Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote has reclaimed his position as Africa’s richest man, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Dangote’s net worth now stands at $13.7 billion, surpassing South Africa’s Johann Rupert & family, who have a net worth of $13.3 billion.
Earlier reports had indicated that Johann Rupert had overtaken Dangote, with Rupert’s net worth reaching $13.6 billion. However, recent updates place Dangote back at the top.
The Bloomberg Billionaire Index shows that Johann Rupert is listed as the world’s 155th richest person, while Dangote is listed in the 149th position.
Dangote’s last change in valuation came in at +$144M, while his year-to-date (YTD) change was a staggering -$1.38B. For Johann Rupert, his last change in valuation was -$334M, with a YTD change of +$875M.
Despite the challenges faced by Dangote, including the operation of his newly established oil refinery and ongoing economic protests in Nigeria, he has managed to maintain his wealth. The refinery has encountered several difficulties, leading Dangote to propose giving up control to Nigeria’s state-owned energy corporation, NNPC.
Recent fluctuations in net worth had seen Dangote’s fortune dip slightly from $13.8 billion to $13.6 billion between July 29th and August 2nd, while Rupert’s net worth increased from $13.4 billion to $13.6 billion. However, with the latest valuation, Dangote has now edged out Rupert once again.
Other Africans on the list include South Africans Nicky Oppenheimer ($10.9B) and Natie Kirsh ($8.74B) as well as Egyptians Nassef Sawiris ($8.63B) and Naguib Sawiris ($6.94B).