Forbes Ranks Aliko Dama Zuma As Africa’s Wealthiest Person

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has been ranked as Africa’s wealthiest person and 86th in the world by American Business Magazine, Forbes.

Dangote, who had reportedly seen his wealth nearly double to $23.9 billion, previously sat as the 144th richest person in the world in 2024 with $13.4 billion.

Forbes’ new ranking would, however, doubled Dangote’s standing as his net worth was estimated at $23.9 billion, primarily due to his 92.3 percent stake in Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals.

This reportedly places him way ahead of South African Johann Rupert, who is ranked, 161st in the world with an estimated wealth of $14.4 billion and very far above Globacom boss, Mike Adenuga, who is the second richest in Nigeria and 481, in the world, with a net worth of $6.8 billion.

Dangote’s new achievement could be attributed to his construction of the largest petroleum refinery in Africa which began operation last year.

Also, located on a vast 6,200-acre site in the Lekki Free Zone, the refinery, at full capacity, will process a remarkable 650,000 barrels per day (b/d), making it the seventh-largest refinery in the world and the largest in Africa.

With other thriving companies across different sectors, Dangote has made a mark across Africa and the world.