Africa’s richest business leaders have built powerful empires, shaping industries such as manufacturing, telecommunications, mining, finance, and technology. In 2025, influential billionaires who have amassed significant wealth across various industries continue to shape Africa’s economic landscape. According to Forbes, these individuals have not only built empires but also play pivotal roles in driving economic growth on the continent.
Aliko Dangote, Nigeria’s industrial giant, has seen a significant gain in fortune. Following the start-up of the Dangote Refinery in early 2024, his net worth increased to $23.9 billion by March 2025, up from $13.9 billion the previous year. This increase reaffirmed his status as Africa’s richest individual.
Likewise, Johann Rupert, South Africa’s luxury goods entrepreneur, has also seen tremendous expansion. His net worth increased to $14 billion as a result of Compagnie Financière Richemont’s good performance, which owns well-known brands such as Cartier and Montblanc.
More accurate, however, is the fluctuation in the South African billionaire’s fortune; for example, by April, the man had added a billion dollars to his net worth. His net worth rose dramatically from $13.7 billion at the start of the year to $15.3 billion in April 2025. Here is a list of the richest people in Africa in 2025:
- Aliko Dangote – $23.9 Billion (Nigeria)
- Johann Rupert – $14 Billion (South Africa)
- Nicky Oppenheimer – $10.4 Billion (South Africa)
- Nassef Sawiris – $9.6 Billion (Egypt)
- Mike Adenuga – $6.8 Billion (Nigeria)
- Abdulsamad Rabiu – $5.1 Billion (Nigeria)
- Naguib Sawiris – $5 Billion (Egypt)
- Koos Bekker – $3.4 Billion (South Africa)
- Mohamed Mansour – $3.4 Billion (Egypt)
- Patrice Motsepe – $3 Billion (South Africa)
| Rank | Name | Net worth mid-2025 | Country | Global rank | Net worth at the start of 2025 |
| 1. | Aliko Dangote | $23.3 billion | Nigeria | 88th | $11.5 billion |
| 2. | Johann Rupert & family | $14.1 billion | South Africa | 171st | $11.1 billion |
| 3. | Nicky Oppenheimer & family | $10.4 billion | South Africa | 271st | $9.5 billion |
| 4. | Nassef Sawiris | $9.4 billion | Egypt | 324th | $7.7 billion |
| 5. | Nathan Kirsh | $7.7 billion | Eswatini | 422nd | $7.3 billion |
| 6. | Mike Adenuga | $6.2 billion | Nigeria | 571st | $6.8 billion |
| 7. | Naguib Sawiris | $5.0 billion | Egypt | 749th | $3.8 billion |
| 8. | Abdulsamad Rabiu | $4.9 billion | Nigeria | 763rd | $4.9 billion |
| 9. | Koos Bekker | $3.5 billion | South Africa | 1081st | $2.9 billion |
| 10. | Patrice Motsepe | $3.2 billion | South Africa | 1190th | $2.7 billion |
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* Source: Forbes; Business Insider Africa; Nigerian Tribune; The Africana.
