Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote has retained his position as Africa’s richest person, with an estimated net worth of $28.5 bn, according to the latest wealth rankings based on stock prices and currency exchange rates as of March 1, 2026.
The rankings highlight the continued concentration of wealth across Africa’s manufacturing, retail, mining, telecommunications and diversified business sectors, with billionaires from Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt dominating the continent’s top 10.
South African luxury goods magnate Johann Rupert and his family ranked second with an estimated fortune of $16.1 bn, while Nigerian businessman Abdulsamad Rabiu placed third with $11.2 bn, driven by his diversified business interests.
South Africa’s Nicky Oppenheimer and family ranked fourth with $10.6 bn, reflecting the mining sector’s enduring contribution to the continent’s wealth creation.
Egypt secured three positions among Africa’s wealthiest individuals, led by Nassef Sawiris, who ranked fifth with an estimated $9.6 billion through his investments in construction and engineering.
His brother, Naguib Sawiris, placed seventh with $5.6 bn, supported by his telecommunications and investment portfolio, while Mohamed Mansour ranked ninth with an estimated fortune of $4 bn from diversified business holdings.
Nigerian entrepreneur Mike Adenuga secured sixth place with $6.5 bn, while South African mining billionaire Patrice Motsepe ranked eighth with $4.3 bn.
Rounding out the top 10 was South African financier Michiel Le Roux, whose wealth was estimated at $3.8 bn, reflecting the financial sector’s continued role in generating private wealth across the continent.
The latest rankings underscore the dominance of manufacturing, mining, telecommunications, retail and diversified investments in shaping Africa’s billionaire landscape, with Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt remaining home to the continent’s largest concentrations of private wealth.
