Top 10 youngest billionaires in Africa: Forbes Africa 2026 rankings

• Forbes Africa 2026 ranks the continent’s 10 youngest billionaires across sectors like energy, mining, telecoms, real estate and manufacturing.

• Mohammed Dewji is the youngest on the list, while Aliko Dangote remains Africa’s richest overall.

• The rankings highlight growing wealth concentration among industrialists driving major African economies.

Africa’s billionaire class continues to expand, with leading entrepreneurs building vast fortunes across cement, energy, telecoms, real estate and manufacturing.

According to Forbes Africa 2026 rankings, these are the continent’s youngest billionaires shaping economic growth and industrial development.

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$2.1 Billion | Age: 50 | Diversified

Mohammed Dewji is Africa’s youngest billionaire on the list. He is the CEO of METL, a Tanzanian conglomerate founded by his father in the 1970s.

The group operates across textiles, flour milling, beverages and edible oils in multiple African countries.

He is Tanzania’s only billionaire and has pledged to donate at least half his wealth through the Giving Pledge. He ranks 14th in Africa.

$1.3 Billion | Age: 63 | Energy and Utilities

Femi Otedola built his wealth in commodities before moving into energy.

He previously sold a majority stake in Geregu Power but retains a minority share.

He also holds investments in banking and owns properties across major global cities. He ranks 22nd in Africa.

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$4.3 Billion | Age: 64 | Mining

South Africa’s Patrice Motsepe is the founder of African Rainbow Minerals.

He also has interests in private equity, financial services and football, including ownership of Mamelodi Sundowns. He ranks as the 8th richest man in Africa.

$1.4 Billion | Age: 64 | Diversified

Yasseen Mansour is a key shareholder in the Mansour Group, a major Egyptian conglomerate with interests in automotive distribution and heavy equipment.

He also chairs Palm Hills Developments. He ranks 20th in Africa.

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$11.2 Billion | Age: 65 | Cement and Sugar

Abdulsamad Rabiu is the founder of BUA Group, one of Nigeria’s largest conglomerates. His interests span cement, sugar and food production.

He owns major stakes in BUA Cement and BUA Foods. He ranks 3rd in Africa.

$9.6 Billion | Age: 65 | Construction and Investments

Nassef Sawiris leads OCI, a major global fertilizer producer, and holds investments in construction, sports and global brands including Adidas.

He also co-owns Premier League club Aston Villa. He ranks 5th in Africa.

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$2.1 Billion | Age: 65 | Telecom

Strive Masiyiwa built Econet Wireless into a major telecoms and fintech group across Africa.

He also serves on the board of Netflix and leads philanthropic work through his foundation. He ranks 14th in Africa.

$1.6 Billion | Age: 65 | Petroleum and Diversified

Aziz Akhannouch controls Akwa Group, a major Moroccan conglomerate in petroleum and chemicals.

He also serves as Prime Minister of Morocco. He ranks 18th in Africa.

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$1.3 Billion | Age: 68 | Real Estate

Anas Sefrioui founded Groupe Addoha, a leading Moroccan real estate developer specialising in affordable housing.

His company remains a major player in the sector. He ranks 19th in Africa.

$28.5 Billion | Age: 69 | Cement and Sugar

Aliko Dangote tops the list as Africa’s richest individual.

He built Dangote Cement into the continent’s largest cement producer and also leads major investments in sugar, fertiliser and oil refining. He ranks 1st in Africa.

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Africa’s youngest billionaires reflect a continent where wealth creation is increasingly tied to industrialisation, infrastructure, and large-scale investment in key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, real estate, and telecommunications.

While their fortunes differ significantly in size, most have built or expanded family legacies into diversified conglomerates with cross-border influence.

According to Forbes Africa 2026 rankings, these business leaders continue to play a central role in shaping Africa’s economic direction, attracting global investment, and driving long-term development across multiple industries.