Discover the top 10 richest people in Africa in 2026 as Africa’s billionaire class has reached a new milestone in 2026. According to Forbes’ 2026 Africa billionaires ranking, the continent’s 23 billionaires were collectively worth approximately $126.7 billion, an increase of 21% from the previous year’s list.
From cement and oil to luxury goods, mining, telecommunications and banking, Africa’s richest people have built fortunes across some of the continent’s most important industries.
Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote remains firmly at the top.
Top 10 Richest People in Africa in 2026
| Rank | Name | Net Worth* | Main Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aliko Dangote | $28.5 billion | Manufacturing |
| 2 | Johann Rupert & family | $16.1 billion | Fashion & Retail |
| 3 | Abdulsamad Rabiu | $11.2 billion | Diversified |
| 4 | Nicky Oppenheimer & family | $10.6 billion | Mining |
| 5 | Nassef Sawiris | $9.6 billion | Construction & Investments |
| 6 | Mike Adenuga | $6.5 billion | Telecom/Diversified |
| 7 | Naguib Sawiris | $5.6 billion | Telecom |
| 8 | Patrice Motsepe | $4.3 billion | Mining |
| 9 | Mohamed Mansour | $4.0 billion | Diversified |
| 10 | Michiel Le Roux | $3.8 billion | Banking |
*Forbes estimates for its 2026 Africa ranking. Fortunes can subsequently change with markets, currencies and asset valuations.
10. Michiel Le Roux — $3.8 Billion
Country: South Africa
Industry: Banking
Michiel Le Roux is one of the entrepreneurs behind Capitec Bank, which helped reshape South African consumer banking.
Capitec built its business by focusing on accessible and relatively straightforward banking services.
Forbes estimated Le Roux’s fortune at $3.8 billion on its 2026 Africa list.
He was also one of the year’s notable gainers as Capitec’s share price increased significantly.
9. Mohamed Mansour — $4 Billion
Country: Egypt
Industry: Diversified
Mohamed Mansour and his family have built substantial business interests through the Mansour Group.
The group’s operations span several sectors and have included major international brand partnerships.
Forbes estimated Mansour’s fortune at approximately $4 billion in its 2026 ranking.
8. Patrice Motsepe — $4.3 Billion
Country: South Africa
Industry: Mining
Patrice Motsepe built his fortune in mining and became one of South Africa’s most recognizable business leaders.
His business career is closely associated with African Rainbow Minerals.
Motsepe is also well known in African football. He serves as president of the Confederation of African Football.
Forbes estimated his 2026 fortune at $4.3 billion.
7. Naguib Sawiris — $5.6 Billion
Country: Egypt
Industry: Telecommunications and investments
Naguib Sawiris comes from one of Egypt’s most prominent business families.
Telecommunications played an important role in building his fortune, although his investments have extended into other sectors.
In 2026, Forbes estimated his net worth at $5.6 billion.
6. Mike Adenuga — $6.5 Billion
Country: Nigeria
Industry: Telecommunications and oil
Mike Adenuga is the founder of Globacom, commonly known as Glo, one of Nigeria’s major telecommunications companies.
His business interests have also included oil exploration and production.
Unlike many high-profile billionaires, Adenuga maintains a relatively private public profile.
Forbes valued his fortune at approximately $6.5 billion in its 2026 Africa ranking.
5. Nassef Sawiris — $9.6 Billion
Country: Egypt
Industry: Construction and investments
Nassef Sawiris is another member of Egypt’s wealthy Sawiris family.
His investments have included significant corporate holdings as well as an interest in English Premier League club Aston Villa.
Forbes estimated his fortune at $9.6 billion in 2026.
4. Nicky Oppenheimer & Family — $10.6 Billion
Country: South Africa
Industry: Diamonds and investments
The Oppenheimer name is deeply connected with the history of the global diamond industry.
The family controlled De Beers for decades before selling its remaining stake to Anglo American in 2012.
Today, the family’s wealth is spread across investments and other assets.
Forbes valued Nicky Oppenheimer and his family at approximately $10.6 billion in 2026.
3. Abdulsamad Rabiu — $11.2 Billion
Country: Nigeria
Industry: Cement, sugar and diversified businesses
Abdulsamad Rabiu is the founder and chairman of BUA Group.
His rise in the 2026 ranking was particularly dramatic.
Forbes reported that his estimated fortune increased by about 120%, or $6.1 billion, to $11.2 billion.
A major reason was the performance of BUA Cement shares.
That increase pushed Rabiu from sixth place the previous year to third among Africa’s richest people.
2. Johann Rupert & Family — $16.1 Billion
Country: South Africa
Industry: Luxury goods
Johann Rupert controls a fortune closely connected with the global luxury industry.
He is chairman of Richemont, whose portfolio includes prestigious luxury brands.
Rupert’s position is interesting because much of his wealth depends on consumers far beyond Africa.
Luxury watches, jewelry and fashion have made him one of the continent’s richest individuals for years.
Forbes estimated Rupert and his family’s fortune at $16.1 billion in 2026.
1. Aliko Dangote — $28.5 Billion
Country: Nigeria
Industry: Cement, manufacturing and oil refining
Aliko Dangote remains the richest person in Africa.
Forbes estimated his fortune at $28.5 billion in its 2026 Africa ranking, putting him more than $12 billion ahead of second-place Johann Rupert.
Dangote built his business empire through commodities and manufacturing.
Dangote Cement became a dominant cement producer with operations across multiple African markets.
His enormous Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos has added another dimension to his business empire.
Forbes reported that Dangote became $4.6 billion richer compared with its previous annual Africa ranking, helped by a sharp rise in Dangote Cement shares. He is ranked the 86th richest in the world richest people in the 2026.
Nigeria and South Africa Dominate Africa’s Billionaire Rankings
One of the most interesting features of the top ten is the influence of Nigeria and South Africa.
Nigeria contributes:
- Aliko Dangote
- Abdulsamad Rabiu
- Mike Adenuga
South Africa contributes:
- Johann Rupert
- Nicky Oppenheimer
- Patrice Motsepe
- Michiel Le Roux
Egypt also has a major presence through Nassef Sawiris, Naguib Sawiris and Mohamed Mansour.
This means the entire top ten comes from just three countries: Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt.
What Industries Create Africa’s Biggest Fortunes?
Africa’s wealthiest individuals have fortunes concentrated in several major sectors:
Manufacturing: Dangote and Rabiu demonstrate the enormous potential of producing essential materials such as cement.
Mining: Southern Africa’s mineral wealth has helped create fortunes such as those associated with Motsepe and the Oppenheimer family.
Telecommunications: Adenuga and Sawiris benefited from the rapid expansion of mobile communications.
Luxury goods: Rupert’s Richemont interests connect African wealth to global luxury consumers.
Banking: Le Roux’s Capitec stake demonstrates the value created by financial-services innovation.
Who Could Rise in Future Rankings?
Billionaire rankings can change rapidly.
Currency movements, stock prices, commodity prices, IPOs and private-company valuations can all significantly alter estimated fortunes.
Abdulsamad Rabiu’s jump in 2026 provides a perfect example.
Forbes estimated that his fortune more than doubled in one year.
That means Africa’s billionaire hierarchy should never be viewed as permanent.
Conclusion
Africa’s richest people in 2026 represent far more than personal fortunes.
Their companies manufacture cement, operate mines, connect millions of mobile subscribers, provide banking services and sell luxury goods around the world.
But one individual remains clearly ahead.
With an estimated fortune of $28.5 billion on Forbes’ annual Africa ranking, Aliko Dangote is Africa’s richest person in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the richest person on the list of top 10 richest people in Africa 2026?
Aliko Dangote is Africa’s richest person on Forbes’ 2026 Africa ranking, with an estimated fortune of $28.5 billion.
Who is the richest person in South Africa?
Johann Rupert and family ranked as South Africa’s richest on Forbes’ 2026 Africa list, with an estimated $16.1 billion.
Who is the second-richest person in Africa?
Johann Rupert and family rank second.
How many billionaires does Africa have?
Forbes counted 23 billionaires on its 2026 Africa ranking, worth a combined $126.7 billion.
Who is the richest Nigerian?
Aliko Dangote.
Primary source:Â Forbes Africa’s Richest People 2026.