Johann Rupert from South Africa becomes Africa's wealthiest person, surpassing Aliko Dangote!
Johann Rupert Surpasses Aliko Dangote, Emerges as Africa's Wealthiest Person
According to the latest update from Forbes Real-time Global Billionaires List, South Africa's Johann Rupert & Family has claimed the top spot as Africa's richest individual, surpassing the renowned Nigerian businessman, Aliko Dangote. Johann Rupert now holds the 145th position globally, with a staggering net worth of $12 billion, while Aliko Dangote is ranked at number 172 with a net worth of $10.7 billion.
The recent shift in rankings is believed to be influenced by the implementation of the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) foreign exchange rate unification, resulting in Aliko Dangote's displacement from the pinnacle of Africa's Billionaires Ranking, as experts suggest.
Reports have emerged highlighting how Dangote experienced a decline of $4.12 billion since the CBN decided to float the Naira against major currencies, ultimately leading to his exclusion from the list of the world's top 100 wealthiest individuals and Africa's number one.
The fluctuation in the Naira's value directly impacted the evaluation of Dangote's assets, including his notable ventures such as Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, and Bascom Allied Industries.
Forbes Real-time Billionaires List, updated on Sunday, June 18, 2023, now places South Africa's Johann Rupert & Family at number 145 globally, with their wealth primarily derived from the luxury goods sector, totaling $12 billion. Meanwhile, Aliko Dangote, known for his cement and sugar businesses, is positioned at number 172 with a net worth of $10.7 billion.
Consequently, both Forbes and Bloomberg had to recalculate the fortunes of Nigerian billionaires, leading to significant declines in the wealth of Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu (founder of BUA Cement), and Mike Adenuga (Chairman of Globacom telecommunications Limited).
Nonetheless, many believe that Aliko Dangote's fortunes may bounce back to claim the top spot in Africa's richest individuals' list, thanks to the anticipated commencement of petroleum product refining at the recently commissioned $20 billion Dangote Petrochemical and Refinery, which took place last month.