In the landscape of African wealth, South Africa continues to make an indelible mark. The latest data on the Richest People in Africa confirms a strong South African presence, with seven of the continent’s top billionaires calling the Rainbow Nation home. These individuals are not just figureheads of fortune but key players in sectors ranging from luxury goods and mining to media and finance.
Africa’s Billionaire Elite in 2025
The top 10 richest people on the continent at the start of 2025 include:
- Aliko Dangote (Nigeria) – $11.5 billion
- Johann Rupert & family (South Africa) – $11.1 billion
- Nicky Oppenheimer & family (South Africa) – $9.5 billion
- Nassef Sawiris (Egypt) – $7.7 billion
- Nathan Kirsh (Eswatini) – $7.3 billion
- Mike Adenuga (Nigeria) – $6.8 billion
- Abdulsamad Rabiu (Nigeria) – $4.9 billion
- Naguib Sawiris (Egypt) – $3.8 billion
- Mohamed Mansour (Egypt) – $3.3 billion
- Koos Bekker (South Africa) – $2.9 billion
This list reflects not only immense individual wealth but also the growing economic diversification across Africa. From oil and cement to luxury fashion and media, these billionaires represent the continent’s new economic vanguard.
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South Africa’s Wealth Champions
Johann Rupert: Luxury’s Powerhouse
Johann Rupert, chairman of Swiss luxury goods group Richemont, stands as Africa’s second-richest person. His net worth surged to $12.8 billion in early 2025, fuelled by Richemont’s bullish stock performance.
Nicky Oppenheimer: Diamond Legacy
With a net worth of $12.3 billion, Nicky Oppenheimer is Africa’s third-richest person. Former chairman of De Beers, Oppenheimer, hails from a family that has defined the global diamond industry for generations.
Koos Bekker: Media Mogul
Koos Bekker transformed Naspers from a South African media company into a global internet powerhouse, notably through early investments in Tencent. Now worth nearly $2.9 billion, he rounds out the list of The 10 Richest People in Africa.
Patrice Motsepe: Mining and Philanthropy
Though just outside the top 10, Patrice Motsepe remains a prominent figure. Founder of African Rainbow Minerals, Motsepe is Africa’s first Black billionaire. He has also committed to the Giving Pledge, promising to donate at least half of his fortune.
“Motsepe … has pledged half of his wealth to charity,”.
Other Notables: Michiel le Roux and Christoffel Wiese
Le Roux, founder of Capitec Bank, and retail tycoon Christoffel Wiese also feature among South Africa’s elite, with fortunes each hovering around $500 million to $600 million.
Africa’s Wealth Map: Who Leads Where?
South Africa leads with seven billionaires in 2025, followed by Egypt and Nigeria with four each. Africa now boasts 22 billionaires in total—up from 18 in 2024. This uptick signals not just a recovery from the pandemic’s economic slump but also increasing intra-African investment and digital innovation.
Sectors Driving Billionaire Wealth
- Luxury Goods: Richemont’s global success bolsters Rupert’s fortune.
- Mining: A traditional backbone, still key for Motsepe and Oppenheimer.
- Media and Tech: Bekker’s Naspers investments highlight tech’s rise.
- Retail and Finance: Le Roux and Wiese show the potential in local markets.
A Rising Continent, Anchored by South Africa
The latest statistics on the Richest People in Africa highlight a continent in transformation. South Africa’s strong representation in The 10 Richest People in Africa illustrates the country’s enduring economic strength and adaptability. From established giants like Rupert and Oppenheimer to new-age moguls like Bekker, these billionaires reflect the diversity and dynamism of South African enterprise.
As Africa’s economies evolve, the wealth stories of these individuals offer both inspiration and insight.