Renowned Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote has reclaimed his position as the wealthiest person in Africa, according to the latest Forbes Real-Time Billionaires ranking. This development comes after South African business magnate Johann Rupert briefly held the title last week.
As of January 8, the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires ranking reveals that Dangote’s net worth has surged to $10.1 billion, marking an increase of $10 million. In contrast, Rupert’s net worth declined from $10.7 billion on January 30, 2023, to $10 billion on January 8.
Aliko Dangote, the head of the Dangote Group, currently holds the 191st position on the Forbes list, while Johann Rupert is ranked 197th globally. Dangote, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s business landscape, secured his status as the country’s first billionaire in 2007.
Dangote’s financial journey has been notable, with reports indicating that he added $9.2 billion to his personal wealth in 2013, as per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This achievement catapulted him to the 30th spot among the world’s richest individuals, solidifying his position as the wealthiest person in Africa.
In 2015, the HSBC leaks exposed Dangote as a client of HSBC, revealing that he held assets in a tax haven in the British Virgin Islands. Despite these revelations, Dangote has maintained his standing as a key player in the global business arena.
As of June 2022, Aliko Dangote remains the wealthiest individual in Africa, boasting an estimated net worth of US$20 billion. His recent resurgence to the top of the Forbes ranking reaffirms his financial prowess and enduring influence in the business world.
