Forbes has named Aliko Dangote the richest man in Africa for the fifteenth consecutive year. The 2026 list, released on March 9, features 23 billionaires across the continent. Notably, none of the billionaires on the list are women.
2026 Forbes Billionaires List Overview
This year’s African billionaires possess a combined wealth of $126.7 billion, representing a significant 21% increase from $105 billion in 2025. Forbes tracks the wealth of billionaires based in Africa or those with primary businesses on the continent.
Top 10 Billionaires in Africa
- 1. Aliko Dangote – Nigeria: $28.5 billion from cement and sugar; plans to publicly list his oil refinery in 2026.
- 2. Johann Rupert – South Africa: $16.1 billion; he holds the title of the luxury goods magnate.
- 3. Abdulsamad Rabiu – Nigeria: $11.2 billion; a notable increase of 120% due to BUA Cement’s 135% rise in shares.
- 4. Nicky Oppenheimer – South Africa: $10.6 billion; inheritor of the De Beers diamond fortune with extensive conservation land holdings.
- 5. Nassef Sawiris – Egypt: $9.6 billion; he is a stakeholder in the English Premier League club Aston Villa and Adidas.
- 6. Mike Adenuga – Nigeria: $6.5 billion; gained his wealth through telecommunications and oil production.
- 7. Patrice Motsepe – South Africa: $4.3 billion; he is the first black African billionaire listed by Forbes.
- 8. Michiel Le Roux – South Africa: $3.8 billion; he benefited from a 57% increase in shares at Capitec Bank.
- 9. Koos Bekker – South Africa: $4 billion; noted for significant contributions to the media industry.
- 10. Mohammed Dewji – Tanzania: Approximately $1.3 billion; active in consumer goods.
Wealth Distribution and Insights
Despite the notable increase in wealth, some billionaires experienced losses. Anas Sefrioui from Morocco lost $300 million due to a decline in his real estate company’s shares. Likewise, Nigeria’s Femi Otedola saw a $200 million decrease after selling part of his stake in Geregu Power.
Of the 23 billionaires listed, 14, or 61%, built their fortunes independently rather than through inheritance. South Africa leads with a total of seven billionaires, followed by Egypt with five, Nigeria with four, and Morocco with three.
Assessment Methodology
Forbes calculates net worth using stock prices and currency exchange rates as of March 1, 2026. Changes in wealth are assessed relative to the previous year’s billionaire list published in March 2025. Valuations of privately held businesses are based on revenue estimates and applicable financial ratios. This process can result in fluctuating wealth prior to the official measurement date.
