The Best-Performing African Billionaires of 2025 So Far

Three months into 2025, some of Africa’s richest individuals have seen a notable rise in their net worth. While global economic trends have played a role, factors such as business expansions, market performance, and strategic investments have largely shaped the fortunes of the continent’s billionaires.

African wealth is always shifting, with some business magnates experiencing gains while others see dips in their fortunes. However, a few billionaires have stood out in the early months of the year, making remarkable financial strides.

The rise of Africa’s wealthiest

At the forefront of this year’s wealth surge is Aliko Dangote. Already Africa’s richest man, Dangote’s net worth has jumped significantly, mainly due to the operations of the Dangote Refinery. 

This massive industrial project, which began full-scale production, has strengthened his position and increased his wealth to an impressive $23.4 billion, nearly doubling from the start of the year.

Following closely is South African billionaire Johann Rupert, whose luxury goods empire has continued to thrive. Rupert, the chairman of Richemont, the company behind brands like Cartier and Montblanc saw his net worth increase by over $2.5 billion, placing him among the continent’s top financial gainers.

Egypt’s Nassef Sawiris has also had a solid start to the year. His wealth, largely tied to his holdings in Adidas and Orascom Construction, has climbed to $9.5 billion, making him the third-best performer in early 2025.

The billionaire shake-up

The movement in net worth among African billionaires highlights how quickly fortunes can change. In January, the wealth of the continent’s top business figures had remained relatively stable, with no significant increases. 

However, February and March brought a shift as global and local markets reacted to new policies, investment opportunities, and economic trends.

Naguib Sawiris, another Egyptian businessman, has seen his wealth grow by over $1.2 billion, while Nicky Oppenheimer, the former chairman of De Beers, continues to benefit from the stability of the diamond industry.

In Algeria, Issad Rebrab has expanded his fortune through his food and beverage conglomerate, Cevital, while Patrice Motsepe of South Africa, known for his mining ventures, remains a key figure in Africa’s billionaire rankings.

What’s next for Africa’s richest?

Billionaire net worths are never static. As the year progresses, more shifts are expected. With the ongoing development of industries like oil, mining, and tech, fortunes could rise or fall depending on market conditions and investment decisions.

For now, Africa’s top billionaires are riding the wave of success, and the coming months will determine whether they can maintain their positions or if new names will rise to the top.