Top 10 Richest Women in Africa in 2026

Africa is home to some of the world's most influential female entrepreneurs, whose fortunes span industries including oil and gas, banking, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, media, fashion, agriculture and real estate.

These women have built billion-dollar businesses, transformed industries and continue to shape Africa's economic future through innovation, investment and philanthropy.

Below is the list of the 10 richest women in Africa in 2026, based on widely reported wealth estimates from multiple reputable financial publications and business rankings. As most privately owned businesses do not publicly disclose their financial statements, net worth estimates may vary slightly across sources.

1. Folorunsho Alakija (Nigeria)

Estimated Net Worth: Up to US$1.55 billion

Nigerian businesswoman Folorunsho Alakija remains one of Africa's richest women in 2026. She amassed her fortune through Famfa Oil, one of Nigeria's leading indigenous oil companies.

Her career began as a secretary before she studied fashion design and founded a luxury fashion label. Her life changed after securing an oil prospecting licence, which later became one of Nigeria's most valuable petroleum assets.

Beyond oil, Alakija has investments in real estate and telecommunications, making her one of the continent's most successful entrepreneurs.

2. Isabel dos Santos (Angola)

Estimated Net Worth: Between US$300 million and US$2.2 billion (depending on valuation)

Isabel dos Santos built her wealth through investments in telecommunications, banking, energy and retail.

She was previously recognised as Africa's richest woman before facing legal challenges, sanctions and asset freezes linked to corruption allegations, which she denies. As a result, estimates of her current wealth differ significantly across financial publications.

Despite the controversy, she remains one of Africa's most prominent business figures.

3. Mama Ngina Kenyatta (Kenya)

Estimated Net Worth: Around US$1 billion

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Ngina Kenyatta, popularly known as Mama Ngina, is among East Africa's wealthiest women.

Her family's investments span banking, hospitality, agriculture, media, manufacturing and prime real estate, creating one of Kenya's most powerful business empires over several decades.

4. Hajia Bola Shagaya (Nigeria)

Estimated Net Worth: About US$950 million

Bola Shagaya built her fortune through oil and gas, banking, real estate and investments.

She owns Bolmus Group International and has interests in several Nigerian companies, including energy and financial services businesses. Her long-standing role in Nigeria's corporate sector has cemented her position among Africa's wealthiest women.

5. Daisy Danjuma (Nigeria)

Estimated Net Worth: Around US$900 million

Daisy Danjuma has accumulated significant wealth through investments in oil, energy and other private businesses.

Although she maintains a relatively low public profile, her diversified investment portfolio places her among Nigeria's richest female entrepreneurs.

6. Dr Stella Okoli (Nigeria)

Estimated Net Worth: Approximately US$850 million

Dr Stella Okoli founded Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, one of Nigeria's largest indigenous pharmaceutical companies.

From her beginnings as a pharmacist, she built a healthcare empire that manufactures medicines distributed across Africa. Her success has made her one of the continent's most respected business leaders.

7. Precious Moloi-Motsepe (South Africa)

Estimated Net Worth: Estimated in the hundreds of millions of US dollars

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South African entrepreneur Precious Moloi-Motsepe is widely recognised for her work in fashion, healthcare and philanthropy.

She founded African Fashion International, a platform that has helped showcase African designers on the global stage. She also has interests in healthcare investments and charitable initiatives.

8. Mo Abudu (Nigeria)

Estimated Net Worth: Around US$600 million

Mo Abudu transformed herself from a corporate executive into one of Africa's most influential media entrepreneurs.

She founded EbonyLife TV, Africa's first global Black entertainment network, and has produced internationally acclaimed television series and films that have elevated Nollywood's global profile.

9. Wendy Appelbaum (South Africa)

Estimated Net Worth: Around US$259 million

Wendy Appelbaum is one of South Africa's leading businesswomen and investors.

She previously built wealth through the insurance and investment sector before expanding into agriculture by acquiring the renowned De Morgenzon Wine Estate. She is also recognised for her philanthropic work and support for women's economic empowerment.

10. Patricia Poku-Diaby (Ghana)

Estimated Net Worth: More than US$100 million

Patricia Poku-Diaby proudly represents Ghana on the list of Africa's richest women.

She made her fortune through cocoa processing, commodities trading and agribusiness, becoming one of Africa's leading female entrepreneurs in the cocoa industry.

Her company has expanded across several African markets, making her one of Ghana's most successful business leaders and an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across the continent.