Once again, Johann Rupert of South Africa has claimed the title of Africa’s wealthiest individual. This is not an unfamiliar achievement for the billionaire, who has frequently topped the continent’s rich list. For over a year, Rupert and Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote have been engaged in a close competition, with each one momentarily surpassing the other, driven by fluctuations in their fortunes.
In early 2023, Dangote had a clear advantage, leading the list of Africa’s richest people with a net worth of $20 billion, a significant margin of over $7 billion ahead of Rupert. However, by June of the same year, Dangote’s wealth had dramatically decreased to $10.8 billion, down from $13 billion, which had itself been a drop from $20 billion. During the same period, Rupert’s net worth surged to $12 billion, sparking a back-and-forth rivalry between the two billionaires.
Although Dangote managed to reclaim the top spot, his lead was never substantial. Since June 2023, the gap between the two has been so narrow that either could be Africa’s richest person at any given moment.
As of now, Johann Rupert’s wealth stands at $13.9 billion, with a recent increase of $322 million and a year-to-date gain of $1.51 billion, placing him as the 153rd richest person globally. In contrast, Dangote’s current net worth is $13.4 billion, reflecting a recent decrease of $527 million and a year-to-date loss of $1.71 billion, making him the 161st richest person worldwide.
Earlier in August, Rupert briefly overtook Dangote once more, with both men holding a net worth of $13.6 billion. At that time, Rupert had seen a $134 million increase in his valuation, contributing to a year-to-date gain of $1.21 billion. Dangote, on the other hand, had experienced a $27 million increase but had suffered a year-to-date decline of $1.53 billion.
Shortly afterward, Dangote regained the title, his net worth rising to $13.7 billion, surpassing Rupert’s $13.3 billion. Rupert’s valuation had dropped by $334 million, resulting in a year-to-date gain of $875 million, placing him 155th on Bloomberg’s global rich list. Meanwhile, Dangote’s valuation had increased by $144 million, though his year-to-date loss remained significant at $1.38 billion, ranking him 149th globally.
Before this recent exchange, Rupert had last been Africa’s richest person at the beginning of the year, with a net worth of $10.3 billion, while Dangote held $9.5 billion.
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