Africa’s richest man and Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has once again retained his position as the continent’s wealthiest individual, according to the latest Forbes ranking.
With an estimated net worth of $24.4 billion, Dangote is ranked 88th on the global list, far ahead of his Nigerian peers.
Forbes’ new ranking, released over the weekend, highlights his dominance in Africa’s wealth hierarchy, driven largely by his cement, sugar, and oil businesses, as well as his landmark petroleum refinery launched in 2023.
Abdulsamad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, followed as Nigeria’s second-richest with a net worth of $7.2 billion, placing him 516th worldwide. Telecoms and oil mogul Mike Adenuga ranked 592nd with an estimated fortune of $6.3 billion.
Dangote, who first appeared on Forbes’ billionaire list in 2008, has held the title of Africa’s richest man consistently since reclaiming the spot in 2011 marking 14 consecutive years at the top.
His fortune has made him a symbol of Nigeria’s industrial drive and private-sector strength.
Elsewhere on the continent, South African luxury goods tycoon Johann Rupert ranks as the country’s wealthiest at $13.2 billion, followed by former diamond magnate Nicky Oppenheimer with $10.4 billion.
Other South African billionaires include Koos Bekker ($3.8 billion), Patrice Motsepe ($3.4 billion), Michiel le Roux ($2.7 billion), Jannie Mouton and family ($1.9 billion), and Christoffel Wiese ($1.7 billion).
In Egypt, Nassef Sawiris leads with $8.8 billion, followed by his brother Naguib Sawiris with $5 billion.
The Mansour brothers Mohamed ($3.4 billion), Youssef ($1.4 billion), and Yasseen ($1.2 billion) also feature prominently.
Other notable billionaires include Eswatini’s Nathan Kirsh ($8 billion), Morocco’s Othman Benjelloun & family ($2 billion), Aziz Akhannouch ($1.6 billion), Anas Sefrioui & family ($1.6 billion), Tanzania’s Mohammed Dewji ($2.2 billion), and Zimbabwe’s Strive Masiyiwa ($1.3 billion).
