Youngest Billionaire in Africa - Top 10 Wealthiest People
by Maivizhi A
Updated Jul 05, 2023
Youngest Billionaire in Africa
Africa is home to a rising generation of trailblazers who have achieved extraordinary financial success at a remarkably young age. These individuals, known as the youngest billionaires in Africa, represent the dynamic and enterprising spirit of the continent. With their groundbreaking accomplishments, they have not only rewritten the narrative of African entrepreneurship but have also become prominent figures in the global business arena.
1
Mohammed Dewji
48
$1.5 Billion
2
Patrice Motsepe
61
$2.5 Billion
3
Strive Masiyiwa
62
$1.9 Billion
4
Yasseen Mansour
62
$1.3 Billion
5
Aziz Akhannouch
62
$1.5 Billion
6
Abdulsamad Rabiu
62
$8.6 Billion
7
Nassef Sawiris
62
$6.7 Billion
8
Abdullahi Haske
38
Not Known
S.No.
Youngest Billionaire
Age
Net Worth
These exceptional individuals have harnessed their innovative ideas, business acumen, and determination to amass vast fortunes before reaching their thirties. Through various industries such as technology, finance, real estate, and manufacturing, they have created successful ventures that have not only transformed their own lives but also contributed significantly to Africa's economic growth.
The achievements of these young billionaires underscore the immense potential that Africa possesses for cultivating successful entrepreneurs. Their stories serve as inspiration for aspiring young individuals across the continent, fueling dreams of achieving unprecedented financial success through ingenuity, hard work, and perseverance.
Top 8 Youngest Billionaire in Africa
As the youngest billionaires in Africa continue to shape the business landscape, they also demonstrate the immense possibilities that exist for creating wealth and driving positive change on the continent. Their success stories are a testament to Africa's vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, promising a bright future as Africa's youthful population increasingly takes the lead in driving innovation, economic development, and prosperity.
1. Mohammed Dewji - 48 Years
Mohammed Dewji, at the age of 48, is one of the youngest billionaires in Africa. He hails from Tanzania and has a net worth of approximately $1.5 billion. Dewji's wealth primarily stems from his company, MeTL Group, which is one of the largest conglomerates in East Africa. MeTL Group operates in various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, real estate, and finance. The company has a significant presence in over 10 African countries and employs tens of thousands of people.
Dewji's entrepreneurial journey began when he took over his family's trading business and transformed it into a thriving enterprise. He expanded the company's operations, diversified its product offerings, and established partnerships with international corporations. Dewji is also involved in philanthropic activities, focusing on education, healthcare, and youth empowerment in Africa. In 2016, he pledged to donate at least half of his wealth to philanthropy.
2. Patrice Motsepe - 61 Years
Patrice Motsepe, aged 61, is another prominent young billionaire in Africa. He is a South African businessman and mining magnate, with an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion. Motsepe made his fortune through his mining company, African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), which has interests in various minerals, including platinum, gold, coal, and iron ore.
Motsepe's business acumen and strategic acquisitions played a significant role in the growth of ARM. He expanded the company's operations by acquiring several mining assets and formed partnerships with international mining firms. Motsepe is also the founder of African Rainbow Capital, an investment firm focused on empowering black-owned businesses in South Africa.
Aside from his business success, Motsepe is known for his philanthropic efforts. He established the Motsepe Foundation, which is dedicated to improving education, healthcare, and economic development in South Africa and other African countries. In 2020, he joined the Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of his wealth to charitable causes.
3. Strive Masiyiwa - 62 Years
Strive Masiyiwa, aged 62, is a Zimbabwean entrepreneur and philanthropist. With a net worth of around $1.9 billion, he is recognized as one of Africa's youngest billionaires. Masiyiwa's wealth primarily comes from his telecommunications empire, Econet Group, which operates in several African countries.
Masiyiwa's entrepreneurial journey started in the early 1990s when he founded Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the country's first mobile network operator. He faced numerous challenges, including legal battles and opposition from established telecommunication companies, but he persevered and successfully grew his business.
Beyond his telecommunications ventures, Masiyiwa is actively involved in various philanthropic initiatives. He established the Higherlife Foundation, which focuses on education, healthcare, and leadership development in Africa. Masiyiwa has also been a vocal advocate for social and economic issues in the continent, working to improve access to technology and empower young entrepreneurs.
In addition to his business and philanthropic activities, Masiyiwa serves on several boards and advisory committees, including the United Nations Foundation's Global Entrepreneurs Council and the Rockefeller Foundation's Africa Regional Advisory Board. He has received numerous accolades for his contributions to business and philanthropy in Africa.
4. Yasseen Mansour - 62 Years
Yasseen Mansour, aged 62, is one of the youngest billionaires in Africa with a net worth of $1.3 billion. He is an Egyptian businessman and the co-owner of the Mansour Group, a conglomerate with interests in various sectors including automotive, consumer goods, and energy.
Mansour Group is the sole distributor of General Motors vehicles in Egypt and operates one of the largest supermarket chains in the country. Yasseen Mansour has played a pivotal role in expanding the family business and diversifying its portfolio. He is known for his entrepreneurial acumen and ability to forge successful partnerships.
5. Aziz Akhannouch - 62 Years
Aziz Akhannouch, also 62 years old, is another prominent young billionaire from Africa with a net worth of $1.5 billion. He hails from Morocco and is the CEO of Akwa Group, a conglomerate with interests in petroleum, gas, and chemicals. Akhannouch's wealth mainly comes from his family's stake in the company.
Apart from his business ventures, he has been involved in politics and has served as the Minister of Agriculture in Morocco. Akhannouch is known for his efforts to modernize the agricultural sector and promote sustainable farming practices in the country.
6. Abdulsamad Rabiu - 62 Years
Abdulsamad Rabiu, aged 62, is one of the wealthiest individuals in Africa with a staggering net worth of $8.6 billion. He is a Nigerian businessman and the founder and chairman of BUA Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in cement production, sugar refining, real estate, and infrastructure.
Rabiu's success can be attributed to his strategic investments and a keen understanding of the Nigerian market. He has contributed significantly to Nigeria's economic development through job creation and investment in critical sectors. Rabiu is also actively involved in philanthropy and has donated generously towards education and healthcare initiatives in Nigeria.
7. Nassef Sawiris - 62 Years
Nassef Sawiris, born in 1961, is an Egyptian billionaire and one of the youngest billionaires in Africa. With a net worth of $6.7 billion, he has achieved tremendous success in the business world. Nassef Sawiris is the CEO of Orascom Construction Industries, an engineering and construction company based in Egypt. He also serves as the Executive Chairman of LafargeHolcim, a Swiss multinational building materials company.
Under Sawiris' leadership, Orascom Construction Industries has grown significantly, undertaking major projects both in Egypt and internationally. He has played a crucial role in expanding the company's operations and establishing it as one of the leading players in the construction industry.
Nassef Sawiris comes from a prominent Egyptian family that has made significant contributions to the country's economy. His father, Onsi Sawiris, founded Orascom Construction Industries, and his brothers Naguib and Samih Sawiris are also successful businessmen.
8. Abdullahi Haske - 38 Years
Abdullahi Haske, born in 1987, is a young Nigerian entrepreneur who has emerged as one of the rising stars in Africa's business landscape. While his exact net worth is not publicly known, he has achieved considerable success at a relatively young age.
Abdullahi Haske has made his mark primarily in the technology sector. He is the founder and CEO of a tech startup that specialises in developing innovative software solutions. His company has gained recognition for its cutting-edge products and services, contributing to his growing reputation as a tech visionary.
Haske's entrepreneurial journey showcases his ability to identify opportunities and create value. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in navigating the challenges of the business world and building a successful venture.
Beyond his business pursuits, Abdullahi Haske is also involved in initiatives aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs in Nigeria and across Africa. He serves as a mentor and provides support to aspiring business leaders, sharing his knowledge and experiences to help them succeed.
Who is the Youngest Billionaire in Africa?
Mohammed Dewji, the owner of MeTL Group, is a prominent multibillionaire with a staggering net worth of $1.6 billion. His company, MeTL Group, stands as the largest domestic conglomerate in Tanzania, solidifying his position among the wealthiest individuals in Africa. The MeTL Group boasts subsidiaries in 11 African nations and holds a remarkable valuation surpassing $1.5 billion.
MeTL Group operates across various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics & distribution, transportation, financial services, and trade. Mohammed Dewji, who inherited the business from his father, has skillfully transformed it into one of Africa's largest enterprises. At the age of 47, he has held the esteemed title of the youngest billionaire in Africa for over six years.
Mohammed Dewji achieved the distinction of being the first Tanzanian to attain a net worth of $1 billion. Furthermore, his remarkable fortune of $1.6 billion solidified his status as one of the most affluent individuals in the African continent.
Youngest Billionaires in Africa
The youngest billionaires in Africa represent a new generation of trailblazers who have achieved remarkable financial success at a young age. Through their innovative ideas, business acumen, and determination, they have rewritten the narrative of African entrepreneurship and become prominent figures in the global business arena.
These exceptional individuals have not only amassed vast fortunes but have also made significant contributions to Africa's economic growth, transforming industries and creating successful ventures across various sectors.
Their stories serve as an inspiration to aspiring young individuals throughout the continent, fueling dreams of achieving unprecedented financial success through ingenuity, hard work, and perseverance. As the youngest billionaires continue to shape the business landscape in Africa, they demonstrate the immense potential for wealth creation and positive change on the continent.
With Africa's vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and its youthful population increasingly taking the lead in driving innovation and economic development, a bright future awaits, marked by continued growth, prosperity, and opportunities for all
Youngest Billionaire in Africa - FAQs
Abdullahi Haske is the youngest billionaire in Africa. He was born in 1992 and has achieved significant success in the technology sector through his innovative software solutions company.
Mohammed Dewji's net worth is approximately $1.5 billion. He is a Tanzanian businessman who leads the conglomerate MeTL Group, operating in various industries across East Africa.
Patrice Motsepe established the Motsepe Foundation, focusing on improving education, healthcare, and economic development in South Africa and other African countries.
Strive Masiyiwa is primarily involved in the telecommunications industry. He founded Econet Group, which operates in several African countries and has played a pivotal role in expanding access to mobile communication.
Yasseen Mansour is the co-owner of the Mansour Group, a conglomerate with interests in automotive, consumer goods, and energy.