Forbes Reveals 2025 List of Africa’s Top 22 Richest Billionaires

• Apr 02, 2025

Forbes recently released its 2025 Billionaires List, naming the wealthiest individuals across Africa, with a total of 22 billionaires. The combined net worth of these billionaires has reached an impressive $105 billion, up from $82.4 billion in 2024. This increase has been attributed to rising market valuations and overall economic growth.

Leading the Pack: Aliko Dangote

Aliko Dangote, owner of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, tops the list with a remarkable $23.9 billion net worth. This marks a significant rise from his $13.9 billion last year, thanks largely to the newly valued Dangote refinery, which boosted his wealth.

Other Notable Names

Following Dangote is Johann Rupert from South Africa, with a net worth of $11.1 billion, earned through his luxury goods company, Richemont. Nicky Oppenheimer, also from South Africa, ranks third with $9.4 billion, primarily derived from his involvement in the diamond industry with De Beers.

Mike Adenuga, the Nigerian telecom mogul behind Globacom, ranks fifth with a net worth of $6.8 billion. Abdulsamad Rabiu, chairman of BUA Group, follows closely at sixth place with $5.1 billion.

Billionaires by Country

South Africa leads the rankings with seven billionaires, followed by Nigeria and Egypt with four each. Other countries represented include Morocco, Tanzania, Algeria, and Zimbabwe.

Forbes also noted that the list tracks the wealth of African billionaires who either live in Africa or have their primary business operations there. Notably, Sudanese-born Mo Ibrahim and South African Nathan Kirsh, who are based outside of Africa, are not included.

Complete Top 10 of Africa’s Richest

Aliko Dangote (Nigeria) – $23.9 billion (Dangote Petroleum Refinery)

Johann Rupert (South Africa) – $11.1 billion (Luxury goods, Richemont)

Nicky Oppenheimer (South Africa) – $9.4 billion (Diamonds, De Beers)

Mike Adenuga (Nigeria) – $6.8 billion (Telecoms, Globacom)

Nassef Sawiris (Egypt) – $6.7 billion (Construction, Orascom)

Abdulsamad Rabiu (Nigeria) – $5.1 billion (Cement & Sugar, BUA Group)

Koos Bekker (South Africa) – $2.8 billion (Media, Naspers)

Mohamed Mansour (Egypt) – $2.6 billion (Diversified business, Mansour Group)

Strive Masiyiwa (Zimbabwe) – $2.5 billion (Telecoms, Econet)

Youssef Mansour (Egypt) – $1.9 billion (Retail, Mansour Group)

This year’s list highlights Africa's rising economic strength and its expanding billionaire class. The net worth figures are based on stock prices and exchange rates from March 7, 2025.