Top 10 Richest People in Africa: Aliko Dangote Maintains Billionaire Crown as Forbes Lists 2026 African Billionaires Forbes has named Nigerian business magnate Aliko Dangote as Africa’s richest individual for the 15th consecutive year, according to its 2026 ranking of African billionaires. The list, released on March 9, 2026, includes 23 billionaires whose combined wealth totals $126.7 billion, a 21% increase from the $105 billion total in 2025. Notably, no women appear on the list, which tracks the wealth of African billionaires who either reside in Africa or conduct their primary business there. Dangote, a 68-year-old entrepreneur, retains his position as Africa’s richest with an estimated net worth of $28.5 billion. His wealth is largely derived from cement and sugar industries, with recent expansions into oil refining. In 2023, he launched an oil refinery in Lagos, Nigeria, and his cement company, Dangote Cement, saw its shares rise nearly 69% since March 2025. The company’s profits doubled in 2025 to a record one trillion naira. Dangote also announced a $400 million deal with a Chinese machinery firm to expand his refinery’s capacity to double by 2029. Johann Rupert of South Africa holds the second spot with a net worth of $16.1 billion, while Abdulsamad Rabiu, chairman of BUA Group, surged to third place. Rabiu’s net worth jumped 120% to $11.2 billion, making him the year’s biggest winner. His cement company, BUA Cement, saw its shares climb 135% on the Nigerian Exchange. Other notable figures include Nicky Oppenheimer, a South African diamond magnate worth $10.6 billion, and Egyptian investor Nassef Sawiris, who holds a $9.6 billion fortune. The list also highlights the growing influence of African entrepreneurs. South African Michiel Le Roux, founder of Capitec Bank, climbed to $3.#nigeria #aliko_dangote #forbes #dangote_cement #buagroup
