Top 10 Richest Women in Africa 2025

We are in a world where the gender wealth gap continues to make headlines, but a number of African women are rising above the odds and rewriting the rules of success. 

From oil empires to media dynasties, tech investments to retail ventures, these women are not just accumulating wealth; they’re creating legacies, influencing policy, and redefining the future of African entrepreneurship.

Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 richest women in Africa 2025, their estimated net worths, and the industries that made them powerhouses.

1. Isabel dos Santos – Angola

Net Worth: $2.2 Billion
Once dubbed Africa’s richest woman, Isabel dos Santos has reclaimed her spot at the top despite years of controversy surrounding the source of her wealth. The daughter of Angola’s former president, José Eduardo dos Santos, Isabel, amassed her fortune through stakes in telecoms, banking, oil, and retail, including a once-significant holding in Unitel, one of Angola’s largest mobile phone networks. While legal battles have cast shadows over her financial empire, she remains a dominant force in Africa’s wealth narrative.

2. Folorunsho Alakija – Nigeria

Folorunsho Alakija Net Worth: $1.5 Billion
Folorunsho Alakija made her fortune in Nigeria’s lucrative oil industry through Famfa Oil, where she holds a major stake. A former fashion designer, her transition into the energy sector was strategic and trailblazing. She’s one of the few women globally to hold such massive interests in upstream oil operations. Her wealth has also extended to real estate and printing. Beyond business, Alakija is a prominent philanthropist and faith-based speaker.

3. Hajia Bola Shagaya – Nigeria

Net Worth: $800 Million
A fashion-forward business mogul with a sharp mind for investment, Hajia Bola Shagaya built her wealth through banking, photography, oil, and real estate. She founded Bolmus Group International and has had long-standing business ties with both domestic and international firms. Known for her influence in political and social circles, Shagaya continues to be a key figure in Nigerian high society.

4. Tsitsi Masiyiwa – Zimbabwe

Net Worth: $800 Million
Tsitsi Masiyiwa is best known as a philanthropist and co-founder of the Higherlife Foundation, alongside her husband, Strive Masiyiwa, a telecom magnate. However, in her own right, she holds a portion of the family’s investments in technology, healthcare, and education. Her influence extends beyond Zimbabwe, with ventures across several African countries and a growing global footprint in philanthropy and impact investing.

5. Irene Charnley – South Africa

Net Worth: $500 Million
A former trade unionist turned business leader, Irene Charnley has held influential positions in major South African companies, including MTN Group, where she played a pivotal role in the telecom giant’s expansion into Africa and the Middle East. She later became CEO of Smile Telecoms Holdings. Known for her boardroom acumen and social advocacy, she remains a respected voice in corporate Africa.

6. Wendy Appelbaum – South Africa

Net Worth: $215 Million
Wendy Appelbaum is the daughter of Liberty Group founder Donald Gordon, but she’s made her own mark in business and philanthropy. With investments in real estate, wine (DeMorgenzon Estate), and health, she is one of South Africa’s most generous givers. Her commitment to social causes—especially women’s health and education—makes her not just wealthy, but widely respected.

7. Bridgette Radebe – South Africa

Net Worth: $210 Million
Bridgette Radebe carved out her wealth in the male-dominated mining industry, becoming one of Africa’s first female mine owners. As the founder of Mmakau Mining, she has investments in gold, platinum, and coal. A strong advocate for Black economic empowerment and gender equality in business, she is a formidable figure in South Africa’s political-economic landscape.

8. Tabitha Karanja – Kenya

Net Worth: $200 Million
A self-made entrepreneur, Tabitha Karanja is the founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries, one of Kenya’s largest alcohol beverage manufacturers. Her journey from a small wine-making operation to a national competitor against global beer brands is a powerful example of homegrown entrepreneurship. Today, her brand is synonymous with resilience and innovation in East Africa’s private sector.

9. Mo Abudu – Nigeria

Net Worth: $100 Million
Known as “Africa’s Oprah,” Mo Abudu has transformed African storytelling through her media empire, EbonyLife Media. She has produced hit films, series, and partnered with major platforms like Netflix and Sony. With a background in HR and broadcasting, her ascent in the entertainment world has opened doors for African content to go global. She is a cultural force with growing influence in tech and media investments.

10. Divine Ndhlukula – Zimbabwe

Net Worth: $40 Million
Divine Ndhlukula is the founder of SECURICO, one of Zimbabwe’s leading security companies. Starting from humble beginnings, she defied gender norms to build a multi-million-dollar business in a male-dominated industry. A passionate advocate for women in business, she continues to inspire a new generation of female entrepreneurs across Southern Africa.