This year has witnessed a remarkable shift in the rankings of Africa's richest individuals, stirring significant interest and conversation. After nearly a decade of holding the title, Nigeria's Aliko Dangote has been dethroned from his position as the richest man in Africa, now ranked second. In his place, South Africa's Johann Rupert emerges as the new wealth leader on the continent. Close behind, the third position is claimed by Nicky Oppenheimer, also from South Africa, thanks to his family's legacy in the diamond industry through DeBeers. Throughout the global pandemic, many of Africa's billionaires have managed to maintain their fortunes, showing resilience in challenging times.
Notably absent from this year's list is Isabel dos Santos, the former richest woman in Africa. She has recently become embroiled in legal controversies surrounding allegations of corruption and nepotism, resulting in the seizure of her vast fortune. The attorney general of Angola has leveled charges against her for embezzlement and money laundering. In addition to her legal troubles, Isabel is coping with the tragic loss of her husband, Sindika Dokolo, who died in a scuba diving accident in October 2020.
In this article, we will delve into the profiles of the ten richest individuals in Africa. The list reveals that four of these billionaires hail from South Africa, three are from Nigeria, two from Egypt, and one from Algeria. Let's explore their stories and the factors contributing to their wealth.
Johann Rupert (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
#10. Koos Bekker – $2 Billion
Country: South Africa
Koos Bekker is a prominent figure in the media industry, having founded the television company M-Net, which went public on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 1990. Under his leadership as CEO from 1997, Bekker transformed M-Net and its parent company, Naspers, into a media powerhouse with investments spanning continents including India, Russia, and China. His vision has played a crucial role in shaping the media landscape in Africa.
#9. Folorunsho Alakija – $2.5 Billion
Country: Nigeria
Folorunsho Alakija made history as Nigeria's first female billionaire, initially starting her career as an Executive Secretary in Lagos. She launched a successful tailoring business and eventually served as the National President of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria. Her foray into the oil industry, where she secured rights to a plot of land with significant oil reserves, resulted in a lengthy legal battle that she ultimately won, elevating her wealth dramatically.
#8. Patrice Motsepe – $2.7 Billion
Country: South Africa
Patrice Motsepe is celebrated as Africa's first billionaire in mining. He owns African Rainbow Minerals and was the first African to sign Bill Gates' Giving Pledge, committing to donate a substantial portion of his wealth to charitable causes. In 1999, he and his wife established the Motsepe Foundation to foster job creation, education, and improved living conditions for vulnerable communities.
#7. Issad Rebrab – $3.2 Billion
Country: Algeria
Issad Rebrab ascended to billionaire status through his food business, Cevital. An accountant by profession, he founded the company in 1998, building upon earlier investments in the metal industry. Despite operating in a challenging economic environment characterized by socialist policies, Rebrab has successfully grown his business, marking him as Algeria's first billionaire.
#6. Mohamed Mansour – $4 Billion
Country: Egypt
Mohamed Mansour, alongside his brothers, has propelled the Mansour Group to significant heights. After completing his studies in the United States, he returned to Egypt and expanded the family's business by partnering with General Motors. He is also the founder and chairman of Mansour Automotive Company, as well as the authorized distributor of Caterpillar in several African nations.
#5. Mike Adenuga – $4.6 Billion
Country: Nigeria
Mike Adenuga is a titan in mobile telecommunications and oil production. He founded Globacom, Nigeria's second-largest mobile network, serving over 24 million customers. His company, Conoil Producing, stands out as one of Nigeria's largest independent oil exploration ventures, showcasing his ability to capitalize on lucrative opportunities in both sectors.
#4. Nassef Sawiris – $6.1 Billion
Country: Egypt
Nassef Sawiris, Egypt's wealthiest individual, made headlines in 2015 by purchasing a 6% stake in Adidas, becoming the company's largest investor. His investment vehicle, NNS Holding, owns a significant share of the company, thus enhancing his financial portfolio. His strategic investments often go unreported, but they play a significant role in his wealth accumulation.
#3. Nicky Oppenheimer – $6.7 Billion
Country: South Africa
Nicky Oppenheimer's family has a long-standing legacy in the diamond industry, having led De Beers since the 1920s. As CEO, he navigated the company through economic downturns while achieving significant business growth. In addition to his work with De Beers, he invests in ventures that build businesses in South Africa and manages a game preserve.
#2. Aliko Dangote – $7 Billion
Country: Nigeria
Aliko Dangote is renowned for his vast Dangote Group, operating in various commodities sectors. His business interests span multiple African countries, employing over 11,000 people and contributing significantly to the Nigerian economy. The Dangote Group's influence on the Nigerian Stock Exchange is profound, accounting for a notable fraction of its activities.
#1. Johann Rupert – $7.3 Billion
Country: South Africa
Johann Rupert chairs the Swiss luxury goods company Compagnie Financiere Richemont, known for prestigious brands like Chloe, Cartier, and Montblanc. A South African by origin, Rupert established Richemont as a spinoff from his father's Rembrandt Group, showcasing a legacy of entrepreneurial success that continues to thrive in the luxury market.
