Africa’s billionaire club is getting richer by the year. With stock markets rising and currencies stabilizing across the continent, the fortunes of the region’s top business leaders have surged. The 23 members of Africa’s “three-comma club” now hold a combined wealth of $126.7 billion, up 21% from 2025, according to Forbes latest ranking.
Aliko Dangote remains Africa’s richest man with an estimated net worth of $28.5 billion, gaining $4.6 billion this year.
Below are the top 10 African billionaires in 2026 according to the latest ranking
1. Aliko Dangote — $28.5B | Manufacturing
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, saw his fortune soar to $28.5 billion this year, up $4.6 billion after Dangote Cement shares surged nearly 69%. Through the Dangote Group, his business network spans cement, sugar, fertilizer, and salt production across Africa. The Dangote Refinery, his flagship project, is expanding capacity with a $400 million Chinese machinery deal and may go public soon. The company also doubled its profits in 2025 to ₦1 trillion.
2. Johann Rupert — $16.1B | Fashion & Retail
Johann Rupert, whose empire now touches $16.1 billion, controls Richemont, the luxury goods company behind Cartier, Montblanc, and Van Cleef & Arpels. His international luxury retail network spans boutiques and distributors across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Rupert also has investments through Remgro, which includes financial services, healthcare, and private equity. His strategy focuses on premium global brands and long-term value.
3. Abdulsamad Rabiu — $11.2B | Diversified
Abdulsamad Rabiu skyrocketed to $11.2 billion, recording the biggest wealth gain in Africa this year — a 120% jump ($6.1 billion) from last year. He is the founder of BUA Group, a diversified conglomerate investing in cement, sugar refining, agriculture, and real estate. Shares of BUA Cement, his biggest asset, rose by 135%, outperforming the soaring Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX). Through the Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative, he also supports major projects in education, healthcare, and social development across Nigeria and Africa.
4. Nicky Oppenheimer — $10.6B | Metals & Mining
Nicky Oppenheimer’s fortune stands at $10.6 billion, built through De Beers, the global diamond mining company long controlled by his family. After selling his stake, he shifted focus to private equity and global investments through Stockdale Street. His portfolio spans technology companies, natural resources, and conservation projects, and he remains deeply involved in wildlife preservation across Southern Africa.
5. Nassef Sawiris — $9.6B | Construction & Engineering
Nassef Sawiris’s wealth reached $9.6 billion, anchored by his leadership in OCI N.V., a global fertilizer and chemicals company, and stakes in Orascom Construction, a global engineering and infrastructure firm. He has diversified into international ventures, including Adidas and Aston Villa Football Club, creating a portfolio that spans construction, chemicals, global equities, and sports.
6. Mike Adenuga — $6.5B | Diversified
Mike Adenuga, whose business empire is valued at $6.5 billion, made his fortune through telecommunications and oil exploration. He founded Globacom, one of Nigeria’s largest telecom networks, and owns Conoil Producing, an oil exploration company. His investments also extend into banking, real estate, and infrastructure, strengthening Nigeria’s energy and telecommunications sectors.
7. Naguib Sawiris — $5.6B | Telecom
Naguib Sawiris built a fortune now totaling $5.6 billion, beginning with Orascom Telecom, which expanded mobile networks across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. After selling key assets, he diversified into media, tourism, venture capital, and gold mining, while investing heavily in tech startups and hospitality projects across Europe.
8. Patrice Motsepe — $4.3B | Metals & Mining
Patrice Motsepe commands wealth of $4.3 billion through African Rainbow Minerals, which mines gold, platinum, iron ore, and other resources. His investments include renewable energy, financial services, and sports. Motsepe owns Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and serves as President of the Confederation of African Football. Through the Motsepe Foundation, he supports education, health, and economic empowerment initiatives across Africa.
9. Mohamed Mansour — $4B | Diversified
Mohamed Mansour’s fortune is estimated at $4 billion. He built his wealth through the Mansour Group, a multinational company active in automotive distribution, consumer goods, and logistics. The group partners with brands such as General Motors and Caterpillar across Africa and the Middle East, and Mansour invests in private equity, global financial markets, and technology ventures.
10. Michiel Le Roux — $3.8B | Finance & Investments
Michiel Le Roux’s net worth sits at $3.8 billion. He founded Capitec Bank, one of South Africa’s most successful retail banks, transforming financial inclusion with affordable, low-cost banking. Le Roux also invests in financial technology and venture capital, supporting innovation in Africa’s growing financial services sector.
