Top 10 Billionaires in Africa in September 2026: Wealthiest Individuals and Businessmen

Aliko Dangote Leads Continental Wealth Rankings at $31.4 Billion

Aliko Dangote maintains his position at the top of the continental wealth list, commanding an estimated net worth of $31.4 billion according to Forbes. Dangote owns 87.45% of Dangote Cement and 92.3% of the Lagos refinery, which stands as the largest single asset in African private hands. Having led the regional ranking for fifteen consecutive years, his fortune has expanded by roughly $2.9 billion since Forbes released its annual Africa list in March.

Additional reporting from Business Insider Africa notes that Dangote’s broader network spans cement, sugar, fertilizer, and salt production across the continent. Business Insider Africa attributes a portion of this ongoing growth to a nearly 69% surge in Dangote Cement shares, alongside plans to take the Lagos refinery public following a $400 million machinery deal with a Chinese firm.

Nathan Kirsh and Johann Rupert Hold Major Share of Top Wealth

Nathan Kirsh of Eswatini ranks second on the daily index with $19.2 billion, followed by South Africa’s Johann Rupert and family at $17.5 billion, according to Forbes. Together with Dangote, these three individuals control 56% of the total wealth held by the continent’s top ten billionaires. Kirsh built his fortune starting in southern African milling before acquiring Jetro Holdings, whose Restaurant Depot and Jetro Cash & Carry chains supply independent food businesses across the United States. Kirsh operates primarily out of London, meaning nearly all of his recorded wealth sits outside the continent.

Johann Rupert chairs Compagnie Financière Richemont, the Swiss luxury group behind brands like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Montblanc, and IWC, while also controlling South African investment firm Remgro. Forbes data indicates Rupert has gained approximately $1.4 billion since March. Business Insider Africa values Rupert’s empire slightly lower at $16.1 billion, emphasizing his strategic focus on premium global brands and long-term value creation.

Abdulsamad Rabiu and Nicky Oppenheimer Record Significant Holdings

Abdulsamad Rabiu of Nigeria sits at fourth place with a net worth of $12.6 billion according to Forbes, which notes he has added about $1.4 billion since March. Rabiu founded BUA Group in Kano, expanding operations across cement, sugar, and food processing while listing BUA Cement and BUA Foods on the Nigerian Exchange. Forbes reports that through his foundation, ASR Africa, Rabiu pledges $100 million annually to fund hospitals, schools, and security infrastructure.

By contrast, Business Insider Africa and Forbes’ annual list place Rabiu at $11.2 billion, citing a 120% jump driven by a 135% rise in BUA Cement shares that outperformed the broader Nigerian Stock Exchange. Nicky Oppenheimer and family round out the upper tier with $10.7 billion, according to Forbes. The Oppenheimer family controlled De Beers and Anglo American across three generations before Nicky Oppenheimer sold their 40% stake in De Beers to Anglo American in 2012 for $5.1 billion. The proceeds were channeled into Oppenheimer Generations and conservation efforts like the Tswalu Kalahari reserve.

Regional Distribution and Notable Shifts Among Egypt and South Africa Tycoons

Egypt’s wealthiest individual, Nassef Sawiris, holds $9.6 billion through OCI, the fertilizer and chemicals group built from his family’s construction business, alongside stakes in Adidas and English football club Aston Villa. His fortune remains unchanged since March, according to Forbes. His elder brother, Naguib Sawiris, follows at $5.6 billion, having taken the executive chairmanship of Orascom Investment Holding on August 19 while engaging in talks regarding Egyptian airport bids.

Mike Adenuga of Nigeria controls Globacom and Conoil with a net worth of $7 billion, gaining about $500 million since March. Mohamed Mansour of Egypt manages a diversified group distributing General Motors and Caterpillar equipment, holding a net worth of $4 billion. Meanwhile, Michiel le Roux of South Africa sits at tenth with $3.7 billion after founding Capitec Bank. Notably, Patrice Motsepe has slipped to eleventh place with $3.6 billion, falling behind le Roux on the daily tracker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Nathan Kirsh base his operations?

According to Forbes, Nathan Kirsh lives in London and runs Jetro Holdings, with nearly all of his wealth sitting outside the continent that ranks him.