The club of African billionaires continues to grow richer year after year. With the rise of stock markets and the stabilization of currencies across the continent, the fortunes of the region’s leading business leaders have seen strong growth.
The 23 members of Africa’s so-called “three-digit club” now hold a combined wealth of $126.7 billion, a 21% increase from 2025, according to the latest Forbes ranking.
Aliko Dangote remains Africa’s richest man, with an estimated fortune of $28.5 billion, having added $4.6 billion this year.
Below are the ten richest Africans in 2026:
1. Aliko Dangote — $28.5 billion | Industry
Africa’s richest man saw his fortune soar to $28.5 billion this year, an increase of $4.6 billion, after Dangote Cement shares rose nearly 69%. Through the Dangote Group, his businesses span cement, sugar, fertilizer, and salt production across Africa. Dangote Refinery, his flagship project, is expanding capacity with a $400 million deal for Chinese machinery and may go public soon.
2. Johann Rupert — $16.1 billion | Fashion and retail
Johann Rupert, whose empire is now worth $16.1 billion, controls Richemont, the luxury giant behind brands such as Cartier, Montblanc, and Van Cleef & Arpels. His international luxury retail network spans Europe, Asia, and the Americas. He also holds 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 — $11.2 billion | Diversified
Abdulsamad Rabiu reached $11.2 billion, recording the largest wealth growth in Africa this year, a 120% jump ($6.1 billion) from the previous year. He is the founder of the BUA Group, a diversified conglomerate with investments in cement, sugar refining, agriculture, and real estate. Shares in BUA Cement, his main asset, rose 135%. Through the Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative, he supports projects in education, health, and social development.
4. Nicky Oppenheimer — $10.6 billion | Metals and mining
Nicky Oppenheimer’s fortune stands at $10.6 billion, built on De Beers, the global diamond company historically controlled by his family. After selling his stake, he shifted his focus to global private investments through Stockdale Street, including technology, natural resources, and conservation.
5. Nassef Sawiris — $9.6 billion | Construction and engineering
Nassef Sawiris’s fortune has reached $9.6 billion, driven by his leadership role at OCI N.V., a global fertilizer and chemicals company, and his stakes in Orascom Construction. He has diversified into international investments, including Adidas and Aston Villa Football Club.
6. Mike Adenuga — $6.5 billion | Diversified
Mike Adenuga built his fortune in telecommunications and oil exploration. He founded Globacom, one of Nigeria’s largest telecommunications networks, and owns Conoil Producing. His investments extend to banking, real estate, and infrastructure.
7. Naguib Sawiris — $5.6 billion | Telecommunications
Naguib Sawiris has amassed a fortune of $5.6 billion, which began with the expansion of Orascom Telecom in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. He later diversified into media, tourism, venture capital, and gold mining.
8. Patrice Motsepe — $4.3 billion | Metals and mining
Patrice Motsepe holds a fortune of $4.3 billion through African Rainbow Minerals. His investments include renewable energy, financial services, and sports. He also owns the South African soccer club Mamelodi Sundowns and serves as president of the Confederation of African Football.
9. Mohamed Mansour — $4 billion | Diversified
Mohamed Mansour’s fortune is estimated at $4 billion. He built his wealth through the Mansour Group, which operates in automotive distribution, consumer goods, and logistics, as well as global investments.
10. Michiel Le Roux — $3.8 billion | Finance and investments
Michiel Le Roux has a fortune of $3.8 billion. He founded Capitec Bank, one of South Africa’s most innovative banks, promoting financial inclusion through accessible services. He also invests in fintech and venture capital.
Source: Business Insider Africa
