Forbes has released its 2025 Billionaires List, featuring Africa’s richest individuals, with Aliko Dangote, Johann Rupert, Nicky Oppenheimer, and Mike Adenuga among the top names.
Published on March 2025, the annual ranking reveals that Africa now has 22 billionaires with a collective net worth of $105 billion, up from $82.4 billion in 2024. The surge is credited to rising market valuations and economic growth.
At the top is Aliko Dangote (Nigeria), whose net worth jumped to $23.9 billion from $13.9 billion, thanks to the valuation of Dangote Petroleum Refinery being factored in for the first time.
Other top billionaires include:
- Johann Rupert (South Africa) – $11.1B (Luxury goods, Richemont)
- Nicky Oppenheimer (South Africa) – $9.4B (Diamonds, De Beers)
- Mike Adenuga (Nigeria) – $6.8B (Telecoms, Globacom)
- Nassef Sawiris (Egypt) – $6.7B (Construction, Orascom)
- Abdulsamad Rabiu (Nigeria) – $5.1B (Cement & Sugar, BUA Group)
Forbes noted that South Africa leads the continent with seven billionaires, followed by Nigeria and Egypt with four each. Morocco has three, while Algeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe each have one.
The rankings track billionaires residing in Africa or whose primary businesses are based on the continent. Excluded are individuals like Mo Ibrahim (UK citizen) and Nathan Kirsh (South Africa, based in London).
Net worths were calculated using stock prices and exchange rates as of March 7, 2025.
