Africa's economic landscape in 2025 showcases a diverse array of billionaires who have amassed wealth across various sectors, from manufacturing and mining to telecommunications and finance. Forbes' annual ranking provides insight into these influential figures shaping the continent's economic future.
1. Aliko Dangote
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Net Worth: $23.9 billion
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Country: Nigeria
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Industry: Manufacturing (Cement, Sugar, Oil Refining)
Aliko Dangote retains his position as Africa's richest man, bolstered by the success of his conglomerate, Dangote Group, and the completion of Africa's largest oil refinery.
2. Johann Rupert & Family
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Net Worth: $14 billion
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Country: South Africa
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Industry: Fashion & Retail
Rupert's wealth stems from his luxury goods company, Richemont, known for brands like Cartier and Montblanc.
3. Nicky Oppenheimer & Family
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Net Worth: $10.4 billion
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Country: South Africa
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Industry: Metals & Mining
Oppenheimer's fortune is linked to the diamond industry, particularly through De Beers.
4. Nassef Sawiris
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Net Worth: $9.6 billion
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Country: Egypt
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Industry: Construction & Engineering
Sawiris is a key figure in Egypt's construction sector, with investments in various global companies.
5. Mike Adenuga
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Net Worth: $6.8 billion
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Country: Nigeria
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Industry: Telecommunications, Oil
Adenuga's wealth comes from his telecom company, Globacom, and oil exploration firm, Conoil.
6. Abdulsamad Rabiu
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Net Worth: $5.1 billion
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Country: Nigeria
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Industry: Diversified (Cement, Sugar)
Rabiu is the founder of BUA Group, a conglomerate with interests in cement production and sugar refining.
7. Naguib Sawiris
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Net Worth: $5 billion
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Country: Egypt
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Industry: Telecommunications
Sawiris has made significant investments in telecom companies across the Middle East and Africa.
8. Koos Bekker
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Net Worth: $3.4 billion
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Country: South Africa
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Industry: Media & Entertainment
Bekker is known for transforming Naspers into a global e-commerce and media powerhouse.
8. Mohamed Mansour
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Net Worth: $3.4 billion
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Country: Egypt
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Industry: Diversified
Mansour oversees a conglomerate with interests in automotive distribution, consumer goods, and more.
10. Patrice Motsepe
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Net Worth: $3 billion
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Country: South Africa
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Industry: Metals & Mining
Motsepe is the founder of African Rainbow Minerals and was the first Black African on the Forbes list.
10. Issad Rebrab & Family
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Net Worth: $3 billion
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Country: Algeria
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Industry: Food & Beverage
Rebrab is the founder of Cevital, Algeria's largest privately-held company.
12. Mohammed Dewji
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Net Worth: $2.2 billion
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Country: Tanzania
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Industry: Diversified
Dewji leads MeTL Group, with operations in textiles, beverages, and more.
12. Michiel Le Roux
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Net Worth: $2.2 billion
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Country: South Africa
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Industry: Finance & Investments
Le Roux is the founder of Capitec Bank, a major South African retail bank.
14. Othman Benjelloun & Family
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Net Worth: $1.6 billion
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Country: Morocco
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Industry: Finance & Investments
Benjelloun chairs BMCE Bank and has interests in insurance and telecommunications.
14. Anas Sefrioui & Family
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Net Worth: $1.6 billion
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Country: Morocco
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Industry: Real Estate
Sefrioui is known for his real estate development company, Groupe Addoha.
16. Aziz Akhannouch & Family
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Net Worth: $1.5 billion
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Country: Morocco
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Industry: Diversified
Akhannouch's wealth comes from his family's conglomerate, Akwa Group, with interests in petroleum, gas, and chemicals.
16. Jannie Mouton & Family
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Net Worth: $1.5 billion
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Country: South Africa
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Industry: Finance & Investments
Mouton is the founder of PSG Group, a South African investment holding company.
16. Femi Otedola
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Net Worth: $1.5 billion
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Country: Nigeria
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Industry: Energy
Otedola's investments span energy, real estate, and finance sectors.
16. Christoffel Wiese
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Net Worth: $1.5 billion
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Country: South Africa
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Industry: Fashion & Retail
Wiese has significant holdings in retail companies, including Shoprite.
20. Youssef Mansour
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Net Worth: $1.4 billion
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Country: Egypt
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Industry: Diversified
Mansour is part of the Mansour Group, with interests in automotive, capital markets, and consumer goods.
FAQs
Q1: Who is the richest man in Africa in 2025?
Aliko Dangote tops the list with a net worth of $23.9 billion, primarily from his manufacturing conglomerate, Dangote Group.
Q2: Which country has the most billionaires in Africa?
South Africa leads with several billionaires, including Johann Rupert, Nicky Oppenheimer, and Koos Bekker.
Q3: What industries dominate Africa's billionaire list?
Key industries include manufacturing, mining, telecommunications, finance, and diversified conglomerates.
Q4: How many African billionaires are there in 2025?
According to Forbes, there are 22 African billionaires in 2025, spanning various industries and countries across the continent.
Q5: Which industries are most represented among Africa's billionaires?
The most represented industries among Africa's billionaires include manufacturing, telecommunications, finance, technology, and retail.
Q6: Are there any new entrants to the list in 2025?
Yes, individuals like Tope Awotona have emerged as new entrants to the list, highlighting the growing influence of the technology sector in Africa's economic landscape.
Conclusion
Africa’s wealth landscape in 2025 reflects a dynamic blend of legacy wealth, innovative entrepreneurship, and strategic investments across diverse industries. From established figures like Aliko Dangote and Johann Rupert to rising stars such as Tope Awotona, the continent is home to visionaries who continue to redefine success and prosperity. These individuals not only wield financial power but also shape sectors like manufacturing, technology, retail, and finance—driving employment, innovation, and economic growth. As Africa continues to evolve, its billionaires serve as a testament to the continent’s boundless potential and the growing influence of African enterprise on the global stage.
