Jamesty
There are some of the most powerful and wealthy people in the world who call Africa their home. Many of these individuals have spent decades building enormous corporate empires that span a variety of different industries. The oldest billionaires on the continent have not only amassed enormous money, but they have also played a significant role in the formation of economies, the creation of employment opportunities, and the influence of their policies. A list of the top 10 oldest billionaires in Africa, together with their respective industries and the enduring legacies they continue to develop, is shown below.
List Of Top 10 Oldest Billionaires In Africa 2025
1. Nathan Kirsh
Nathan Kirsh, who holds the record for being the oldest billionaire in Africa, has garnered a large fortune by making savvy investments in the retail and real estate industries. His company, Kirsh Holdings, is active in a number of different markets, with a significant presence in Eswatini, South Africa, and the United States of America. His accomplishments in the wholesale cash-and-carry industry have not only contributed to the accumulation of his fortune, but they have also established him as one of the most powerful business leaders situated on the African continent.
2. Othman Benjelloun
It is safe to say that Othman Benjelloun is a formidable figure in the banking and insurance industries of Morocco. Through his position as chairman of BMCE Bank, which is one of the major financial institutions in Africa, he has been instrumental in the expansion of the bank’s reach across the continent. Through his strategic vision and leadership, he has overseen the growth of the bank, allowing it to adapt to a constantly shifting financial landscape and enforcing its position as a significant player in the industry.
3. Christoffel Wiese
It is generally acknowledged that Christoffel Wiese is a significant contributor to the success of retail businesses in South Africa. This individual was instrumental in the transformation of Shoprite into the largest grocery chain in Africa, and he was responsible for directing the chain’s expansion across the continent. In spite of the difficulties that the economy has presented, his retail empire has persisted, thereby establishing his legacy as a significant player in the sector. Even though he has taken a step back from active management in recent years, Wiese continues to be a powerful presence in the world of business, and his influence on the retail industry is still very much felt.
4. Issad Rebrab
He made his money in the food industry through Cevital, which is one of the largest private enterprises in Algeria. Issad Rebrab, an Algerian millionaire, is the person responsible for this. As a result of his visionary approach to entrepreneurship, he has expanded his commercial activities outside the realm of food production, currently encompassing agribusiness, steel, and manufacturing. As a result of his strategic diversification and consistent growth, he has established himself as a prominent figure in Algeria’s private sector, influencing a variety of industries and making a contribution to the economic development of the country.
5. Nicky Oppenheimer
Nicky Oppenheimer has been in the diamond business for a long time. He used to run De Beers, the biggest diamond company in the world, but he sold his shares in 2012. In spite of leaving the gem business, he continues to make more money through smart investments. Besides business, he is still a well-known figure in conservation and charity, working hard to protect natural areas and support charitable causes.
6. Youssef Mansour
Youssef Mansour is from the famous Mansour family and has made a lot of money through a variety of businesses, including distributing consumer goods, cars, and phones. The Mansour Group, which is run by his family, is one of Egypt’s biggest and most powerful conglomerates, with a strong position in many fields. The group has been very important in shaping the country’s economy through smart growth and new ideas.
7. Mohamed Mansour
Mohamed Mansour, who is Youssef Mansour’s brother, is a very important leader in the Mansour Group, which is one of the biggest and most powerful business groups in the area. He is a key executive and is in charge of many business operations. One of his main responsibilities is managing the group’s large network of Caterpillar dealerships in many countries. He has been very important to the company’s growth and development because of his strategic vision and business knowledge. This has helped it stay successful in the very competitive global market. His leadership shows that he has a deep knowledge of how businesses work, which has helped the Mansour Group grow its presence and influence in many fields.
8. Michiel Le Roux
Michiel Le Roux started Capitec Bank, a bank that was meant to be cheap and easy to get to. It completely changed the way banks work in South Africa. His leadership and vision have changed the business, giving millions of people who didn’t have access before the chance to use banking services. Because of this, Capitec has not only made more people able to access financial services, but it has also had an effect on the banking industry as a whole, leading to more competition and new ideas.
9. Johann Rupert
In his role as chairman of Richemont, the Swiss conglomerate that owns some of the most prestigious brands in the world, including Cartier, Montblanc, and Piaget, Johann Rupert has been instrumental in shaping the modern luxury market. His strategic vision, profound knowledge of consumer behavior, and capacity to foresee industry trends have allowed him to build an empire that continues to flourish on a global scale. Rupert is one of the most successful businessmen from Africa and a world leader in the luxury goods industry.
10. Koos Bekker
Koos Bekker is widely acknowledged as one of the most prominent business executives in Africa. He amassed his fortune by making strategic investments in the fields of media, technology, and e-commerce. Bekker, in his role as the engine that drives the South African multinational company Naspers, converted the company from a conventional print media enterprise into a dominant force in the field of technology on a global scale. By virtue of his acute economic acumen and courageous investment decisions, notably with regard to Tencent, Naspers has established itself as a preeminent participant in the national and international digital economy.
