Africa stands as the youngest continent on Earth, with over 60% of its population under 25 years old. The streets buzz with energy, as vibrant youth breathe life into every corner, sparking innovation and dreaming up the future. It’s this youthful spirit that drives the cultural pulse and propels a growing tech ecosystem across the continent.
Yet, the wealthiest individuals in Africa don’t reflect the youthful energy of today’s trends. Instead, they are seasoned veterans—older figures who have spent decades building their fortunes and fortifying their legacies. The contrast is striking, pointing to the intricacies of wealth, legacy, and the challenges of transferring generational wealth in Africa.
While young Africans are leading conversations on tech, climate action, and social innovation, the richest still dominate through traditional sectors like energy, real estate, and manufacturing—industries that require years of experience, extensive networks, and established foundations.
These elderly billionaires are products of a different era. Many began their journeys when key industries were in their infancy, laying the groundwork for sectors that would grow alongside the continent’s development. They navigated volatile markets, took calculated risks, and built powerful conglomerates that are now vital to their countries’ economies.
This generational wealth gap isn’t unique to Africa, but its persistence in such a youthful continent with immense talent and ambition begs a closer look.
At 93, Nathan Kirsh claims the title of Africa’s oldest billionaire, with a fortune of $7.3 billion from retail and real estate ventures in Eswatini. Close behind, Othman Benjelloun, 92, holds a $1.6 billion fortune derived from banking and insurance in Morocco. Christoffel Wiese, an 83-year-old retail tycoon from South Africa, rounds out the top three, also with a net worth of $1.6 billion.
Below are the top 10 oldest billionaires in Africa as of early 2025.
