Youngest African billionaires

Africa’s billionaire class is often associated with seasoned industrialists who built empires over decades. Yet a closer look reveals that many of the continent’s wealthiest individuals reached billionaire status relatively early compared to global peers, shaping industries while still in their most productive years.

Across sectors ranging from manufacturing and telecommunications to energy, construction and real estate, these billionaires represent the entrepreneurial backbone of Africa’s modern economy. Their businesses power critical industries, cement and petrochemicals that fuel infrastructure, telecom networks connecting millions, and diversified conglomerates driving regional trade.

Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco and Tanzania dominate this cohort, reflecting the scale and depth of their domestic markets. Several of these billionaires expanded family businesses into multinational enterprises, while others built companies that transformed entire industries.

Beyond wealth accumulation, many of them wield considerable influence through philanthropy, infrastructure investment and job creation across the continent. Their companies operate across dozens of African markets and increasingly compete globally.

From cement plants and telecom towers to real estate megaprojects and energy ventures, these ten individuals profiled by Shore Africa illustrate how African entrepreneurship is evolving, combining legacy industries with modern expansion strategies.

Together, they form a powerful group of business leaders whose decisions shape markets, economies and millions of livelihoods across Africa.

1. Mohammed Dewji
Net worth: $2.1 billion
Country: Tanzania
Born May 8, 1975, Mohammed Dewji is Tanzania’s youngest billionaire and the driving force behind MeTL Group. After taking over his family’s trading business in his twenties, he transformed it into a diversified conglomerate spanning manufacturing, agriculture and logistics across several African countries. Dewji is also known for philanthropy, becoming the first Tanzanian signatory of the Giving Pledge.

2. Femi Otedola
Net worth: $1.3 billion
Country: Nigeria
Energy magnate Femi Otedola, born Nov. 4, 1962, built his fortune through strategic investments in Nigeria’s energy sector. He founded Forte Oil before pivoting toward power generation and financial services. Otedola has also emerged as a major shareholder in Nigerian banking and utilities, positioning himself as one of the country’s most influential investors.

3. Patrice Motsepe
Net worth:$3.8 billion
Country: South Africa
Born Jan. 28, 1962, Patrice Motsepe became Africa’s first Black billionaire through mining investments. His company, African Rainbow Minerals, grew from post-apartheid mining deals into a diversified resource powerhouse. Motsepe also holds significant stakes in financial services and sports and is widely respected for his philanthropic initiatives across Africa.

4. Strive Masiyiwa
Net worth: $2.2 billion
Country: Zimbabwe
Telecom pioneer Strive Masiyiwa, born Jan. 29, 1961, built one of Africa’s largest telecom empires through Econet Group. His company operates telecom, fintech and digital infrastructure businesses across Africa and beyond. Masiyiwa is also a global advocate for technology-driven development and education across emerging markets.

5. Nassef Sawiris
Net worth: $9.3 billion
Country: Egypt
Born Jan. 19, 1961, Nassef Sawiris is Egypt’s richest man and a key figure in global construction and manufacturing. Through OCI and other investments, he built a multinational empire spanning fertilizers, chemicals and infrastructure. Sawiris also holds international investments, including stakes in European sports and industrial companies.

6. Yasseen Mansour
Net worth: $1.4 billion
Country: Egypt
Businessman Yasseen Mansour, born Jan. 1, 1961, built his wealth through Palm Hills Developments and the Mansour Group. His interests span real estate, consumer distribution and global partnerships with multinational brands. Mansour’s companies play a major role in Egypt’s urban expansion and real estate megaprojects.

7. Abdul Samad Rabiu
Net worth: $11.1 billion
Country: Nigeria
Born Aug. 4, 1960, Abdul Samad Rabiu is the founder of BUA Group, one of Africa’s fastest-growing industrial conglomerates. His businesses dominate sectors such as cement, sugar refining and infrastructure materials. Rabiu’s investments have helped reshape Nigeria’s manufacturing sector while creating thousands of jobs.

8. Aziz Akhannouch
Net worth: $1.6 billion
Country: Morocco
Moroccan billionaire Aziz Akhannouch, born in 1961, built his fortune through Akwa Group, a major petroleum and gas distributor. In addition to business, he plays a prominent role in politics, serving as Morocco’s prime minister. His conglomerate spans fuel distribution, chemicals and diversified investments.

9. Anas Sefrioui
Net worth: $1.4 billion
Country: Morocco
Real estate tycoon Anas Sefrioui, born May 16, 1957, built his wealth through Groupe Addoha, one of North Africa’s largest property developers. His company focuses on affordable housing and large residential developments, helping address Morocco’s urban housing demand while expanding across several African markets.

10. Aliko Dangote
Net worth: $28.6 billion
Country: Nigeria
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, born April 10, 1957, built a vast industrial empire through Dangote Group. His businesses dominate cement, sugar, salt and petrochemicals across Africa. The recent launch of the Dangote Refinery further cements his role in reshaping Africa’s industrial and energy landscape.