7 African billionaires who made a fortune in retail

Retail is one of the most important sectors of the African economy, and it has created some of Africa’s wealthiest African billionaires who made a fortune as individuals. In this post, we take a look at African billionaires who made a fortune in retail, their challenges and what you can learn from that to succeed.
7 African billionaires who made a fortune in retail
- Aliko Dangote: Dangote is the richest man in Africa and the founder of the Dangote Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar, flour, and other commodities. He also owns the largest privately owned retail chain in Nigeria.
- Nassef Sawiris: Sawiris is the chairman of the Orascom Group, a multinational conglomerate with interests in construction, telecom, and media. He also owns the largest privately owned retail chain in Egypt.
- Mike Adenuga: Adenuga is the founder of the Globacom Group, a telecommunications company, and the owner of the largest privately owned retail chain in Nigeria.
- Mohammed Dewji: Dewji is the founder of the MeTL Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in manufacturing, agriculture, and mining. He also owns the largest privately owned retail chain in Tanzania.
- Tony Elumelu: Elumelu is the chairman of the Heirs Holdings Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in banking, oil and gas, and real estate. He also owns the largest privately owned retail chain in Nigeria.
- Patrice Motsepe: Motsepe is the founder of the African Rainbow Minerals, a mining company, and the owner of the largest privately owned retail chain in South Africa.
- Aziz Akhannouch: Akhannouch is the founder of the Akwa Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in energy, agriculture, and retail. He is also the current Prime Minister of Morocco.
These seven billionaires are just a few of the many African entrepreneurs who have made a fortune in retail. Their success is a testament to the growing importance of the retail sector in Africa and the potential for African businesses to succeed on the global stage.
READ: Video:Human Rights Reporters Ghana CEO discusses 5th UN Global Entreps Awards victory on Metro TV
Challenges African the 7 African billionaires faced before reaching their goal and what can the youth learn about it?
The 7 African billionaires mentioned above faced a number of challenges before reaching their goals. Here are some of the challenges they faced:
- Lack of access to capital: Many African entrepreneurs face the challenge of getting access to capital to start and grow their businesses. This is due to a number of factors, including the lack of financial institutions in Africa and the high interest rates charged by those that do exist.
- Political instability: Africa is a continent that is often plagued by political instability. This can make it difficult for businesses to operate, as they may be subject to sudden changes in laws or regulations.
- Corruption: Corruption is a major problem in many African countries. This can make it difficult to do business, as businesses may be forced to pay bribes in order to get things done.
- Infrastructure challenges: Africa’s infrastructure is often underdeveloped. This can make it difficult for businesses to transport goods and services, and to access markets.
- Limited access to technology: Many African businesses lack access to the latest technologies. This can make it difficult for them to compete with businesses in other parts of the world.
Despite these challenges, the 7 African billionaires mentioned above were able to achieve great success. They did this by being persistent, innovative, and taking risks. They also had a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn from their mistakes.
The youth can learn a lot from the experiences
The youth can learn a lot from the experiences of these African billionaires. Here are some of the lessons they can learn:
- Never give up: No matter what challenges you face, never give up on your dreams. The 7 African billionaires mentioned above all faced challenges, but they never gave up.
- Be innovative: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and come up with new ideas. The 7 African billionaires were all innovative entrepreneurs who were not afraid to take risks.
- Take calculated risks: Don’t be afraid to take risks, but make sure you do your research and understand the risks involved. The 7 African billionaires all took calculated risks, but they also did their homework to make sure they were making informed decisions.
- Have a strong work ethic: The 7 African billionaires all had a strong work ethic. They were willing to put in the long hours and hard work necessary to achieve success.
- Be willing to learn from your mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and not make the same ones twice. The 7 African billionaires were all willing to learn from their mistakes and use them as an opportunity to grow and improve.
The youth of Africa have a bright future. They are the ones who will shape the continent’s future. By learning from the experiences of the 7 African billionaires mentioned above, they can increase their chances of success.

Borderless Africa Critical to AfCFTA Success – Mene
Security and Free Movement Must Go Hand in Hand, Says Ghana’s Interior Minister at Africa Prosperity Dialogue
Ghana Stock Exchange posts strong weekly gains
PwC Ghana Head Says 2026 Budget Meets Expectations
MTN CEO urges businesses to stay alert as cybercriminals adopt AI-powered methods for smarter, targeted attacks
Ghana’s bond market gains international recognition
Police Seize Over GH₵1.4 Million Worth of Suspected Cannabis from Impounded Truck in Oti Region
Four Arrested as Police Crack Carjacking Syndicate in Kumasi
Royal Nursing College shut down over failure to meet regulatory standards
Bodø/Glimt Stun Inter Milan to Complete Historic UCL Double