Top 10 richest people in Africa at the start of 2025

African billionaires serve as symbols of the economic potential of the African continent. Their successes dispel misconceptions and highlight Africa as a place of opportunity.

African billionaires constitute significant forces for economic growth.

The firms they own operate in several industries, including banking, real estate, agriculture, and telecommunications.

By dominating these sectors, they provide jobs for millions of people in addition to expanding their companies’ turnovers, and by extension their economies.

Addtionally, many of Africa’s richest people are at the forefront of technical innovation. They invest in businesses that utilize tech, which subsequently bolsters Africa’s tech ecosystem, and encourages innovation.

In the new year, as Africa continues to grow its digital economy, and looks to fully adopt the use of AI, billionaires will play an increasingly important role in ensuring this transition.

Their resources and networks can assist African entrepreneurs in scaling creative solutions that solve local issues ranging from healthcare to education and beyond.

With that said, here are the 10 richest people on the continent according to Forbes real time net worth index, as of 3rd of January 2025.

Compared to last year’s list, Aliko Dangote ranks number 1 on this list as opposed to Johann Rupert.

Issad Rebrab & Family, has been ousted from the top ten list as his net worth dropped from $4.6 billion this time last year to now $2.5 billion.

South Africa’s Koos Bekker, made the top 10 list this year in place of Issad Rebrab & Family, with a net worth of $2.9 billion.

Furthermore, Mike Adenuga is much higher on the list this year, going from 10th position ($3.1 billion) at the start of last year, to 6th ($6.8 billion) currently.