Nigeria’s billionaire Aliko Dangote has, for the 14th consecutive time, emerged as Africa’s richest man.
In the latest list published by Forbes, Dangote, who has invested heavily in the oil and cement industries, saw his wealth grow to a staggering KSh 3.9 trillion, nearly matching the amount needed to fund Kenya’s 2025/2026 budget, which is estimated at KSh 4.2 trillion.
Dangote’s fortune surged by 72%, rising from KSh 1.8 trillion recorded in 2024. The growth has been largely attributed to his new oil refinery, which began operations in mid-2024 and currently contributes to Nigeria’s oil exports.
Public Service Commission advertises over 220 positions, here’s how to apply
The second-wealthiest person on the list is Johann Rupert from South Africa, whose wealth comes from the fashion and retail industry. Interestingly, South Africa had the highest number of billionaires on the list, with seven representatives, including Nicky Oppenheimer & family, Koos Bekker, Patrice Motsepe, Michiel Le Roux, and Jannie Mouton & family.
Nigeria had four billionaires, including Mike Adenuga, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Femi Otedola.
Closer to home, the only East African on the list was Tanzanian tycoon Mohammed Dewji, whose net worth was valued at KSh 284.31 billion.
Below is the summarized list:
| Rank | Name | Net worth (Sh) | Country | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aliko Dangote | Sh 3.9t | Nigeria | Manufacturing |
| 2 | Johann Rupert & family | Sh 1.81t | South Africa | Fashion & Retail |
| 3 | Nicky Oppenheimer & family | Sh 1.34t | South Africa | Metals & Mining |
| 4 | Nassef Sawiris | Sh 1.24t | Egypt | Construction & Engineering |
| 5 | Mike Adenuga | Sh 878.76B | Nigeria | Diversified |
| 6 | Abdulsamad Rabiu | Sh 659.07B | Nigeria | Diversified |
| 7 | Naguib Sawiris | Sh 646.15B | Egypt | Telecom |
| 8 | Koos Bekker | Sh 439.38B | South Africa | Media & Entertainment |
| 8 | Mohamed Mansour | Sh 439.38B | Egypt | Diversified |
| 10 | Patrice Motsepe | Sh 387.69B | South Africa | Metals & Mining |
| 10 | Issad Rebrab & family | Sh 387.69B | Algeria | Food & Beverage |
| 12 | Mohammed Dewji | Sh 284.31B | Tanzania | Diversified |
| 12 | Michiel Le Roux | Sh 284.31B | South Africa | Finance & Investments |
| 14 | Othman Benjelloun & family | Sh 206.77B | Morocco | Finance & Investments |
| 14 | Anas Sefrioui & family | Sh 206.77B | Morocco | Real Estate |
| 16 | Aziz Akhannouch & family | Sh 193.84B | Morocco | Diversified |
| 16 | Jannie Mouton & family | Sh 193.84B | South Africa | Finance & Investments |
| 16 | Femi Otedola | Sh 193.84B | Nigeria | Energy |
| 16 | Christoffel Wiese | Sh 193.84B | South Africa | Fashion & Retail |
| 20 | Youssef Mansour | Sh 180.92B | Egypt | Diversified |
| 21 | Yasseen Mansour | Sh 155.08B | Egypt | Diversified |
| 21 | Strive Masiyiwa | Sh 155.08B | Zimbabwe | Telecom |
