Top 5 richest Africans currently
In 2024, the profiles of African billionaires continue to see remarkable fluctuation, demonstrating how swiftly fortunes can change in the continent’s unpredictable economic environment.
From abrupt market volatility to revolutionary corporate acquisitions, the net worth of Africa’s richest individuals has seen significant changes this year. As a result, African billionaires have been switching places all year round.
Most notable of these changes is the switch between Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote and South Africa’s Johann Rupert. For a couple of weeks now, Johann Rupert has ousted Dangote as the continent’s richest man.
This is a rather interesting dynamic, given that Johann started the year as the richest African. Barely a month later, he would lose the title to Dangote who had held it for most of the year. However, Johann Rupert since February is now the richest man in Africa again.
There are also other notable changes, including the addition of Nigeria’s Femi Otedola into the billionaire’s club. The first time he has held the rank in 6 years.
Africa’s fiscal situation has always been highly reactive, responding to a lot of market factors particular to the continent. This year has been no different.
Factors such as commodity prices, currency fluctuations, internal and external conflicts, political instability, and new market trends all contribute to the growth or decline of the fortunes of high-net-worth individuals.
With that said, here are the 5 richest men in Africa as of August 2024, according to Bloomberg’s real-time billionaire index.
Top 5 richest Africans currently
| Rank | Name | Country | Net-Worth | Global rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johann Rupert & family | South Africa | $14.2 billion | 147th |
| 2. | Aliko Dangote | Nigeria | $13.4 billion | 159th |
| 3. | Nicky Oppenheimer | South Africa | $11.3 billion | 213th |
| 4. | Nassef Sawiris | Egypt | $9.48 billion | 278th |
| 5. | Natie Kirsh | South Africa | $9.22 billion | 286th |