Africa is home to visionaries, disruptors, and empire builders—individuals who have transcended borders, industries, and expectations to shape the continent’s economic future. 

These powerhouses command boardrooms, influence governments, drive billion-dollar industries, and revolutionize technology.

From moguls who control vast economic empires to tech innovators leading the digital revolution and political heavyweights redefining governance, this exclusive list showcases the 15 Most Powerful People in African Business. 

Their influence extends far beyond the continent, making them key players on the global stage.

Power isn’t just about wealth or position—it’s about impact, vision, and the ability to shape the future. 

These are the game-changers, the kingmakers, and the forces behind Africa’s meteoric rise.

As Africa’s wealthiest individual, Dangote’s spans . His , the largest in Africa, is set to transform the continent’s energy sector. A , he plays a key role in shaping Africa’s economic trajectory.

Tanzania’s only dollar billionaire, Dewji leads , a across 10 African countries. A , he has committed and remains one of East Africa’s most influential business figures.

A pioneer of , Masiyiwa’s has expanded across multiple continents. His ventures in continue to shape Africa’s future. A , he sits on major international boards, including Netflix and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Known as the , Suri built , a , into a multi-billion-dollar empire. With a net worth of , he has spearheaded across Africa and the Gulf region.

As Nigeria’s , Rabiu’s dominates the . His vast investments in make him one of Africa’s most powerful business figures.

Heir to the , Oppenheimer sold his 40% stake in the company for in 2012. He remains one of Africa’s wealthiest individuals, with large investments in .

The driving force behind , Mwangi transformed a small microfinance institution into . A , he is an advisor to the .

A champion of , Amukhoye has led MESPT in empowering through . She is a rising force in Africa’s .

A corporate titan in Africa’s , Tinubu built into Nigeria’s . A member of the , he plays a key role in shaping Africa’s energy policies.

Bekker transformed into , with stakes in . He is a and .

A , Eicker’s leadership in has made her a key player in .

From a , Sheth has redefined , focusing on .

CEO, Orascom Telecom Holding
A telecom pioneer and political influencer, Sawiris built Orascom into a global telecom powerhouse and played a key role in Egypt’s political transition.

Chairman & CEO, Maroc Telecom
The architect of Morocco’s telecom revolution, Ahizoune leads one of Africa’s largest telecommunications companies and serves on major global industry boards.

Chairman, African Rainbow Minerals
South Africa’s first Black billionaire, Motsepe leads African Rainbow Minerals, one of the continent’s top mining and resources firms. He is also the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

These 15 power players represent Africa’s economic transformation, proving that the continent is not just a land of opportunity but a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.