5 Most Powerful Businessmen Across Africa

African businessmen have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields and towards the growth of the continent. These visionary men have not just achieved remarkable success in their industry but have made significant impacts on job creation, infrastructure development, philanthropic endeavors, amongst others.

In this article, we will delve into some of the most influential business personalities in Africa and explore their achievements, their transformative effects on their industries, and their contributions to Africa’s economic advancement. 

Aliko Dangote

Nigerian business tycoon, Aliko Dangote is undeniably one of the most influential and successful business personalities in Africa. With his exceptional entrepreneurial vision and remarkable achievements, Dangote has made a profound impact on the continent’s economic growth and development.

As the founder and chairman of the Dangote Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar, flour, salt, and other commodities, Dangote has played a pivotal role in transforming industries and creating a lasting legacy.

In the cement industry, Dangote has revolutionized production and distribution, establishing it as Africa’s largest cement manufacturer. Through strategic investments he has increased cement production capacity, meeting the rising demand for construction materials.These have reduced Africa’s reliance on imports and also lowered the cost of construction. This, in turn, has stimulated economic growth and created employment opportunities in the construction sector.

Dangote’s business activities align with governments’ priorities, and he actively engages in dialogue with policymakers, sharing his expertise and advocating for policies that promote private sector development and economic diversification. For instance, during Nigeria’s transformation agenda under President Goodluck Jonathan, Dangote actively participated in the National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP). He played a pivotal role in shaping the policies and strategies outlined in the plan, particularly in the areas of industrialization, job creation, and economic diversification towards driving economic growth and development.

Strive Mayisiwa 

Strive Masiyiwa, Zimbabwean business magnate, has also achieved remarkable success and made transformative contributions to various industries in Africa. As the founder and executive chairman of Econet Global, Masiyiwa has revolutionized the telecommunications and technology sectors on the continent.

Under Masiyiwa’s leadership, Econet introduced mobile phone services to Zimbabwe and other African countries, connecting millions of people and bridging the digital divide. This innovation has had a transformative effect on communication, commerce, and social development across 

In the early 2000s, the Zimbabwean government held a monopoly on telecommunications through the state-owned operator. Masiyiwa challenged this monopoly and advocated for the liberalization of the sector to promote competition and enhance connectivity for the people of Zimbabwe.

Patrice Motsepe

Patrice Motsepe, South African mining magnate, . As the founder and executive chairman of African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), Motsepe has transformed the mining industry and contributed to Africa’s economic growth which has advanced the African continent.

Patrice Motsepe’s achievements, transformative effects on industries, and contributions to Africa’s economic advancement exemplify his entrepreneurial prowess, commitment to social impact making one of the powerful businessmen in the country.His influence with the government positions him as a key player in shaping policies that drive Africa’s economic transformation and attract investment. 

Mohammed Dewji

Another strong businessman in the African continent is Tanzania business magnate, Mohammed Dewji. As the CEO and owner of MeTL Group, one of Tanzania’s largest conglomerates, Dewji has had a transformative impact on various industries and has been actively involved in driving economic growth in the continent.

He has actively sought partnerships and collaborations with businesses from different African countries, fostering regional economic integration and driving economic development.

Dewji’s engagement in government policy discussions and his role as a trusted advisor as well having to serve as a member of various governmental committees, including the Presidential Committee on the Ease of Doing Business in Tanzania has placed him as a powerful individual in the continent. 

His involvement in these committees has allowed him to provide insights and recommendations on policies that promote a favorable business environment and attract investment.

Tony Elumelu

Tony Elumelu, a Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist, has made remarkable achievements and significant contributions to Africa’s economic advancement. As the founder of Heirs Holdings and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, he has played a pivotal role in promoting entrepreneurship and driving sustainable development across the continent.

Elumelu’s achievements include spearheading the African capitalism philosophy, which emphasizes the private sector’s role in driving economic growth and social development. Through Heirs Holdings, he has invested in key sectors such as banking, energy, hospitality, and healthcare, creating employment opportunities, fostering innovation, and promoting economic diversification.

He has served as an advisor to several African governments, providing insights and recommendations on economic policies, investment promotion, and job creation. Elumelu’s influence has helped shape policies that foster a conducive business environment, attract investment, and promote sustainable economic development.