Africa is home to some of the world’s most influential business leaders, individuals who have built multi-billion-dollar empires, driven economic growth, and shaped entire industries. These visionaries have made significant contributions across manufacturing, technology, energy, telecommunications, finance, and agriculture. Their influence extends beyond wealth, as they create millions of jobs, spearhead philanthropic efforts, and attract global investments to the continent.

This updated 2025 list highlights the most powerful business leaders in Africa, analyzing their wealth, industry impact, and economic contributions.

1. Aliko Dangote (Nigeria) – Founder & CEO, Dangote Group

Industry: Manufacturing, Cement, Agriculture, Oil & Gas

Net Worth (2024): $23.8 billion (2025)

Aliko Dangote remains Africa’s wealthiest individual and one of the most powerful industrialists globally. He has built Dangote Group, a multinational conglomerate with operations across multiple industries, into a market leader.

Key Contributions:

• Expansion of the Dangote Refinery: This $19 billion refinery, the largest in Africa, has revolutionized Nigeria’s energy sector, significantly reducing dependence on fuel imports.
• Growth of Dangote Cement: Operating in more than 10 African countries, it remains Africa’s largest cement producer, fueling infrastructure development.
• Agricultural Advancements: Investing heavily in rice, sugar, and fertilizer production, he supports Africa’s push for food security and industrial self-sufficiency.

Economic Impact:

• Created over 30,000 direct jobs across Africa.
• Reduced Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum.
• Strengthened Africa’s industrialization and self-sufficiency.

2. Mohammed Dewji (Tanzania) – CEO, MeTL Group

Industry: Textiles, Agriculture, Food Processing

Net Worth (2024): $1.5 billion (Forbes, March 2024)

Mohammed Dewji, Tanzania’s only billionaire, has played a pivotal role in expanding Tanzania’s industrial sector through MeTL Group. His business empire spans textiles, food processing, and agriculture, impacting over 10 African countries.

Key Contributions:

• Expansion of MeTL Group: Strengthened operations across Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Mozambique.
• Philanthropic Commitments: Signed The Giving Pledge, dedicating half his fortune to charitable causes.
• Investments in Agro-Processing: Increased local food production, reducing import dependency.

Economic Impact:

• Created over 35,000 jobs across Africa.
• Strengthened Tanzania’s agricultural value chain.
• Contributed significantly to regional economic growth.

3. Strive Masiyiwa (Zimbabwe) – Chairman, Econet Group

Industry: Telecom, Fintech, Renewable Energy

Net Worth (2024): $1.9 billion (Forbes, March 2024)

Strive Masiyiwa is a technology and fintech trailblazer, known for Econet Wireless, which has provided mobile connectivity to millions across Africa.

Key Contributions:

• Expansion of Econet Wireless: The company operates in Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and South Africa, connecting millions.
• Advancement of Fintech: Created EcoCash, a mobile banking solution for financially underserved populations.
• Investment in Renewable Energy: Pushing for sustainable energy solutions to combat Africa’s electricity shortages.

Economic Impact:

• Increased financial access for millions of unbanked Africans.
• Strengthened Africa’s telecommunications and fintech ecosystem.
• Advocated for renewable energy adoption.

4. Prateek Suri (Africa) – Chairman & CEO, Maser Group

Industry: Technology, AI, Mining, Infrastructure

Net Worth (2024): $1.4 billion (Forbes, March 2024)

Prateek Suri, often called “The Technology Tiger of Africa,” has played a major role in advancing AI, mining, and infrastructure development.

Key Contributions:

• Expansion of Maser Group: Established a strong presence in AI-driven consumer electronics.
• Investment in Infrastructure and Mining: Led mining and AI ventures across Africa and the Gulf region.
• Pioneering AI Development: Focused on AI-driven automation for African industries.

Economic Impact:

• Created thousands of jobs in technology, mining, and infrastructure.
• Spearheaded Africa’s AI revolution.
• Strengthened Africa’s tech ecosystem.

5. Abdulsamad Rabiu (Nigeria) – Executive Chairman, BUA Group

Industry: Cement, Sugar, Infrastructure

Net Worth (2024): $5.9 billion (Forbes, March 2024)

Abdulsamad Rabiu is Nigeria’s second-richest businessman, leading BUA Group, a major player in cement, sugar, and construction.

Key Contributions:

• Expansion of BUA Cement: Opened new cement plants to meet Africa’s infrastructure needs.
• Investment in Real Estate & Agriculture: Strengthened Nigeria’s local production capacity.

Economic Impact:

✔ Provided thousands of jobs.
✔ Boosted Nigeria’s industrial and agricultural sectors.

6-10: Other Business Leaders Dominating Africa

6. Nicky Oppenheimer (South Africa) – Chairman, De Beers Group

✔ Formerly controlled De Beers, the world’s largest diamond company.
✔ Invested in aviation and conservation projects across Africa.

7. James Mwangi (Kenya) – CEO, Equity Bank

✔ Transformed Equity Bank into East Africa’s largest financial institution.
✔ Expanded financial inclusion for rural communities.

8. Rebecca Amukhoye (Kenya) – CEO, MESPT

✔ Leading efforts in agricultural finance and micro-investments.
✔ Empowering Kenyan farmers with sustainable financial solutions.

9. Wale Tinubu (Nigeria) – CEO, Oando Plc

✔ Built Nigeria’s largest indigenous oil company.
✔ Key figure in shaping Africa’s energy policies.

10. Koos Bekker (South Africa) – CEO, Naspers

✔ Transformed Naspers into Africa’s biggest media and technology conglomerate.
✔ Invested in Tencent, DSTV, and Mail.ru.

Conclusion: Africa’s Business Future

These 10 business leaders are driving Africa’s industrial growth, technology advancements, and energy independence. Their contributions have strengthened industries, created jobs, and attracted global investments, positioning Africa as a rising economic powerhouse.