Dangote retains title as Africa’s Richest Man, three other Nigerians appear in top 10 (Full List)

Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote has retained his position as Africa’s richest person, topping the Forbes 2026 Africa Billionaires ranking with an estimated net worth of $28.5 billion.

The latest Forbes list, released on Monday, shows that the continent’s 23 billionaires are now worth a combined $126.7 billion, representing a 21 percent increase from 2025. The growth was driven largely by stronger equity markets and improved currency stability across several African economies.

Dangote’s fortune grew significantly following a surge in the shares of Dangote Cement, which recorded strong profits in 2025.

South African luxury goods magnate Johann Rupert and his family ranked second on the list with $16.1 billion.

Nigeria’s Abdulsamad Rabiu emerged as the biggest gainer on the list, climbing to third place after his wealth rose by 120 percent to $11.2 billion, largely driven by the strong performance of BUA Cement shares.

Nigeria maintained a strong presence on the ranking with four billionaires — Dangote, Rabiu, Mike Adenuga with $6.5 billion, and Femi Otedola with $1.3 billion.

South Africa leads the continent with seven billionaires, followed by Egypt with five, while Nigeria and Morocco each have multiple representatives on the list.

Forbes noted that 14 of the 23 billionaires are self-made entrepreneurs. However, no woman featured on the 2026 Africa billionaires ranking.

The publication attributed the overall increase in wealth to improved investor confidence across African markets and stronger regional currencies over the past year.

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)

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