Full List: Dangote leads Nigeria’s four-man entry on Forbes Africa billionaires list

Aliko Dangote

Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote has retained his position as Africa’s richest person, topping the Forbes 2026 Africa Billionaires ranking with an estimated fortune of $28.5 billion, as the continent’s wealthiest individuals collectively added more than $20 billion to their net worth over the past year.

The latest Forbes ranking, released on Monday, shows that Africa’s 23-member billionaire club is now worth a combined $126.7 billion, representing a 21 per cent jump from 2025, driven by stronger equity markets and improving currency stability across several African economies.

Dangote’s wealth was boosted by a sharp rise in Dangote Cement shares, which surged following the company’s record profits in 2025. South African luxury goods tycoon Johann Rupert ranked second with $16.1 billion.

Nigeria’s Abdulsamad Rabiu was the list’s standout performer, climbing to third position after recording the biggest gain among all 23 billionaires. His fortune surged by 120 per cent to $11.2 billion, powered by the exceptional performance of BUA Cement shares during the year.

Nigeria maintained a strong presence on the ranking with four billionaires — Dangote, Rabiu, Mike Adenuga with $6.5 billion, and Femi Otedola with $1.3 billion — placing the country third behind South Africa, which leads with seven billionaires, and Egypt with five. Morocco followed with three.

Of the 23 billionaires on the list, 14 are self-made. Notably, no woman features on the ranking.

Forbes attributed the overall wealth increase to improved investor confidence across major African markets and stronger regional currencies over the past year.

Below is the full Forbes 2026 Africa Billionaires list and estimated net worth:

• Aliko Dangote – $28.5bn (Diversified)
• Johann Rupert & family – $16.1bn (Fashion & Retail)
• Abdulsamad Rabiu – $11.2bn (Diversified)
• Nicky Oppenheimer & family – $10.6bn (Metals & Mining)
• Nassef Sawiris – $9.6bn (Construction & Engineering)
• Mike Adenuga – $6.5bn (Diversified)
• Naguib Sawiris – $5.6bn (Telecom)
• Patrice Motsepe – $4.3bn (Metals & Mining)
• Mohamed Mansour – $4bn (Diversified)
• Michiel Le Roux – $3.8bn (Finance & Investments)
• Koos Bekker – $3.6bn (Media & Entertainment)
• Issad Rebrab & family – $3.6bn (Food & Beverage)
• Jannie Mouton & family – $2.7bn (Finance & Investments)
• Mohammed Dewji – $2.1bn (Diversified)
• Strive Masiyiwa – $2.1bn (Telecom)
• Christoffel Wiese – $1.9bn (Fashion & Retail)
• Youssef Mansour – $1.8bn (Diversified)
• Othman Benjelloun & family – $1.7bn (Finance & Investments)
• Aziz Akhannouch & family – $1.6bn (Diversified)
• Yasseen Mansour – $1.4bn (Diversified)
• Samih Sawiris – $1.4bn (Service)
• Femi Otedola – $1.3bn (Diversified)
• Anas Sefrioui & family – $1.3bn (Real Estate)