Key Points
- Billionaires like Nassef Sawiris and Mohamed Mansour lead industries from construction to finance, shaping Egypt’s economy amid ongoing reforms.
- With stakes in Adidas, Aston Villa, and Orascom Construction, Egypt’s richest man continues to grow his $8 billion fortune across multiple sectors.
- Yasseen Mansour and Hisham Talaat Moustafa dominate luxury developments, fueling Egypt’s urban expansion and foreign investment appeal.
Egypt’s richest businessmen are not just industry leaders—they are architects of economic power, shaping markets across Africa, the Middle East, and even Europe. Their influence extends far beyond their home country, driving investment, policy shifts, and innovation in sectors ranging from real estate and construction to finance, telecommunications, and manufacturing. As Egypt—the Arab world’s most populous nation—navigates economic reforms, inflationary pressures, and shifting global trade dynamics, these business titans remain central to its financial landscape.
At the top of this elite circle are figures like Nassef Sawiris, Mohamed Mansour, and Yasseen Mansour, whose fortunes rest on a mix of generational wealth, calculated investments, and a sharp understanding of evolving markets. The Sawiris family built an empire that reshaped Egypt’s infrastructure, while the Mansours expanded their reach into automotive, retail, and finance, reflecting the country’s shifting economic priorities. Their fortunes—and those of their peers—stand as both a testament to Egypt’s business resilience and a marker of the stark wealth gaps that persist.
These magnates dominate key industries. Nassef Sawiris’ global investments in construction and sports position Egypt on the world stage, while Mohamed Mansour’s diversified conglomerate fuels trade and logistics across the continent. Yasseen Mansour’s high-end real estate ventures mirror Egypt’s push into luxury property markets. While their businesses create jobs and attract foreign capital, their wealth also sparks debates about inequality and the need for more inclusive growth.
Beyond boardrooms and balance sheets, many of these billionaires are shaping Egypt’s social landscape. The Sawiris Foundation funds education and infrastructure projects, while the Mansour family invests in entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. Their philanthropic efforts add another layer to their influence, intertwining wealth with social responsibility. As Egypt charts its economic future, these ten businessmen remain at its core.
In this report, Billionaire.Africa profiles the country’s richest and most powerful business figures, examining how their fortunes, decisions, and global ambitions are shaping Egypt’s economy today—and in the years ahead.
- Nassef Sawiris
Net Worth: $8 billion
Sectors: Investments, Sports, and Construction
Nassef Sawiris, Egypt’s richest individual, has built a vast portfolio spanning chemicals, sports, and infrastructure. With a net worth of $8 billion according to Forbes, he holds a 38.8 percent stake in OCI N.V., one of the world’s leading nitrogen fertilizer producers, and is the largest individual shareholder in Adidas with a 6 percent stake. His influence extends into sports through V Sports, co-owning Aston Villa in England and Vitoria Sport Clube in Portugal. In December 2020, he further expanded his reach with a 5 percent stake in Madison Square Garden Sports, which owns teams like the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. Sawiris’ investments also span Orascom Construction, Arkema S.A., and other global enterprises, reinforcing his standing across multiple industries.
- Naguib Sawiris
Net Worth: $3.8 billion
Sectors: Telecommunications, Mining, and Investments
Naguib Sawiris, Egypt’s second-richest man, has left a lasting impact on telecommunications and gold mining. He boasts a fortune of $3.8 billion according to Forbes. He is the founder of Orascom Investment Holding, a key player with assets across North Africa and the Middle East. He also chairs La Mancha Holding, an investor in major gold producers like Endeavour Mining and Evolution Mining. His portfolio includes stakes in Orascom Construction, Gemini Global Development, and past ownership of Euronews. Beyond business, he remains a powerful figure in Africa’s investment landscape.
- Mohamed Mansour
Net Worth: $3.3 billion
Sectors: Diversified Investments
Mohamed Mansour, an Egyptian billionaire with a $3.3 billion net worth according to Forbes, has been instrumental in expanding Mansour Group into a $6 billion global powerhouse. The conglomerate operates across automotive, retail, logistics, and financial services in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Through its London-based investment arm, Man Capital, Mansour has built stakes in industries from telecommunications to healthcare. He also oversees partnerships with Caterpillar, General Motors, and McDonald’s in Egypt. Outside business, he is a well-known philanthropist and political donor, further cementing his influence.
- Youssef Mansour
Net Worth: $1.3 billion
Sectors: Consumer Goods & Automotive
Youssef Mansour, co-owner of the Mansour Group, leads the consumer goods division, overseeing Metro supermarkets and Egypt’s exclusive L’Oréal distribution. The conglomerate is also the sole distributor of General Motors vehicles and Caterpillar equipment in multiple countries. With a net worth of $1.3 billion according to Forbes, Mansour, who holds an engineering degree and an MBA, has played a crucial role in strengthening Egypt’s automotive and retail industries. Alongside his brothers Mohamed and Yasseen, he has helped cement Mansour Group as a dominant force in African business.
- Yasseen Mansour
Net Worth: $1.2 billion
Sectors: Real Estate
Yasseen Mansour has been a driving force behind Egypt’s real estate boom. As chairman of Palm Hills Developments, he owns a 10.83 percent stake, anchoring a significant portion of his $1.2 billion fortune. Palm Hills, a subsidiary of Mansour Group, manages a 33-million-square-meter land bank with 38 major projects across Egypt. Under his leadership, the company has reshaped urban and resort communities, making it one of the country’s most influential developers.
- Hisham Talaat Moustafa
Net Worth: $940 million (stake in TMG)
Sectors: Real Estate and Hospitality
Hisham Talaat Moustafa, one of Egypt’s most influential real estate developers, leads Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG), a $6.4 billion powerhouse shaping the country’s urban landscape. Under his leadership, TMG has built landmark projects like Madinaty and Noor City and expanded into Saudi Arabia. Beyond real estate, he has invested heavily in hospitality, holding a 43.16 percent stake in TMG worth over $940 million—and spearheading a $380 million expansion of the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh. Committed to social impact, he supports education and community development through the TMG Foundation, solidifying his legacy as both a business leader and a force for Egypt’s growth.
- Ahmed Ezz
Net Worth: $925 million
Sectors: Steel, Manufacturing, and Trading
Ahmed Ezz is Egypt’s steel magnate, controlling Ezz Steel, North Africa’s largest independent steel producer. His 66.4 percent stake in the company is worth over $925 million. Under his leadership, Ezz Steel has grown into a global player, exporting long and flat steel products worldwide. His investments have strengthened Egypt’s manufacturing and steel export industries, making him a key figure in the Middle East’s business community.
- Sadek El-Sewedy
Net Worth: $875 million (stake in Elsewedy Electric)
Sectors: Energy and Electrical Equipment
Sadek El-Sewedy, co-founder and chairman of Elsewedy Electric, owns a 25.53 percent stake—546.5 million shares—in the company worth $875 million. Under his leadership, Elsewedy has expanded across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, with projects in energy solutions, digital technologies, and power infrastructure. He has played a crucial role in Egypt’s industrial expansion, ensuring the family remains a key force in Africa’s energy sector.
- Ahmed El-Sewedy
Net Worth: $870 million (stake in Elsewedy Electric)
Sectors: Electrical Equipment and Energy
Ahmed El-Sewedy, CEO of Elsewedy Electric, has played a pivotal role in turning the family business into one of MENA’s largest electrical equipment manufacturers. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its reach to over 110 countries, specializing in cables, transformers, and renewable energy solutions. Elsewedy’s revenue soared by 51.49 percent in 2024, hitting $3.26 billion, a testament to its growing influence in the industry. Beyond leading the multinational giant, Ahmed El-Sewedy holds a 25.52 percent stake valued at over $870 million. He is also deeply involved in sustainable energy, investing in solar and wind projects to drive the region’s shift toward greener solutions.
- Samih Sawiris
Net Worth: $850 million
Sectors: Real Estate and Tourism
Samih Sawiris, the youngest son of Egyptian construction magnate Onsi Sawiris, is the force behind Orascom Development Holding (ODH), a Swiss-based real estate and tourism empire. His developments have transformed Egypt, Montenegro, and Switzerland with luxury resort towns. Despite setbacks after Egypt’s 2011 political unrest, Sawiris guided ODH through cost-cutting, asset sales, and restructuring. He also owns a 10 percent stake in OCI N.V., the construction giant founded by his father. His projects continue to shape Egypt’s real estate and tourism appeal on a global scale.
