Top 10 Richest Africans in 2026: Dangote Leads with $28. 5 Billion. Lagos, Nigeria — 2026-03-09 Lead Paragraph The ranks of Africa’s billionaires have been bolstered in 2026, with Aliko Dangote maintaining his position as the continent’s wealthiest individual, according to Forbes’latest ranking.
The top 10 African billionaires, whose fortunes are closely tied to the continent’s economic growth and global commodity prices, have seen their collective wealth soar.
The Dangote Group, Dangote’s business empire, has been at the forefront of this growth, with shares in Dangote Cement rising by nearly 69%. This surge added $4.
6 billion to Dangote’s net worth, bringing his total estimated wealth to $28.
5 billion.
The Dangote Refinery, his flagship project, is poised for expansion after securing a $400 million machinery deal with China and is on track for an upcoming public offering.
Johann Rupert, the head of Richemont, which owns luxury brands Cartier and Montblanc, ranks second with an estimated fortune of $16. 1 billion.
His wealth is derived from the company’s luxury goods operations and investments in financial services, healthcare, and private equity.
Abdulsamad Rabiu, founder of the BUA Group, experienced the biggest wealth gain in Africa this year, jumping to $11. 2 billion, a 120% increase from last year.
His BUA Group has investments in cement, sugar refining, agriculture, and real estate, with BUA Cement shares rising by 135%.
Nicky Oppenheimer, the former chair of De Beers, maintains a fortune of $10. 6 billion.
After selling his stake in the diamond mining giant, he has shifted his focus to private equity and global investments, including technology companies and conservation projects.
Nassef Sawiris’s wealth stands at $9. 6 billion, driven by his leadership at OCI N.
V.
A global fertilizer and chemicals company. His ventures also include stakes in Orascom Construction and investments in international brands like Adidas.
The increase in Africa’s billionaire club underscores the continent’s growing economic power and the expansion of wealth in various sectors.
As the year progresses, further details on the investments and strategies of these African business leaders are expected to emerge.
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Source: Africa.
