Gossip • 3h ago
Dangote Retains Title As Africa’s Richest Man With $28.5 Billion — Forbes
**Aliko Dangote Remains Nigeria's and Africa's Most Wealthy Businessman**
The 2026 Africa Billionaires Ranking released by Forbes has reaffirmed the status of Aliko Dangote as Africa's richest man. The billionaire's net worth has been estimated at $28.5 billion, a significant increase of $4.6 billion from the previous year.
Dangote's success can be attributed to the outstanding performance of Dangote Cement on the Nigerian Exchange Limited, where the company's shares recorded impressive gains. His business empire also includes the Dangote Refinery, a massive industrial project in Africa.
Other Nigerian billionaires who made the list include Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder of BUA Group, who placed third with an estimated net worth of $11.2 billion, and Mike Adenuga, founder of Globacom and chairman of Conoil Producing. Femi Otedola, chairman of Geregu Power Plc, also featured on the list, but his fortune declined by $200 million following the sale of a majority stake in Geregu Power.
The 2026 ranking saw a total of 23 African billionaires, with their combined wealth estimated at $126.7 billion, representing a 21 percent increase from the previous year. The increase in their collective fortunes is a testament to the growing economy of the continent.
In terms of country distribution, South Africa tops the list with seven billionaires, followed by Egypt with five, Nigeria with four, and Morocco with three. Unfortunately, no female billionaire from Africa appeared on this year's ranking.
Dangote's continued success is a reflection of his business acumen and the growth of the Nigerian economy. As the country continues to experience growth, it is likely that more Nigerian billionaires will emerge in the years to come.