FULL LIST: DANGOTE LEADS NIGERIA’S FOUR-MAN ENTRY ON FORBES AFRICA BILLIONAIRES LIST

Nigeria’s business magnate, 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 continent’s wealthiest individuals collectively added over $20 billion to their fortunes in the past year.

The Forbes 2026 ranking, released on Monday, shows that Africa’s 23-member billionaire club is now valued at a combined $126.7 billion — a 21 per cent increase from 2025. The growth is attributed to stronger equity markets and improved currency stability across several African economies.

Dangote’s wealth was driven by a sharp rise in Dangote Cement shares following the company’s record profits in 2025. South African luxury goods tycoon Johann Rupert follows in second place with $16.1 billion.

Nigeria’s Abdulsamad Rabiu emerged as the year’s standout performer, climbing to third position after recording the largest gain among all 23 billionaires. Rabiu’s fortune surged by 120 per cent to $11.2 billion, powered by exceptional performance in BUA Cement shares.

Nigeria has four billionaires on the list — Dangote, Rabiu, Mike Adenuga ($6.5 billion), and Femi Otedola ($1.3 billion) — placing the country third behind South Africa with seven billionaires and Egypt with five. Morocco follows with three. Of the 23 billionaires, 14 are self-made, and no women feature on the ranking.

Forbes attributed the rise in wealth to stronger investor confidence in major African markets and healthier regional currencies over the past year.

Full Forbes 2026 Africa Billionaires List (Net Worth):

1. Aliko Dangote – $28.5bn (Diversified)

2. Johann Rupert & family – $16.1bn (Fashion & Retail)

3. Abdulsamad Rabiu – $11.2bn (Diversified)

4. Nicky Oppenheimer & family – $10.6bn (Metals & Mining)

5. Nassef Sawiris – $9.6bn (Construction & Engineering)

6. Mike Adenuga – $6.5bn (Diversified)

7. Naguib Sawiris – $5.6bn (Telecom)

8. Patrice Motsepe – $4.3bn (Metals & Mining)

9. Mohamed Mansour – $4bn (Diversified)

10. Michiel Le Roux – $3.8bn (Finance & Investments)

11. Koos Bekker – $3.6bn (Media & Entertainment)

12. Issad Rebrab & family – $3.6bn (Food & Beverage)

13. Jannie Mouton & family – $2.7bn (Finance & Investments)

14. Mohammed Dewji – $2.1bn (Diversified)

15. Strive Masiyiwa – $2.1bn (Telecom)

16. Christoffel Wiese – $1.9bn (Fashion & Retail)

17. Youssef Mansour – $1.8bn (Diversified)

18. Othman Benjelloun & family – $1.7bn (Finance & Investments)

19. Aziz Akhannouch & family – $1.6bn (Diversified)

20. Yasseen Mansour – $1.4bn (Diversified)

21. Samih Sawiris – $1.4bn (Service)

22. Femi Otedola – $1.3bn (Diversified)

23. Anas Sefrioui & family – $1.3bn (Real Estate)