Nigerian oil magnate Aliko Dangote leads as Africa's elite hit record-busting $105 billion fortune
Africa's 22 billionaires saw their combined fortunes surge to a record $105 billion (R1.9 trillion) this year, up from $82.4bn held by 20 individuals last year, the Forbes 2025 Africa billionaires report showed.
South Africa hosts the most billionaires (seven), followed by Nigeria and Egypt (four each). Morocco has three, with one each from Algeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The growth was even as the continent faces persistent challenges such political instability and currency crises.
Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote retains top spot for the 14th consecutive year. His net worth jumped to $23.9bn, largely due to Forbes now valuing his long-delayed Lagos oil refinery. The refinery, aiming for full capacity soon, has enabled Nigeria to export refined products.
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Africa's billionaires: Who are the richest in 2025?
Africa's 22 billionaires saw their combined fortunes surge to a record $105 billion (R1.9 trillion) this year, up from $82.4bn held by 20 individuals last year, the Forbes 2025 Africa billionaires report showed. Here's the top five on the list Aliko Dangote - Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote is the founder and president/chief executive of the Dangote Group, the largest conglomerate in West Africa, which includes Dangote Cement, a subsidiary of the Dangote Group, is the largest cement producer in Africa. He remains Africa's wealthiest person for the 14th consecutive year. His net worth surged to an estimated $23.9 billion, driven significantly by Forbes now valuing his massive Dangote Refinery near Lagos. The refinery, operational after lengthy delays, is key to Nigeria's shift from fuel importer to exporter. Dangote, ranked among the world's top 100 richest, calls the project pivotal for Africa's self-sufficiency. Johann Rupert and family - South African luxury goods magnate Johann Rupert holds firm as Africa's second-richest billionaire. His fortune climbed 39% to $14 billion, largely reflecting the rebound in shares of Richemont, the luxury group he chairs and controls through family holdings. Richemont, owner of brands like Cartier, benefited from strong global demand for high-end jewellery and watches, cementing the Rupert family's dominant position in the sector.
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Nigerian oil magnate Aliko Dangote leads as Africa's elite hit record-busting $105 billion fortune
Africa's 22 billionaires saw their combined fortunes surge to a record $105 billion (R1.9 trillion) this year, up from $82.4bn held by 20 individuals last year, the Forbes 2025 Africa billionaires report showed. South Africa hosts the most billionaires (seven), followed by Nigeria and Egypt (four each). Morocco has three, with one each from Algeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The growth was even as the continent faces persistent challenges such political instability and currency crises. Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote retains top spot for the 14th consecutive year. His net worth jumped to $23.9bn, largely due to Forbes now valuing his long-delayed Lagos oil refinery. The refinery, aiming for full capacity soon, has enabled Nigeria to export refined products.
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