African Countries With the Highest Number of Billionaires in 2026

Billionaire wealth in Africa continues to rise, driven by strong corporate profits, booming equity markets, and improving macroeconomic stability in several regions.

In 2026, the continent’s 23 richest individuals are collectively worth $126.7 billion, representing a 21% increase from 2025. Together, they added $20.3 billion to their fortunes over the past year.

The continent’s billionaire class is largely concentrated in industries such as telecommunications, mining, cement, banking, luxury goods, and energy.

Africa’s population has now surpassed 1.5 billion people, accounting for roughly 18% of the global population. Demographic projections suggest this number could rise to 2.5 billion by 2050, making Africa the fastest-growing region in the world.

While billionaire wealth is spread across the continent, a few countries dominate the rankings due to their large economies, deep capital markets, and strong entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Below are the top five African countries with the highest number of dollar-denominated billionaires, based on the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires Index.

1. South Africa

South Africa remains the billionaire capital of Africa, hosting the largest number of ultra-wealthy individuals on the continent.

The country is home to eight dollar-denominated billionaires, whose fortunes span sectors including luxury goods, mining, finance, media, and retail.

Leading the list is Johann Rupert, with an estimated $14.5 billion fortune. Rupert is chairman of luxury conglomerate Compagnie Financière Richemont, the parent company behind global brands such as Cartier and Montblanc.

Another prominent billionaire is Nicky Oppenheimer, worth about $10.6 billion, whose fortune originated from the global diamond trade through De Beers.

Other South African billionaires include:

Patrice Motsepe – $3.8B (African Rainbow Minerals)

Koos Bekker – $3.6B (Naspers)

Michiel Le Roux – $3.3B (Capitec Bank)

Jannie Mouton – $2.4B (PSG Group)

Christoffel Wiese – $1.8B (Shoprite)

Paul van Zuydam – $1.6B (Le Creuset)

These fortunes reflect South Africa’s diversified and mature economy, which supports wealth creation across multiple industries.

2. Egypt

Egypt ranks second on the continent, with six billionaires, many of whom belong to powerful business dynasties.

The richest Egyptian is Nassef Sawiris, worth about $9.2 billion. He serves as executive chairman of Orascom Construction, a global infrastructure contractor.

His brother Naguib Sawiris follows with an estimated $5.5 billion fortune built largely in telecommunications through Orascom Telecom Holding.

The Mansour family also features prominently:

Mohamed Mansour – $4B

Youssef Mansour – $1.8B

Yasseen Mansour – $1.3B

Another billionaire is Samih Sawiris, valued at $1.3 billion, founder of Orascom Development Holding, which develops tourism and resort destinations worldwide.

3. Nigeria

Nigeria remains home to some of Africa’s most influential billionaires, with fortunes rooted in industrial manufacturing, telecommunications, and energy.

The country currently has four dollar-denominated billionaires.

At the top is Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest person, with an estimated $28.5 billion fortune.

His wealth surged after shares of Dangote Cement climbed nearly 69%, while the company recorded record profits of about ₦1 trillion in 2025.

Another major wealth gainer is Abdulsamad Rabiu, whose fortune jumped 120% to $11.2 billion, driven by a 135% surge in BUA Cement shares.

Other Nigerian billionaires include:

Mike Adenuga – $6.5B (Globacom, Conoil)

Femi Otedola – $1.3B (Geregu Power)

Together, these industrialists highlight Nigeria’s role as Africa’s largest economy and a major hub for billionaire wealth.

4. Morocco

Morocco hosts three billionaires, reflecting the strength of its family-owned conglomerates and financial institutions.

The richest Moroccan is Othman Benjelloun, worth about $1.6 billion. He leads BMCE Bank of Africa, which operates across several African markets.

Other Moroccan billionaires include:

Aziz Akhannouch – $1.5B (Akwa Group)

Anas Sefrioui – $1.3B (Groupe Addoha)

Their fortunes are rooted primarily in banking, energy distribution, and real estate development.

5. Tanzania

Tanzania rounds out the list with one billionaire, Mohammed Dewji, worth about $2.1 billion.

Dewji is the CEO of MeTL Group (Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited), a diversified conglomerate with operations in textiles, agriculture, consumer goods, beverages, and manufacturing.

The company operates across more than 10 African countries, making it one of East Africa’s largest privately owned businesses.

Beyond business, Dewji is widely known for his philanthropy and became one of the few Africans to sign The Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of his wealth to charitable causes.

KEY INSIGHT

Despite Africa’s massive population and economic potential, billionaire wealth remains highly concentrated in a handful of countries, particularly those with:

large domestic markets

developed financial systems

strong industrial sectors.

As capital markets deepen and new technology sectors emerge, analysts expect more African entrepreneurs to join the billionaire ranks in the coming decade.