Who is Africa's poorest billionaire?

Understanding the Title of Africa's Poorest Billionaire

When the annual wealth listings are published, the public often focuses on the individuals at the very top. However, the lower end of the ultra-wealthy spectrum frequently captures attention for its irony. In its 2026 Africa Billionaires ranking, Forbes designated Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola as the continent's “poorest billionaire.”

While being labeled poor sounds unusual for someone with immense financial assets, the term is relative within the exclusive three-comma club. Otedola's net worth adjusted to approximately $1.3 billion following a dip in his fortune. This decrease was largely driven by market adjustments, including the sale of a significant portion of his stake in Geregu Power Plc at a price below the broader market valuation.

Despite resting at the bottom of the regional index alongside Moroccan businessman Anas Sefrioui, Otedola remains an influential figure in the African energy and business sectors. His inclusion highlights the immense scale of wealth required just to enter the conversation, proving that even the lowest-ranked billionaire possesses extraordinary financial standing.