Africa’s billionaire class continues to expand as rising stock markets and improving economic stability boost the wealth of the continent’s most powerful entrepreneurs.
The latest ranking from Forbes shows that Africa’s 23 billionaires now control a combined fortune of $126.7 billion, marking a 21% increase from 2025. Strong equity market performance, stable currencies in several African economies, and strategic investments across industries helped drive the surge in wealth.
At the top of the list remains Aliko Dangote, whose business empire continues to dominate Africa’s industrial landscape. The Nigerian billionaire strengthened his position after shares of Dangote Cement soared significantly during the year.
Below are the top 10 richest people in Africa in 2026, according to the latest ranking.
1. Aliko Dangote — $28.5 Billion | Manufacturing
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, increased his wealth to $28.5 billion, gaining $4.6 billion in 2026. The surge followed a sharp rise in shares of Dangote Cement, which climbed nearly 69%.
Through the Dangote Group, he controls major businesses in cement, sugar refining, fertilizer production, and salt manufacturing across Africa. His flagship Dangote Refinery project continues to expand capacity after securing a $400 million machinery deal with Chinese suppliers. The refinery could also go public in the near future as the group scales its operations.
The company reported ₦1 trillion in profit in 2025, doubling its earnings and reinforcing Dangote’s leadership in Africa’s industrial sector.
2. Johann Rupert — $16.1 Billion | Fashion & Retail
South African billionaire Johann Rupert holds the second position with a fortune of $16.1 billion.
Rupert controls luxury goods giant Compagnie Financière Richemont, the parent company behind premium brands such as Cartier, Montblanc, and Van Cleef & Arpels. His global retail network stretches across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
In addition, Rupert maintains large investments through Remgro, a diversified investment company active in financial services, healthcare, and private equity.
3. Abdulsamad Rabiu — $11.2 Billion | Diversified
Nigerian entrepreneur Abdulsamad Rabiu recorded the largest wealth increase in Africa in 2026. His net worth jumped 120% to $11.2 billion, rising by $6.1 billion in a single year.
Rabiu founded BUA Group, a conglomerate with major investments in cement production, sugar refining, agriculture, and real estate. Shares of BUA Cement surged 135%, outperforming the rapidly growing Nigerian Exchange Group.
Beyond business, he funds major development projects through the Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative, supporting education, healthcare, and infrastructure programs across Africa.
4. Nicky Oppenheimer — $10.6 Billion | Metals & Mining
South African businessman Nicky Oppenheimer holds an estimated $10.6 billion fortune.
The Oppenheimer family built its wealth through De Beers, one of the world’s most influential diamond mining companies. After selling his stake, Oppenheimer focused on global investments through Stockdale Street.
His portfolio now includes technology firms, natural resource companies, and conservation initiatives across southern Africa.
5. Nassef Sawiris — $9.6 Billion | Construction & Engineering
Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris commands wealth estimated at $9.6 billion.
He leads OCI N.V., a global fertilizer and chemicals producer, and holds major stakes in Orascom Construction, which delivers large infrastructure projects worldwide.
Sawiris also invests internationally, including holdings in Adidas and English football club Aston Villa F.C..
6. Mike Adenuga — $6.5 Billion | Diversified
Telecom and energy mogul Mike Adenuga ranks sixth with a net worth of $6.5 billion.
He founded Globacom, one of Nigeria’s largest telecommunications networks. In addition, he owns Conoil Producing, a major oil exploration company.
Adenuga also holds investments in banking, infrastructure, and real estate across West Africa.
7. Naguib Sawiris — $5.6 Billion | Telecom
Egyptian entrepreneur Naguib Sawiris built a $5.6 billion fortune starting with Orascom Telecom Holding, which expanded mobile networks across Africa and the Middle East.
After selling major telecom assets, Sawiris diversified into venture capital, tourism, gold mining, and media investments.
8. Patrice Motsepe — $4.3 Billion | Metals & Mining
South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe controls wealth of $4.3 billion through African Rainbow Minerals, a mining company producing gold, platinum, and iron ore.
Motsepe also owns Mamelodi Sundowns F.C. and currently serves as president of the Confederation of African Football. Through the Motsepe Foundation, he funds initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
9. Mohamed Mansour — $4 Billion | Diversified
Egyptian businessman Mohamed Mansour has a net worth of $4 billion.
His family operates the multinational Mansour Group, which works in automotive distribution, logistics, and consumer goods. The group partners with major global brands including General Motors and Caterpillar Inc. across Africa and the Middle East.
10. Michiel Le Roux — $3.8 Billion | Finance
South African banker Michiel Le Roux closes the list with an estimated fortune of $3.8 billion.
He founded Capitec Bank, one of South Africa’s most successful retail banks. The bank transformed financial inclusion by offering low-cost and accessible banking services.
