Africa’s billionaires are more than just symbols of huge wealth; they are also the builders of industries, the leaders of new ideas, and the pioneers who are shaping the future. The best people in Africa are strong, creative, and good at business. For example, Nigeria is a world leader in cement and telecom, and South Africa is a world leader in luxury goods and mining. Their net worths show that they have had long-term vision, worked hard, and been able to do well even when the economy was bad.
If you want to read about wealth beyond Africa, check out our part on Global Billionaires & Wealth Insights. There, we talk about the fortunes of the world’s richest people, from tech moguls in Silicon Valley to luxury tycoons in Europe. Compare industries, learn how to make money, and read about inspired people who have become entrepreneurs.
Table: Top 10 Richest People in Africa (2025)
| Rank | Name | Country | Industry | Net Worth (Billion) |
| 1 | Aliko Dangote | Nigeria | Cement, Sugar | 14.5 |
| 2 | Johann Rupert | South Africa | Luxury Goods | 12.8 |
| 3 | Nassef Sawiris | Egypt | Construction, OCI | 8.7 |
| 4 | Mike Adenuga | Nigeria | Telecom, Oil | 7.6 |
| 5 | Nicky Oppenheimer | South Africa | Diamonds | 7.2 |
| 6 | Abdul Samad Rabiu | Nigeria | Cement, Real Estate | 6.4 |
| 7 | Mohammed Mansour | Egypt | Diversified | 5.8 |
| 8 | Strive Masiyiwa | Zimbabwe | Telecom | 4.1 |
| 9 | Isabel dos Santos | Angola | Investments | 3.6 |
| 10 | Patrice Motsepe | South Africa | Mining | 3.2 |
This new list of Africa’s richest people in 2025 is more than just a list of numbers; it shows how the continent’s economy is changing and how different industries are helping it grow. Let us look more closely at each billionaire and what their wealth means:
Aliko Dangote (10B Naira, Nigeria)
Dangote has been Africa’s richest man for more than ten years. He built his fortune by making cement. His business, Dangote Cement, rules not only Nigeria but also a number of other African countries. He is a major player in food security and infrastructure, thanks to his work in sugar and chemicals as well as cement.
Johann Rupert ($12.8B) from South Africa
As chairman of Richemont, Rupert owns high-end names such as Cartier and Montblanc. Because of his job, we can see how Africa helps the world’s luxury market. Even though South Africa’s economy is having trouble, Rupert’s net worth has been slowly growing thanks to demand for high-end goods around the world.
Nassef Sawiris (Egypt, $8.7B)
In Egypt, Nassef is the richest person. He comes from the wealthy Sawiris family. He is very rich because he owns a lot of shares in Adidas and other European companies and runs Orascom Construction Industries. Sawiris is a good example of how Egyptian billionaires are investing in things outside of Africa.
Mike Adenuga (7.6B) from Nigeria
Adenuga started Globacom, which is Nigeria’s second-largest telecom business. He is known as the “Guru of Telecom.” His oil drilling company, Conoil, makes him even richer, making him one of the richest people in Africa. Adenuga’s story shows how Nigeria’s telecom boom made billionaires who then moved into energy.
The South African Nicky Oppenheimer is worth $7.2B
Oppenheimer, who is related to the De Beers diamond wealth, represents the mining history of Africa. He sold most of his gem interests to Anglo American, but he still has a lot of money because he invests it. His family is still linked to diamonds all over the world.
Abdul Samad Rabiu (Nigeria, $6.4B)
Rabiu is the founder of the BUA Group and is another cement giant like Dangote. His group also works in real estate, sugar, and food. Rabiu’s steady rise shows that Nigeria’s domestic market keeps making billion-dollar chances.
Mohammed Mansour (Egypt, $5.8B)
One of the biggest business groups in Egypt is run by the Mansour family. It has interests in distributing cars, selling market goods, and providing financial services. Mohammed Mansour is one of the most important businesspeople in North Africa because he has led the company to steady growth.
Masiyiwa (Zimbabwe, $4.1B)
Masiyiwa started Econet Wireless, a huge telecom company. He is known as Zimbabwe’s richest man. Aside from his wealth, he is admired for his generosity and work to improve internet access in Africa. Because he helps with health and education projects, he is a socially responsible businessman.
Isabel dos Santos (Angola, $3.6B)
Having shares in energy, telecom, and banks made dos Santos the richest woman in Africa. She has been in trouble with the law in Angola, but her investments still make her one of the most powerful women in Africa.
The South African Patrice Motsepe is worth $3.2B
As the founder of African Rainbow Minerals, Motsepe became the first black billionaire in South Africa. He is rich because he mines for gold, silver, and other things. Plus, he runs the Mamelodi Sundowns football club and does a lot of good in the world.
In-depth Analysis
Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt are the wealthiest countries in Africa, as shown by this list. This shows how important infrastructure, technology, and natural resources are. It also shows a big step forward for women, with Isabel dos Santos becoming Africa’s first female billionaire. These leaders are not only driving the economies of their own countries, but they are also having an effect on markets around the world.
FAQs
Who in Africa has the most money in 2025?
With a net worth of $14.5 billion, Aliko Dangote from Nigeria is still the richest person in the world.
What types of businesses in Africa make the most billionaires?
The most important ones are cement, oil, telecommunications, luxury items, and mining.
Who is the richest woman in Africa?
keep reading
Isabel dos Santos, who is from Angola and has assets worth $3.6 billion.
