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Nigeria’s foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has retained his position as Africa’s richest man, topping the 2026 billionaires ranking released by Forbes.
According to the latest list published on Monday and reported by the Sun, Dangote’s net worth rose to US$28.5 billion, further cementing his dominance as the wealthiest individual on the continent.
His fortune grew by about US$4.6 billion over the past year, largely driven by the strong performance of his business empire.
Forbes said Africa’s 23 billionaires now have a combined wealth of US$126.7 billion, representing a 21 percent increase from 2025.
In total, the continent’s richest individuals added about US$20.3 billion to their fortunes during the period, buoyed by rising equity markets and stabilising regional currencies.
Nigeria maintained a strong presence on the list with three other business leaders, including Abdul Samad Rabiu and Femi Otedola, ranking among Africa’s wealthiest individuals.
Rabiu recorded one of the most remarkable gains on the continent, with his net worth rising by 120 percent to US$11.2 billion, moving him up to third place on the list.
South African luxury goods magnate Johann Rupert ranked second with an estimated fortune of US$16.1 billion, maintaining his long-standing position among the continent’s top three richest individuals.
Despite the strong overall performance, Forbes noted that not all billionaires recorded gains during the year.
Otedola’s wealth slipped slightly to about US$1.3 billion, although he returned to the ranking after selling a significant portion of his stake in a major Nigerian energy company.
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