Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has once again retained his position at the top of the continent’s wealth ranking, according to the latest Forbes Billionaires List released over the weekend.
Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, is ranked 88th globally with a net worth of $24.4 billion, maintaining a wide lead over his Nigerian peers.
Since making his debut on the Forbes list in 2008 and reclaiming the crown in 2011, Dangote has held the title of Africa’s richest man for 14 consecutive years. His fortune is largely driven by his cement and sugar businesses, as well as the multibillion-dollar petroleum refinery launched in 2023.
Other Nigerians on the list include Abdulsamad Rabiu, with a net worth of $7.2 billion, ranked 516th, and Mike Adenuga, who occupies the 592nd spot with $6.3 billion. Rabiu’s wealth stems from cement and sugar production, while Adenuga is heavily invested in telecommunications and oil.
South Africa’s Johann Rupert, owner of luxury goods giant Richemont, follows Dangote as Africa’s second-richest man with $13.2 billion. He is trailed by former diamond magnate Nicky Oppenheimer ($10.4 billion), Koos Bekker ($3.8 billion), Patrice Motsepe ($3.4 billion), banker Michiel le Roux ($2.7 billion), Jannie Mouton & family ($1.9 billion), and retail tycoon Christoffel Wiese ($1.7 billion).
Egypt’s Nassef Sawiris leads the country’s billionaires with $8.8 billion, followed by his brother Naguib Sawiris at $5.0 billion. The Mansour brothers—Mohamed ($3.4 billion), Youssef ($1.4 billion), and Yasseen ($1.2 billion)—also made the list.
Elsewhere, Eswatini’s Nathan Kirsh has a net worth of $8.0 billion, while Morocco contributes three billionaires: Othman Benjelloun & family ($2.0 billion), Aziz Akhannouch ($1.6 billion), and Anas Sefrioui & family ($1.6 billion).
Tanzania’s Mohammed Dewji is valued at $2.2 billion, and Zimbabwe’s telecoms mogul Strive Masiyiwa holds a fortune of $1.3 billion.
