Top 7 Richest Africans in 2026

Strong stock markets, stabilising currencies, and impressive performances in key sectors such as manufacturing, mining, telecommunications, and retail have significantly boosted the fortunes of Africa’s wealthiest individuals in 2026.

According to Forbes, most of the continent’s dollar billionaires are aged 60 and above, and notably, no women appear among the richest Africans this year. The ranking reflects market values as of March 1, 2026, based on the publication’s standard valuation methodology.

In terms of distribution, South Africa has the highest number of billionaires on the continent, followed by Egypt and Nigeria, highlighting the economic influence of these countries in Africa’s wealth landscape.

Below are the seven richest Africans in 2026.

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1. Aliko Dangote — $23.9 billion

Businessman and industrialist Aliko Dangote [CNN]

Nigerian business magnate Aliko Dangote remains Africa’s richest person, with a net worth estimated at $23.9 billion. He built his empire through the Dangote Group, a conglomerate with major interests in cement, sugar, flour, salt, and other essential commodities across Africa.

Much of his recent wealth growth has been driven by the performance of Dangote Cement, whose shares surged significantly and helped double the company’s profits in 2025. Dangote is also pushing forward with the massive Dangote Refinery in Lagos, one of the largest oil refineries in the world. Once fully operational and potentially listed on the stock market, the refinery could further boost his fortune and reshape Africa’s energy sector.

2. Johann Rupert & Family — $13.5 billion

Johann Rupert

South African billionaire Johann Rupert ranks second with an estimated fortune of $13.5 billion. He controls luxury goods company Richemont, the parent firm behind several prestigious global brands in watches, jewellery, and fashion.

Richemont has benefited from growing global demand for luxury products, particularly in Asia and Europe. Rupert, known for his conservative management style, has steadily expanded the company’s global footprint while maintaining strong profitability.

3. Abdulsamad Rabiu — $9.4 billion

Abdulsamad Rabiu

Nigerian industrialist Abdulsamad Rabiu, founder of the BUA Group, has emerged as one of the fastest-rising billionaires on the continent. His wealth jumped dramatically after shares of BUA Cement soared by more than 100%.

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Rabiu’s conglomerate has interests in cement production, sugar refining, and infrastructure development, playing a major role in Nigeria’s industrial growth.

4. Nicky Oppenheimer & Family — $8.9 billion

Nicky Oppenheimer [Photo by Per-Anders Pettersson/Reportage/Getty Images]

South African businessman Nicky Oppenheimer and his family hold the fourth spot with an estimated net worth of $8.9 billion. Their wealth originates largely from the global diamond trade through historic ties to the mining giant De Beers.

Although the family sold its stake in De Beers years ago, Oppenheimer continues to invest heavily in natural resources, conservation projects, and private equity ventures across Africa.

5. Nassef Sawiris — $8.1 billion

Nassef Sawiris

Egyptian businessman Nassef Sawiris ranks fifth with an estimated $8.1 billion fortune. He leads Orascom Construction, one of the Middle East and Africa’s largest engineering and construction firms.

Sawiris also maintains high-profile international investments, including stakes in English football club Aston Villa FC and sportswear giant Adidas, further diversifying his global portfolio.

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6. Mike Adenuga — $5.5 billion

Mike Adenuga

Nigerian telecom and oil tycoon Mike Adenuga holds the sixth position with a net worth of $5.5 billion. He founded telecommunications company Globacom, one of Africa’s largest mobile network providers.

Adenuga also owns major oil exploration interests through Conoil Producing. His diversified business empire has played a significant role in Nigeria’s telecommunications and energy sectors.

7. Naguib Sawiris — $4.7 billion

Naguib Sawiris

Egyptian entrepreneur Naguib Sawiris rounds out the list with an estimated $4.7 billion fortune. He built much of his wealth through telecommunications ventures such as Orascom Telecom, which expanded across several emerging markets.

In recent years, Sawiris has diversified into gold mining, media, and global investments, positioning himself as one of Africa’s most influential business figures.

Together, these billionaires reflect the strength of Africa’s industrial, telecommunications, and natural resource sectors, demonstrating how strategic investments and expanding markets continue to shape wealth creation across the continent.