Old Money Moguls of Africa: Ranking Wealthiest Elders in 2025
Here's a fresh spin on the article about the top 10 oldest billionaires in Africa for the year 2025:
The A-List of Africa's Eldest Billionaires: 2025 Edition
Let's take a gander at the bigwigs who call Africa home and have raked in the moolah over the years, building colossal corporate empires that span myriad industries. From traditional businesses to high-tech ventures, these fella's have not only amassed a mountain of cash, but they've also played a crucial role in shaping economies, fostering employment, and influencing policy across the continent. So, grab a seat and let's dive into the pantheon of the continent's elder billionaires and their enduring legacies.
1. Nathan "The Kingpin" Kirsh
Oh, baby, the dude who tops our list has earned the nickname "The Kingpin" for good reason. This 90-something-year-old business titan has circus-tier skills in the world of investments, with his company, Kirsh Holdings, raking in the dough in retail and real estate markets worldwide. With major operations in Eswatini, South Africa, and the United States, Nathan's achievements in the wholesale cash-and-carry industry have transformed him into one of the most powerful business leaders on the African continent.
2. "Bankmobile" Othman Benjelloun
This Moroccan finance boss is a heavyweight in the banking and insurance sectors of his homeland. As chairman of BMCE Bank, Othman Benjelloun has been instrumental in expanding the bank's influence across Africa. Through his strategic insight and leadership, he's managed to keep the bank growing, adapting to industry-disrupting trends, and safeguarding its position as a key player in the industry.
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3. "Retail Tycoon" Christoffel Wiese
South Africa's Retail King, Wiese, has taken the supermarket industry by storm. The brains behind Shoprite – the continent's largest grocery retailer – Wiese masterminded the chain's massive expansion across Africa. Despite economic turbulence, his retail empire has remained solid, earning him a spot among Africa's elder billionaire class. Even though he's taken a steps-back from active management, Wiese's influence on the retail sector continues to be felt.
4. "The Visionary" Issad Rebrab
Issad Rebrab, an Algerian tycoon, has made his money in the food industry through Cevital – one of Algeria's largest private conglomerates. By thinking on his feet and focusing on diversification, Rebrab has expanded Cevital's reach beyond food production to include agribusiness, steel, and manufacturing. He's earned a most respected position in Algeria's private sector, driving change across multiple industries and aiding the country's economic growth.
5. "The Diamond Guru" Nicky Oppenheimer
Overseeing De Beers (the diamond company you've surely heard of) for decades, Nicky Oppenheimer had his fingers in the global diamond pie. Though he sold his shares in the company in 2012, the guy continues to maintain a strong presence in the business world through strategic investments. In addition to his wealth, Oppenheimer is renowned for his work in conservation and charitable giving.
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6. Youssef "Big Kahuna" Mansour
The Mansour family, including Youssef, controls a vast business empire that includes the distribution of consumer goods, automobiles, and cellular phones through the Mansour Group. Based in Egypt, this influential conglomerate has played a significant role in shaping the country's economy. Its strategic, forward-thinking approach has undeniably influenced many industries in the region.
7. Mohamed "The Mastermind" Mansour
An indispensable part of Egypt's Mansour Group, Mohamed Mansour is one of the power players in their vast business landscape. In charge of many important operations, Mohamed is especially in charge of managing the group's extensive network of Caterpillar dealerships across the globe. His strategic thinking and business acumen have allowed the group to stay competitive and grow in the ever-evolving global market.
8. "The Banker" Michiel Le Roux
Michiel Le Roux founded Capitec Bank as a low-cost, easy-to-access banking option for South Africans. Under his leadership, Capitec Bank revolutionized the banking industry by giving millions of people access to financial services they previously couldn't afford. Because of his vision, Capitec Bank has not only made banking services more accessible but has also spurred Titlechange in the industry as a whole.
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9. "The Richemont Ruler" Johann Rupert
As Chairman of Richemont, one of the world's largest luxury goods conglomerates – owning brands like Cartier, Montblanc, and Piaget – Johann Rupert has a positioned himself as a key influencer in the luxury market. His keen eye for consumer behavior and uncanny ability to predict trends have allowed him to build an empire that thrives on a global scale. Rupert is one of the most successful African entrepreneurs and an industry titan in the luxury market.
10. "The Naspers Navigator" Koos Bekker
Koos Bekker, a prominent South African business executive, has served as a driving force behind the success of Naspers – a multinational company that has transformed itself from a traditional print media conglomerate into a major player in the global technology sector. Through strategic investments in Tencent, Naspers has become a powerful force in the national and international digital economy. Bekker's shrewd business decisions have allowed Naspers to maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly-evolving market.
- In the realm of e-commerce and technology, many African entrepreneurs have adapted their business models, like the South African tycoon, Christoffel Wiese, who transformed Shoprite into a major e-commerce player.
- The Kingdom of Morocco has seen its share of business innovations, with entrepreneurs like "Bankmobile" Othman Benjelloun leveraging finance and technology to disrupt the banking sector with BMCE Bank, one of the African continent's key players.
- For those interested in wealth management and communications, Richemont, the company led by Johann Rupert, is a global conglomerate with a focus on luxury goods and technology. Rupert's keen interest in consumer trends has helped shape the luxury market on a global scale.
