Welcome to this post about the top 10 richest women in Africa in 2024, via Afrokonnect. The African economy is known to be controlled and dominated by the patriarchal society. However, the emergence of women who are powerful and successful is serving as a testament to the continent’s shifting trends.
The list of the top 10 richest women in Africa in 2024 reflects the transformative and prominence of women in various sectors across the continent. These women have destroyed existing structures and dominated sectors traditionally controlled by men.
Each woman on this list contributes in her own way to the economic landscape of the African continent. Their stories to stardom embodies resilience, persistence and an unwavering dedication to excellence.
The top 10 richest women in Africa in 2024 serve as symbols of financial success on the continent. They are also viewed as catalysts for change as they utilize their influence to drive progress and re-write the narrative of a woman’s place in business.
They embody the spirit of the continent which is on the rise and a place where women are becoming pivotal players in various sectors where they find themselves to shape the economic destiny of the African continent.
Richest women in Africa – (Top 10 Wealthiest in 2024)
1) Folorunsho Alakija – Nigeria
- Net worth: $1 Billion
- Date of Birth: July 15, 1951
She is a Nigerian and ranks top of the wealthiest woman both in Nigeria and Africa. She is a philanthropist and businesswoman who specializes in various sectors such as oil and gas, fashion and printing.
She began as a secretary and worked her way to becoming the founder, owner and chairman of Famfa Oil, a Nigerian oil exploration company. Her company, Supreme Stitches, is a major player in the fashion industry as it is involved in the production of high-end fabrics, design of ready-to-wear (AKA red-made) and couture clothing.
She is married to Modupe Alakija in 1976 and they have 4 wonderful children. Her achievements have been recognized globally as she is the custodian of various awards such as being named one of Forbes’ most powerful women in the world.
2) Ngina Kenyatta – Kenya
- Net worth: $1 billion
- Date of Birth: June 24, 1993
Ngina Kenyatta is a popular figure in Kenya for her significant contributions as the wife of Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta. Her involvement in various sectors across Kenya can’t be underappreciated.
She is actively involved in agriculture especially in large-scale farming and has extensive land holdings in Kenya. This has contributed significantly to Kenya’s overall growth in the agricultural sector.
She has significant stakes in various companies such as Brookside Dairies (The largest dairy company in Kenya), Mediamax (A media company), Heritage hotels, etc. It is also not possible to avoid mentioning the hundreds of thousands of prime Kenyan land under her control.
3) Hajia Bola Shagaya – Nigeria
- Net worth: $950 million
- Date of Birth: October 10, 1959
She is a prominent and very successful woman in Nigeria and Africa at large. She has made a name for herself on the African continent and this has aided to her net worth of over $900 million.
She is founder and CEO of Bolmus Group international which is a conglomerate with diversified interests in oil, real estate, etc. The oil sector in particular is proving to be a very lucrative sector for Shagaya as it has aided in contributing massively to her wealth.
Her role as the CEO of Bolmus Group International has been pivotal in shaping the company’s trajectory and expanding its outreach on the African business landscape. Shagaya’s legacy extends beyond financial prosperity and embodies the imprint she has left on the African business landscape. Her story is marked by a commitment to excellence.
4) Daisy Danjuma
- Net worth: $800 million
- Date of Birth: August 6, 1952.
She is a native of Benin City, Edo state which is located in Nigeria. She is an influential figure in Nigeria’s business and philanthropic sector. Her involvement in the business world spans across various sectors such as oil and gas, real estate, and finance.
She is the custodian of various executive positions in numerous companies which has contributed to her overall growth and success. She is known for her ties in the energy sector, through her ties with South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO) in which she served as the chairperson of the company, oil and gas, real estate, etc.
This showcases her vision which extends beyond traditional business boundaries. She is also renowned for her massive contribution to social causes, women advocacy and philanthropy that extends across Nigeria. Her inclusion in lists celebrating influential women in Africa celebrates her legacy which is dedicated to a better future for individuals both in Nigeria and abroad.
5) Dr. Stella Okoli
- Net worth: $800 million
- Date of Birth: January 4, 1944
She is a renowned visionary in the pharmaceutical and entrepreneurship sector which stands her out as a beacon of success. She was born in Kano State, Nigeria. Her role as the founder and CEO of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, one of Nigeria’s top pharmaceutical companies has earned her a significant position in the industry.
The pivotal moment in her career came in 1984 when she founded Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. The company’s name, “Emzor”, is derived from the phrase “The Embrace of Trust” which reflects her commitment to providing quality healthcare products.
6) Wendy Applebaum
- Net worth: $259 million
- Date of Birth: October 10, 1962
She is a prominent South-African businesswoman and philanthropist who is well-known for her business prowess and her commitment to making a positive impact on society. Her foray into the corporate world started with her notable involvement with Liberty Investors Limited where she served as a Director.
This set the stage for her future engagements in the sector and provided her with valuable insights into the INs and OUTs of business and finance. She later on acquired a significant stake in the insurance company, Liberty Group and took on an active role in contributing her expertise to the growth and development of the company.
She also took a liking in the wine sector and in 2003 acquired De Morgenzon Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Under her leadership, the estate has gained recognition for the production of high-quality wines and has become a major player in the wine industry in South Africa.
She is the founder of the Wendy Applebaum Foundation which specializes in aiding initiatives that focuses on education, healthcare, and social justice.
7) Wendy Ackerman
- Net worth: $190 million
- Date of Birth: June 6, 1931
Wendy Ackerman is a successful entrepreneur, retail innovator, and a dedicated philanthropist. Her journey to financial success can be characterized by her pivotal role in the establishment of Pick n Pay, one of South Africa’s leading retail chains.
She got married to Raymond Ackerman in 1951. His purchase of 4 stores from the Greatermans group marked the birth of Pick n Pay, a retail giant. Her commitment to impacting the society is visible in various philanthropic initiatives she has supported over the years.
She and her husband established the Ackerman Family Educational Trust which is focused on providing scholarships to individuals aiming for higher education.
9) Irene Charnley
- Net Worth: $750 million
- Date of Birth: May 6, 1960
She is a South African businesswoman whose core of wealth is in the telecommunications sector. She has majority of her investments in the telecom sector. Irene was a former negotiator for the South African National Union of Mineworkers for 13 years; a position she quitted to become the Executive director of MTN.
Irene’s leadership of MTN was crucial in aiding the company grow to become the leading and largest telecommunications company in Africa. Her leadership extended the services of MTN to various countries in Africa and the Middle East (Including Iran).
She left the company thereafter to set up he own telecommunications company named Smiles Communication, which was established in 2007. The company has since therefore become a top African brand in the telecom sector. The company has extended its operations to several African countries.
These countries include Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa, and Mauritius.
10) Bridgette Radebe
- Net worth: $700 million
- Date of Birth: February 26, 1960
Bridgette Radebe is a South African mining entrepreneur and the founder, CEO and executive chairman of Mmankau Mining Limited. The company is one which specializes in the mining of chrome, uranium platinum, and coal legally.
She is considered as the first African woman to be engaged in the mining sector. This has earned her various positions, most notably being appointed the President of the South African Mining Development Association.
She started her journey as a miner under a contract in the 1980s before she founded Mmankau Mining Limited which is among the leading mining companies in Africa. It has helped significantly in the production of platinum, gold, and chrome.
In May 2008, Bridgette Radebe received the “International Businessperson of the Year Award”. This award recognizes her contributions for making a difference in the world of changing political and environmental landscapes.
Conclusion on the Richest Women in Africa in 2024
The stories and experiences of the top 10 richest women in Africa in 2024 reveals a narrative of breaking down gender barriers and contributing to the economic resurgence of the African continent.
These women are not just financial powerhouses but serve as advocates for equality and social development through their activities and actions. These women have not only amassed wealth but taken up the responsibility that comes with it by engaging in philanthropy and supporting initiatives that address societal challenges.
They provide a sneak-peak into the future of the African continent. It is a future in which women play significant roles in shaping industries, influencing policies and driving innovation throughout the continent. Thanks for reading and I hope to see you again on Afrokonnect.ng.
