Dangote tops 2026 Forbes Africa billionaires list

Four Nigerian business leaders, Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and Femi Otedola, have been named among the continent’s wealthiest individuals in the latest Forbes Africa billionaires ranking.

The annual list tracks Africa’s richest entrepreneurs and investors, many of whose fortunes are built in key sectors including cement, telecommunications, energy, and commodities.

Dangote retains Africa’s richest title

Dangote, founder of Dangote Group, maintained his position as Africa’s richest person for the 14th consecutive year with an estimated net worth of about $23.9 billion.

His wealth increased significantly after the valuation of the Dangote Refinery was included in the latest calculations. The refinery is considered one of the largest industrial projects ever built in Africa.

Adenuga and Rabiu among top six

Telecommunications and oil magnate Adenuga, chairman of Globacom and Conoil, ranked fifth on the continent with an estimated fortune of about $6.8 billion.

Rabiu, founder of BUA Group, followed closely in sixth place with a net worth estimated at around $5.1 billion. His wealth is largely driven by investments in cement, sugar and other industrial operations.

Otedola returns to billionaire ranks

Energy investor Otedola also returned to the ranking with an estimated net worth of about $1.5 billion. His wealth growth was supported by the strong performance of shares in Geregu Power Plc, where he serves as chairman, as well as his stake in FirstHoldCo Plc.

The latest list highlights Nigeria’s continued presence among Africa’s richest individuals, with billionaires spanning sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, power generation, and commodities.

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Across the continent, Forbes recorded 22 billionaires whose combined wealth exceeds $100 billion, underscoring the growing influence of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs in shaping regional industries and economic development.