South Africa reigns as Africa’s primary wealth hub, with Johannesburg being the continent’s most affluent city, home to 12,300 millionaires, 25 centimillionaires, and two billionaires. Cape Town follows closely in second place, with 7,400 millionaires, 28 centimillionaires, and one billionaire. These rankings highlight the concentration of wealth within specific nations and cities, with South Africa possessing more than double the number of highnetworth individuals compared to any other African country. The 2024 African Wealth Report showcases the continent’s financial landscape and underscores its growing economic power.
Cape Town is predicted to become Africa’s wealthiest city by 2030, according to the African Wealth Report. Driven by internal migration of highnetworth individuals and an influx of retirees, the city is already home to the secondhighest number of millionaires in Africa, and its picturesque landscapes and attractive suburbs make it a center for wealth in the region. Corporate giants are also planning to move their offices to Cape Town in the upcoming decade, contributing to its economic expansion.
Johann Rupert, the patriarch of the Richemont family, has surpassed Nigerian magnate Aliko Dangote as the wealthiest person in Africa. The growth and success of the Richemont group, which includes luxury brands such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, have solidified Rupert’s reputation as a symbol of opulence and extravagance. However, some view this development with suspicion, suggesting political implications and socioeconomic critiques that hint at the story extending beyond mere monetary rankings.
Johann Rupert, a South African businessman, is now the wealthiest person in Africa, overtaking Nigerian tycoon Aliko Dangote. Rupert’s success comes from his investments and positions in luxury goods and investment firms such as Richemont and Remgro. Meanwhile, Dangote’s fortunes have decreased due to the high pricing of his cement in Nigeria, causing his wealth to fall from $13.5 billion to $9.5 billion. Despite their African roots, both businessmen have global ties and their rise and fall reflects the larger narrative of resilience and adaptation in a dynamic global economy.