backbone of construction industry growth.
11. Bidvest Group – South Africa
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Industry: Conglomerate
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Net Worth (2025): $9 Billion
Bidvest Group is a diversified holding company involved in logistics, services, trading, and distribution. It operates in multiple sectors such as food services, automotive retail, financial services, and freight.
Strengths:
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Wide diversification.
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Presence in multiple African countries.
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Strong trade and logistics infrastructure.
12. Absa Group Limited – South Africa
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Industry: Banking & Finance
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Net Worth (2025): $8.5 Billion
Absa Group, formerly Barclays Africa, is a major financial services provider in South Africa and across the continent. It offers banking, insurance, and investment services.
Reasons for Wealth:
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Strong retail banking network.
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Insurance and investment divisions.
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Expanding presence across Africa.
Comparison with Other Global Companies
While Africa’s wealthiest companies are massive within the continent, they still lag behind giants like Apple ($3 trillion) and Saudi Aramco ($2 trillion). However, Africa’s corporations are rapidly growing due to:
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Increasing infrastructure development.
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Rising digital economy.
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Expanding oil, gas, and mining industries.
Key Industries Driving Wealth in Africa
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Banking & Finance – Leading banks dominate wealth creation.
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Mining & Natural Resources – Africa’s natural resources remain vital.
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Telecommunications – Mobile money and internet services drive growth.
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Retail – Growing middle-class drives demand.
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Manufacturing – Cement, energy, and consumer goods lead production.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the wealthiest company in Africa in 2025?
The wealthiest company in Africa in 2025 is Naspers Limited, worth an estimated $45 billion.
2. Which African company is the richest in telecommunications?
MTN Group and Safaricom lead in telecommunications, with billions in revenue.
3. What is the largest bank in Africa by assets?
Standard Bank Group is the largest bank in Africa by assets and net worth.
4. Which Nigerian company made the list of Africa’s wealthiest in 2025?
Dangote Cement is the Nigerian company ranked among Africa’s top 12 wealthiest.
5. What industry makes the most money in Africa?
The oil & gas, mining, telecommunications, and banking sectors are the wealthiest industries.
6. Which African country has the most wealthy companies?
South Africa dominates the list, with over 7 companies in the top 12.
7. Is Dangote Cement the richest company in Africa?
No. While very wealthy, Dangote Cement ranks 10th in 2025.
8. What company owns M-Pesa in Africa?
M-Pesa is owned by Safaricom PLC of Kenya.
9. Which African company is most globally recognized?
Naspers (via Tencent and Prosus) and MTN Group are highly recognized globally.
10. How do these companies impact Africa’s economy?
They provide jobs, taxes, foreign investments, and infrastructure development, boosting Africa’s economy.
Conclusion
The top 12 wealthiest companies in Africa 2025 show the continent’s economic strength and potential. South Africa dominates the ranking, followed by Nigeria, Kenya, and Algeria. Industries like banking, mining, telecoms, retail, and manufacturing remain the key drivers of wealth.
For investors, these companies highlight Africa’s opportunities in technology, energy, finance, and construction. For young entrepreneurs, they serve as a reminder that Africa is a land of innovation and resilience.
As Africa continues to grow, these corporations will not only shape the continent’s economy but also influence global markets.