Nigeria’s business magnate Aliko Dangote has once again secured his position as Africa’s wealthiest individual.
He tops the Forbes 2026 Africa Billionaires ranking with an estimated net worth of $28.5 billion.
Over the past year, the continent’s richest figures collectively gained more than $20 billion.
The latest Forbes list, released on Monday, highlights Africa’s 23-member billionaire club. Their combined value now stands at $126.7 billion, marking a 21% increase from 2025.
Forbes attributes this growth to stronger equity markets and improved currency stability across key African economies.
Dangote’s fortune rose sharply due to a surge in Dangote Cement shares following the company’s record profits in 2025.
Close behind him is South African luxury goods tycoon Johann Rupert, with $16.1 billion.
Abdulsamad Rabiu of Nigeria emerged as the list’s standout performer. He jumped to third place after recording the largest gain among all 23 billionaires.
His wealth increased by 120%, reaching $11.2 billion, thanks to exceptional performance in BUA Cement shares.
Nigeria remains strongly represented with four billionaires: Dangote, Rabiu, Mike Adenuga ($6.5 billion), and Femi Otedola ($1.3 billion). This places the country third behind South Africa, which leads with seven billionaires, and Egypt with five. Morocco follows with three.
Of the 23 listed billionaires, 14 are self-made. Notably, no woman features in the ranking.
Forbes credited the overall increase in wealth to enhanced investor confidence in major African markets and stronger regional currencies over the past year.
Full Forbes 2026 Africa Billionaires List and Estimated Net Worth:
Aliko Dangote – $28.5bn (Diversified)
Johann Rupert & family – $16.1bn (Fashion & Retail)
Abdulsamad Rabiu – $11.2bn (Diversified)
Nicky Oppenheimer & family – $10.6bn (Metals & Mining)
Nassef Sawiris – $9.6bn (Construction & Engineering)
Mike Adenuga – $6.5bn (Diversified)
Naguib Sawiris – $5.6bn (Telecom)
Patrice Motsepe – $4.3bn (Metals & Mining)
Mohamed Mansour – $4bn (Diversified)
Michiel Le Roux – $3.8bn (Finance & Investments)
Koos Bekker – $3.6bn (Media & Entertainment)
Issad Rebrab & family – $3.6bn (Food & Beverage)
Jannie Mouton & family – $2.7bn (Finance & Investments)
Mohammed Dewji – $2.1bn (Diversified)
Strive Masiyiwa – $2.1bn (Telecom)
Christoffel Wiese – $1.9bn (Fashion & Retail)
Youssef Mansour – $1.8bn (Diversified)
Othman Benjelloun & family – $1.7bn (Finance & Investments)
Aziz Akhannouch & family – $1.6bn (Diversified)
Yasseen Mansour – $1.4bn (Diversified)
Samih Sawiris – $1.4bn (Service)
Femi Otedola – $1.3bn (Diversified)
Anas Sefrioui & family – $1.3bn (Real Estate)
