Africa is home to several successful and wealthy women who have made their fortunes in various sectors, including oil and gas, telecommunications, media, and real estate. These women have used their wealth and influence to fund projects in their home countries and support charitable causes.
In this article, we will look at the wealthiest women in Africa, in order of their net worth. We will also focus on their place of origin and their business ventures. This list is not exhaustive, but it gives an overview of some of the most successful and wealthiest women on the continent.
These women are an inspiration to many young entrepreneurs and business people across the continent, showing that with hard work, determination, and the right opportunities, anyone can achieve success.
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Africa’s richest women
| Rank | Name | Country | Net worth ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Folorunsho Alakija | Nigeria | 1.6 Billion |
| 2. | Ngina Kenyatta | Kenya | 1.4 Billion |
| 3. | Hajia Bola Shagaya | Nigeria | 950 Million |
| 4. | Wendy Appelbaum | South Africa | 850 Million |
| 5. | Dr. Stella Okoli | Nigeria | 800 Million |
| 6. | Isabelle Coutant-Peyre | Algeria | 300 Million |
| 7. | Magaret Mungherera | Uganda | 200 Million |
| 8. | Wendy Ackerman | South Africa | 180 Million |
| 9. | Irene Charnley | South Africa | 150 Million |
| 10. | Bridgette Radebe | South Africa | 100 Million |
1. Folorunsho Alakija
Net worth: $1.6 Billion
Country: Nigeria
Alakija is a Nigerian businesswoman and philanthropist considered one of the wealthiest women in Africa, with an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion. Born in Nigeria, Folorunsho is the founder of Famfa Oil, a Nigerian oil exploration company that has significant interests in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. She also owns several other businesses in Nigeria, including real estate, fashion, and media ventures.
Folorunsho is known for her business acumen and her ability to create wealth in a sector that men have traditionally dominated. She is also widely recognized for her philanthropic work, and she has used her wealth to support various charitable causes in Nigeria, including education and healthcare.
Folorunsho is also a mentor and role model to many young entrepreneurs and business people in Nigeria, and she is known for her strong leadership skills and ability to overcome challenges. She is also considered an advocate for women’s rights and empowers women in business. Despite facing numerous obstacles in her career, she has a growing business empire and is a trailblazer in the Nigerian business scene, setting an example for other women to follow.
Also read: How Folorunsho Alakija made her money
2. Ngina Kenyatta
Net worth: $1.4 Billion
County: Kenya
Africa’s second richest woman is Ngina Kenyatta, better known by her stage name “Mama Ngina,” who served as Kenya’s former first lady under Jomo Kenyatta, the first President of Kenya.
Kenyatta was the spouse of Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s first president from 1964 until his passing in 1978. Ngina is also the biological mother of Kenya’s immediate past president, Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ngina currently oversees the family business, which consists of insurance, banking, manufacturing, education and real estate. She is currently the second richest woman in Africa with an estimated net worth of $1.4 Billion.
3. Hajia Bola Shagaya
Net worth: $950 million
Country: Nigeria
Hajia Bola Shagaya is the second richest woman in Nigeria. In addition, she ranks as Africa’s third wealthiest female. Previously, she had worked as an auditor for Nigeria’s Central Bank. Her company imports photographic supplies. It was rumored that Hajia Bola was responsible for bringing Konica cameras and lenses to the country.
Hajia Shagaya also runs other enterprises, including a real estate empire that spans Nigeria and other nations.
Her preference for flashy, expensive automobiles indicates her high social standing. For example, Hajia Shagaya has two Rolls-Royces for a combined $90 million. In addition, she has a Phantom and a Ghost. Consequently, she is among the 40 most famous Nigerians to own a Rolls-Royce.
4. Wendy Appelbaum
Net worth: $850 Million
Country: South Africa
Wendy is a South African businesswoman and philanthropist, who is considered to be one of the wealthiest women in Africa, with an estimated net worth of $850 Million. Born in South Africa, Wendy is the founder of De Morgenzi Group, a private equity firm that has invested in various companies across different sectors. She is also known for her philanthropic work, and she has used her wealth to support various charitable causes in South Africa, including education and healthcare.
Wendy is widely recognized for her business acumen and her ability to create wealth in a sector that is traditionally male-dominated. She is also a mentor and role model to many young entrepreneurs and business people in South Africa, and she is known for her strong leadership skills and ability to overcome challenges.
She is also considered an advocate for women’s rights and empowers women in business. Wendy’s success serves as an inspiration to many young entrepreneurs and businesspeople across the continent, showing that with hard work, determination and the right opportunities, anyone can achieve success.
5. Dr. Stella Okoli
Net worth: $800 million
Country: Nigeria
Stella Chinyelu Okoli, one of the wealthiest women in the world, came from humble beginnings. She started Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries LTD, the biggest local pharmaceutical company, and now runs it as CEO. Okoli began her business as a little pharmaceutical retail outlet, but it has since grown into a household name in Nigeria and beyond, thanks to her efforts.
The largest pharmaceutical firm in Nigeria is called Emzor, and it sells over 50 different medications through its several divisions.
6. Isabelle Coutant-Peyre
Net worth: $300 Million
Country: Algeria
Estimated net worth of $300 million – Isabelle Coutant-Peyre is a French-Algerian businesswoman and philanthropist. She is the founder of Investments Coutant-Peyre, a private equity firm, and has also invested in various other companies.
Isabelle is originally from Algeria, and she has used her wealth to support different charitable causes in her home country.
7. Magaret Mungherera
Net worth: $200 Million
Country: Uganda
Estimated net worth of $200 million, Magaret Mungherera is a Ugandan businesswoman and philanthropist. She is the founder of Mungherera Group, a business conglomerate that operates in various sectors, including real estate, construction, and agriculture.
Magaret is originally from Uganda, and she has used her wealth to support different charitable causes in her home country.
8. Wendy Ackerman
Net worth: $180 Million
Country: South Africa
Estimated net worth of $180 million – Wendy Ackerman is a South African businesswoman and philanthropist. She is a director in various South African companies, and has also invested in various other companies.
Wendy is originally from South Africa, and she has used her wealth to support different charitable causes in her home country.
9. Irene Charnley
Net worth: $150 Million
Country: South Africa
Estimated net worth of $150 million – Irene Charnley is a South African businesswoman and philanthropist. She was formerly the executive director of the MTN Group, and has also invested in various other companies.
Irene is originally from South Africa, and she has used her wealth to support different charitable causes in her home country.
10. Bridget Radebe
Net worth: $100 Million
Country: South Africa
Bridget Radebe is a South African business woman with interests and investments in mining, agriculture and finance.
The 62-year-old is also a campaigner for women’s right and equality.
Conclusion
The African continent is home to some of the most successful and influential women in the world. The women on this list have not only broken barriers in their respective fields, but have also become role models for young girls and women across the continent. Their success stories serve as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a bit of luck, anything is possible
