Mila Joshua Yona
These are the top 10 richest people in Africa and their estimated net worth as of 2021.
It is important to note that these figures are constantly changing and are based on publicly available information.
These individuals have built their wealth through a combination of hard work, strategic investments, and a deep understanding of the business landscape in Africa.
They have also played a significant role in driving economic growth and development in their respective countries.
However, it is also important to recognize that wealth inequality is a major issue in Africa, and these individuals represent a small fraction of the population.
In order to truly address poverty and promote sustainable economic development, it is crucial to focus on creating opportunities for all individuals and communities, not just the wealthy few.
It can also be observed that the majority of the top 10 Richest people in Africa are from Nigeria and South Africa, this is due to the fact that these countries have the largest economy in Africa and the most developed and diversified economies in Africa. This also shows that the diversification of the economy is one of the key factors in building wealth in Africa.
Furthermore, these individuals have also invested in various sectors such as telecommunications, manufacturing, agriculture, real estate, oil and gas, banking, and mining. This shows that investing in multiple sectors is a key strategy for building wealth in Africa.
1. Aliko Dangote – $11.5 billion
Aliko Dangote, a Nigerian businessman, is the wealthiest person in Africa with a net worth of $11.5 billion.
He is the founder and owner of Dangote Group, which is one of the largest diversified conglomerates in Africa with interests in cement production, sugar refining, and flour milling. Dangote is also the largest cement producer in Africa, with operations in several countries including Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, and Ethiopia.
2. Nicky Oppenheimer – $7.3 billion
Nicky Oppenheimer, a South African businessman, is the second wealthiest person in Africa with a net worth of $7.3 billion.
He is the former chairman of De Beers, the world’s largest diamond mining company, which was founded by his grandfather. Oppenheimer sold his stake in De Beers to Anglo American, a mining company, in 2012 for $5.1 billion. He is currently the chairman of the Brenthurst Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to promote economic development in Africa.
3. Johann Rupert – $7 billion
Johann Rupert, a South African businessman, is the third wealthiest person in Africa with a net worth of $7 billion.
He is the chairman of Richemont, a luxury goods company that owns several brands including Cartier, Montblanc, and Dunhill. Rupert is also the chairman of Remgro, a diversified investment holding company, and is a significant shareholder in several companies including Investec, a South African bank.
4. Nassef Sawiris – $6.3 billion
Nassef Sawiris, an Egyptian businessman, is the fourth wealthiest person in Africa with a net worth of $6.3 billion. He is the CEO of OCI, a leading nitrogen fertilizers company, and is also the largest individual shareholder of Adidas, the German sportswear company.
Sawiris is also the chairman of Orascom Construction, a leading engineering and construction company with operations in several countries including Egypt, the United States, and Canada.
5. Mike Adenuga – $5.7 billion
Mike Adenuga, a Nigerian businessman, is the fifth wealthiest person in Africa with a net worth of $5.7 billion.
He is the founder and owner of Globacom, Nigeria’s second-largest telecommunications company, and also has interests in the oil and gas sector through his company Conoil Producing. Adenuga is also the owner of Equitorial Trust Bank and a significant shareholder in the Nigeria-based oil exploration company, Conoil.
6. Isabel dos Santos – $2.2 billion
Isabel dos Santos, an Angolan businesswoman, is the sixth wealthiest person in Africa with a net worth of $2.2 billion. She is the daughter of the former President of Angola and has interests in several companies including Unitel, Angola’s largest mobile telecommunications company, and Banco BIC Angola, a financial institution.
Dos Santos also has investments in the media, retail, and real estate sectors.
7. Nadhmi Auchi – $2 billion
Nadhmi Auchi, an Iraqi-British businessman, is the seventh wealthiest person in Africa with a net worth of $2 billion.
He is the founder and owner of General Mediterranean Holding (GMH), a diversified conglomerate with interests in the oil and gas, real estate, and financial services sectors. Auchi is also the chairman of BNP Paribas El-Djazaïr, an Algerian bank and a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, one of the largest banks in Europe.
8. Youssef Mansour – $1.9 billion
Youssef Mansour, an Egyptian businessman, is the eighth wealthiest person in Africa with a net worth of $1.9 billion. He is the chairman of Mansour Group, one of the largest diversified conglomerates in Africa with interests in the automotive, retail, and real estate sectors.
The group is the official distributor of several global brands such as General Motors, Caterpillar, and McDonald’s in Egypt. Mansour is also a significant shareholder in several companies including Commercial International Bank (CIB), one of the largest banks in Egypt.
9. Naguib Sawiris – $1.8 billion
Naguib Sawiris, an Egyptian businessman, is the ninth wealthiest person in Africa with a net worth of $1.8 billion. He is the chairman of Orascom TMT, a leading telecommunications company with operations in several countries including Egypt, Italy, and Tunisia.
Sawiris is also the chairman of Weather Investments, a leading provider of telecommunications services in Africa and the Middle East. He is also the founder of La Mancha, a private equity firm that invests in the mining sector.
10. Mohammed Dewji – $1.7 billion
Mohammed Dewji, a Tanzanian businessman, is the tenth wealthiest person in Africa with a net worth of $1.7 billion. He is the CEO of MeTL Group, a conglomerate with interests in the agriculture, trading, manufacturing, and telecommunications sectors.
The group is one of the largest employers in Tanzania and operates in several countries in East Africa. Dewji is also the chairman of the Tanzania Ports Authority and a significant shareholder in several companies including Tanzania Breweries Limited and Azam Media.
In conclusion, Africa is home to some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, and their success can serve as inspiration for others looking to build wealth on the continent. By understanding the strategies and industries that have led to their success, it is possible for others to emulate their success and contribute to the economic growth and development of Africa.
