The 10 Richest People in Africa: South Africans Dominate the List
Forbes 2025 Billionaires List Reveals Surge in African Wealth, with 4 South Africans in the Top 10
In a continent often weighed down by economic and political turbulence, Africa’s wealthiest have soared to record-breaking heights in 2025. A new milestone has been reached: Africa’s 22 billionaires now collectively hold over $100 billion (R1.84 trillion) in wealth — an all-time high.
Most notably, South Africa continues to shine, claiming the highest number of billionaires on the list with seven, and four within the top 10. These individuals span industries from fashion and mining to media and aviation, illustrating the diverse landscape of African affluence.
Let’s take a closer look at the Top 10 Richest People in Africa in 2025 and how South Africans are leading the pack.
Forbes Billionaires List: Africa 2025 Top 10
| # | Name | Net Worth | Country | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aliko Dangote | $23.9 billion (R440.4 billion) | Nigeria | Manufacturing |
| 2 | Johann Rupert | $14 billion (R258 billion) | South Africa | Fashion & Retail |
| 3 | Nicky Oppenheimer | $10.4 billion (R191.6 billion) | South Africa | Metals & Mining |
| 4 | Nassef Sawiris | $9.6 billion (R176.9 billion) | Egypt | Construction & Engineering |
| 5 | Mike Adenuga | $6.8 billion (R125.3 billion) | Nigeria | Diversified |
| 6 | Abdulsamad Rabiu | $5.1 billion (R94 billion) | Nigeria | Diversified |
| 7 | Naguib Sawiris | $5.0 billion (R92.1 billion) | Egypt | Telecom |
| 8= | Koos Bekker | $3.4 billion (R62.7 billion) | South Africa | Media & Entertainment |
| 8= | Mohamed Mansour | $3.4 billion (R62.7 billion) | Egypt | Diversified |
| 10= | Patrice Motsepe | $3.0 billion (R55.3 billion) | South Africa | Metals & Mining |
| 10= | Issad Rebrab | $3.0 billion (R55.3 billion) | Algeria | Food & Beverage |
READ: Understanding South Africa’s Two-Pot Retirement System
Africa’s Billionaire Highlights for 2025
- Aliko Dangote, Nigeria’s industrial magnate, secures the top spot for the 14th consecutive year, boasting a massive surge in net worth due to the long-awaited launch of his Lagos-based oil refinery.
- Johann Rupert, South Africa’s luxury tycoon behind Richemont (the name behind Cartier and Montblanc), saw his fortune rise 39% to $14 billion (R258 billion).
- Mining legend Nicky Oppenheimer, whose family once ruled the diamond trade via De Beers, holds strong in third place with $10.4 billion (R191.6 billion). He now champions eco-conservation and aviation through Fireblade Aviation and land holdings across Southern Africa.
- Koos Bekker, the man who transformed Naspers into a global media powerhouse, joins the top 10 with a $3.4 billion fortune. A storyteller turned billionaire, he continues to reshape media consumption in Africa.
- Patrice Motsepe, South Africa’s first black billionaire and the founder of African Rainbow Minerals, rounds out the top 10, sharing 10th place with Algeria’s Issad Rebrab. His net worth is pegged at $3.0 billion (R55.3 billion).
Beyond the Top 10: Other South African Billionaires
South Africa’s financial elite extends well beyond the top 10:
- Michiel le Roux, founder of Capitec Bank, sits at 12th with $2.2 billion (R40.5 billion).
- Jannie Mouton, PSG Group founder, returns to the rankings in 16th position, alongside Christoffel Wiese of Pepkor fame. Both have fortunes of $1.5 billion (R27.6 billion).
Africa’s Billionaire Boom: A Global Reflection
According to MSCI, global equity markets surged 22% over the past year, and African billionaires followed suit. Despite facing political instability, inflation, and volatile currencies, Africa’s wealthiest are not just surviving — they’re thriving.
Forbes evaluated each billionaire using stock prices and exchange rates as of 7 March 2025, combining financial disclosures, market data, and estimations for private businesses.
Africa’s Billionaire Class of 2025: A Snapshot in Rands
- Africa’s billionaires now hold R1.84 trillion in total wealth.
- South Africa leads with 7 billionaires, followed by Nigeria and Egypt with 4 each, and Algeria with 1.
- The industries represented include manufacturing, mining, luxury goods, media, aviation, telecom, and retail — revealing the breadth of opportunities on the continent.
Also read: Today’s Financial Indicators – 18 June 2025