Africa is home to a growing number of powerful women who are reshaping industries, driving innovation, and redefining wealth. From oil and mining to fashion and pharmaceuticals, these trailblazers have built empires through grit, vision, and strategic brilliance.

Their stories are not just about money—they’re about impact, legacy, and the transformation of communities across the continent.

This list of the top 10 richest women in Africa showcases the diversity of their achievements and the depth of their influence. Each profile offers a glimpse into the journey of a woman who turned ambition into action and success into significance.

Richest Women In Africa – Current List

1. Isabel dos Santos – Angola 🇦🇴

Isabel dos Santos, daughter of Angola’s former president, is a business magnate with interests in oil, telecom, banking, and retail. She built her fortune through stakes in major Angolan companies like Unitel and Banco BIC. Despite facing legal challenges and asset freezes, she remains a symbol of female entrepreneurship in Africa.

Her investments extended into Portugal, making her one of the most influential women in Lusophone business circles. Isabel has also championed women’s empowerment and digital innovation across Africa, though her legacy is clouded by corruption allegations stemming from her father’s presidency.

2. Folorunsho Alakija – Nigeria 🇳🇬

Folorunsho Alakija is a Nigerian billionaire whose wealth stems from oil, fashion, and printing. She began as a fashion designer before securing a lucrative oil prospecting license for Famfa Oil. Her company’s stake in the Agbami oil field catapulted her into billionaire status.

Alakija is also a philanthropist, supporting education and healthcare through her Rose of Sharon Foundation. She’s a devout Christian and motivational speaker, often sharing her journey from secretary to mogul. Her story inspires many African women to pursue entrepreneurship and financial independence.

3. Ngina Kenyatta (Mama Ngina) – Kenya 🇰🇪

Mama Ngina Kenyatta, widow of Kenya’s first president, is a powerful matriarch in East Africa. Her wealth comes from vast land holdings, real estate, banking, and agriculture. The Kenyatta family owns stakes in Brookside Dairy, NCBA Bank, and luxury hotels.

Though she maintains a low public profile, her influence in Kenyan politics and business is undeniable. Mama Ngina is revered for her role in preserving the Kenyatta legacy and mentoring younger generations. Her fortune is closely tied to the family’s political dynasty, which includes her son, former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

4. Hajia Bola Shagaya – Nigeria 🇳🇬

Hajia Bola Shagaya is a Nigerian businesswoman with interests in real estate, banking, and photography. She began her career in auditing before venturing into importation and later real estate development. Shagaya is a board member of Unity Bank and owns properties across Nigeria.

She’s known for her close ties to political elites and her philanthropic efforts in education and women’s empowerment. Her luxury lifestyle and fashion sense have made her a social icon. Despite controversies, she remains one of Nigeria’s most successful female entrepreneurs.

5. Daisy Danjuma – Nigeria 🇳🇬

Daisy Danjuma is a Nigerian lawyer, politician, and businesswoman. She served as a senator and is married to General Theophilus Danjuma, one of Nigeria’s wealthiest men. Daisy has investments in oil, telecommunications, and real estate.

She’s also active in philanthropy, focusing on women’s health and education. Her political career and business acumen have earned her respect across Nigeria. Daisy is known for her elegance, intelligence, and advocacy for gender equality. Her wealth is partly inherited but also built through strategic investments and public service.

Closing

These remarkable women prove that wealth in Africa is no longer a male-dominated domain. Their success stories inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers. Whether through philanthropy, policy influence, or job creation, they continue to shape the continent’s future. As Africa’s economies evolve, expect even more women to rise, innovate, and lead. The journey of these top 10 is just the beginning—there’s a wave of female excellence sweeping across Africa, and it’s rewriting the narrative of power, prosperity, and possibility.