In a recent announcement by Forbes Magazine, South African tycoon Johann Rupert has surpassed Nigerian mogul Aliko Dangote to claim the title of Africa’s wealthiest individual. This notable shift in the continent’s billionaire hierarchy has sparked widespread interest and speculation.
According to the renowned Forbes Daily billionaires ranking platform, which meticulously monitors the fluctuating fortunes of high-net-worth individuals worldwide, Aliko Dangote’s wealth dwindled from $13.5 billion in 2023 to $9.5 billion at the outset of 2024. This downward trajectory precipitated his descent to the second position in the rankings, opening the door for Johann Rupert’s ascension to the top spot with a net worth of $10.3 billion.
The publication of the revised list also signaled the displacement of Nigerian billionaires Rabiu Abdulsamad and Mike Adenuga from their previous standing among the elite group of billionaires. The conspicuous absence of women from the top ten wealthiest individuals in Africa underscored the broader trend of economic challenges and market volatility facing the continent.
The economic headwinds, including currency devaluation and other fiscal pressures, have undoubtedly contributed to the contraction of wealth among these prominent figures. Notably, the Forbes rankings shed light on the diminished fortunes of individuals such as Patrice Motsepe, who failed to retain his placement in the top ten richest men in 2024.
The recalibration of Africa’s billionaire landscape has unveiled a constellation of new and familiar figures vying for supremacy in the realm of wealth accumulation. The top ten richest individuals in Africa at the dawn of 2024 are as follows:
1. Johann Rupert & Family – $10.3 billion
2. Aliko Dangote – $9.5 billion
3. Nicky Oppenheimer & Family – $8.3 billion
4. Nassef Sawiris – $7.4 billion
5. Abdulsamad Rabiu – $5.9 billion
6. Nathan Kirsh – $5.8 billion
7. Issad Rebrab & Family – $4.6 billion
8. Mohamed Mansour – $3.6 billion
9. Naguib Sawiris – $3.3 billion
10. Mike Adenuga – $3.1 billion
As the tides of fortune continue to ebb and flow, this seismic shift in Africa’s billionaire elite has captivated global attention, serving as a poignant reflection of the ever-evolving dynamics of wealth and power on the continent.
