Top 10 oldest billionaires in Africa in 2025

Africa is home to some of the world’s most influential and wealthy individuals, many of whom have spent decades building business empires that span multiple industries.

The continent’s oldest billionaires have not only amassed significant fortunes but have also played crucial roles in shaping economies, creating jobs, and influencing policies.

Here are the top 10 oldest billionaires in Africa, their industries, and the legacy they continue to build.

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1. Nathan Kirsh (93) – $7.3 Billion (Eswatini) – Retail & Real Estate

Nathan Kirsh, the oldest billionaire in Africa, has built a vast fortune through his investments in retail and real estate. His company, Kirsh Holdings, operates in multiple markets, with a strong presence in the United States, South Africa, and Eswatini. His success in the wholesale cash-and-carry business has cemented his status as one of the most influential business figures on the continent.

2. Othman Benjelloun (92) – $1.6 Billion (Morocco) – Banking & Insuranc

Othman Benjelloun is a key figure in Morocco’s banking and insurance sector. He chairs BMCE Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in Africa, and has expanded its operations across the continent. His leadership and strategic vision have allowed his banking empire to flourish in an ever-evolving financial landscape.

3. Christoffel Wiese (83) – $1.6 Billion (South Africa) – Retail

Christoffel Wiese is synonymous with retail success in South Africa. He played a crucial role in the expansion of Shoprite, Africa’s largest supermarket chain. His retail empire has weathered economic challenges, and he remains an influential figure in the industry despite stepping back from active management in recent years.

4. Issad Rebrab (81) – $2.5 Billion (Algeria) – Food

Algerian billionaire Issad Rebrab made his fortune in the food industry through his company, Cevital, which is one of the largest private companies in the country. His business interests extend to agribusiness, steel, and manufacturing, demonstrating his ability to diversify and grow his wealth across multiple sectors.

5. Nicky Oppenheimer (79) – $9.5 Billion (South Africa) – Diamonds

A name synonymous with diamonds, Nicky Oppenheimer controlled De Beers, the world’s leading diamond company, before selling his stake in 2012. His wealth continues to grow through investment ventures, and he remains an influential figure in conservation and philanthropy.

6. Youssef Mansour (79) – $1.3 Billion (Egypt) – Diversified

Part of the Mansour family, Youssef Mansour’s wealth is derived from a diversified portfolio that includes consumer goods, automotive distribution, and telecommunications. His family business, Mansour Group, is one of the largest conglomerates in Egypt and has a significant presence in several industries.

7. Mohamed Mansour (77) – $3.3 Billion (Egypt) – Diversified

Mohamed Mansour, Youssef’s brother, also plays a key role in the Mansour Group. He oversees various operations, including Caterpillar dealership networks in several countries, showcasing his business acumen and strategic expansion initiatives.

8. Michiel Le Roux (75) – $1.7 Billion (South Africa) – Banking

Michiel Le Roux revolutionized the banking sector in South Africa by founding Capitec Bank, a financial institution focused on accessibility and affordability. His efforts have transformed the country’s banking landscape, making banking services available to millions of people.

9. Johann Rupert (74) – $13.7 Billion (South Africa) – Luxury Goods

Johann Rupert is the chairman of Richemont, the Swiss luxury goods company behind brands like Cartier and Montblanc. His keen business sense has helped him grow his empire, and he remains one of Africa’s wealthiest individuals.

10. Koos Bekker (72) – $2.9 Billion (South Africa) – Media & Investments

Koos Bekker made his fortune in media and investments through Naspers, a company that transformed into a global tech powerhouse under his leadership. He played a pivotal role in the company’s early investment in Tencent, one of China’s biggest tech firms, which significantly increased Naspers’ valuation.