Africa’s 5 richest men among the world’s wealthiest in 2025

As of January 2025, five prominent Africans have secured their positions among the world’s wealthiest individuals, showcasing the economic potential of the continent. This article outlines their achievements and contributions to various industries.

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According to Bloomberg’s billionaire index, here are the 5 richest African people at the very start of the year, as per.

Aliko Dangote

Aliko Dangote is a Nigerian businessman who has consistently held the title of Africa’s richest person. As of January 2025, he ranks 67th globally with a net worth of $28.1 billion.

Dangote’s wealth primarily stems from his extensive investments in manufacturing and oil refining through his conglomerate, Dangote Group. His ventures not only contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy but also create thousands of jobs across various sectors.

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Johann Rupert

Johann Rupert, a South African billionaire, is recognised as Africa’s second richest individual, ranking 171st in the world with a net worth of $13.7 billion.

Rupert’s wealth is largely derived from his luxury goods company, Richemont, which owns prestigious brands such as Cartier and Montblanc. His diverse business portfolio extends beyond luxury goods, reflecting a strategic approach to wealth accumulation.

Read also: Top 10 richest people hold $1.9 tn in combined wealth 2025

Nicky Oppenheimer

Nicky Oppenheimer ranks as the third richest person in Africa and 219th globally, with a net worth of $11.5 billion. He is known for his family’s legacy in diamond mining through De Beers.

Oppenheimer sold his stake in the company in 2012 for $5.1 billion and subsequently established Fireblade Aviation, which provides chartered flight services. His investments continue to impact both the mining sector and aviation.

Natie Kirsh

Nathan “Natie” Kirsh is a Swazi-South African entrepreneur currently valued at $9.33 billion, making him the fourth richest African and ranking him 295th worldwide.

Kirsh has built a reputation through his international ventures in financial services, real estate, and wholesale distribution. He has also made significant strides in the food and beverages industry, further diversifying his business interests.

Nassef Sawiris

Nassef Sawiris is an Egyptian businessman with a net worth of $8.69 billion, placing him fifth among Africa’s wealthiest individuals and 323rd globally.

He holds a substantial stake in OCI, a leading fertilizer company based in the Netherlands. Sawiris’s influence extends into various sectors, including construction and sports, where he has investments in companies like Adidas and Aston Villa Football Club.