Seunfunmi Joshua
In an era where societal norms and crude stereotypes have constrained the aspirations of many girls, ladies, and women – especially on African soil, a profound shift is fast sweeping through the “mother continent” with many belonging to the female gender fast riding on it. These powerful, non-traditional women are breaking set boundaries and rewriting an agelong bias that has limited the paths of many to financial eminence and sustained influence.
In this article, we will delve into the lives and accomplishments of the top 10 richest African women, exploring their net worth, sources of income, and the factors that contribute to their financial success.
Ready? Let’s get to it!
10. Wendy Ackerman
South African FMCG powerhouse – Wendy Ackerman is one of the founders and an Executive Director of Pick ‘n Pay Stores. Along with her husband Raymond Ackerman, Wendy has been a tremendous force in building up one of South Africa’s leading FMCG retailers, which, to date, consists of over 450 stores, with the inclusion of 121 supermarkets and 14 hypermarkets; She is currently worth well over $200 million.
9. Irene Charnley
Also of South African descent, Irene Charnley has a net worth estimated at $400 million, which comes from her successful career in the telecommunications industry, where she has held significant leadership roles.
8. Bridgette Radebe
Coming in at #8 with an estimated net worth of $400 million is none other than Bridgette Radebe from South Africa. Radebe has made her fortune in the mining industry, becoming one of the most successful women in the sector. She currently serves as the president of the South African Mining Development Association and her husband was South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe.
7. Sharon Wapnick
From South Africa, Sharon Wapnick places 7th on our list with an estimated net worth of $500 million. Her substantial wealth is traceable to her diversified investments across several industries, alongside her being one of the top 5 shareholders for South African companies, and the non-executive chairman of Octodec.
6. Yvonne Ike
The third Nigerian on this list with an estimated net worth of $500 million, Yvonne Ike the managing director and head of Sub Saharan Africa (Ex-RSA) at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. All through her career, she has been responsible for covering Investment Banking and Securities Trading, and has primarily built her wealth through the same.
5. Wendy Appelbaum
Next on our list is Wendy Appelbaum of South Africa with an estimated net worth of $600 million. Like Hajia before her, Appelbaum built her wealth through a diversified approach to entrepreneurship with investments in various industries, including real estate, wine, tourism, etc. Unlike Hajia who grew her wealth from almost nothing, South Africa’s richest woman, Appelbaum, was born to billionaire parents; and probably, enjoyed the precious benefit of a better head start.
4. Hajia Bola Shagaya
Hajia Bola Shagaya from Kwara State, Nigeria is an astute business tycoon who has made a name for herself both locally and across the globe by several investments in sectors such as real estate, oil and gas, banking, photography, and fashion. Currently, she’s estimated to be worth well over $800 million, and does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
3. Ngina Kenyatta
Third on the list is Ngina Kenyatta from Kenya with an estimated net worth of $1 billion. Ngina is the widow of Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta, and has built her wealth primarily on family investments, accumulated wealth, real estate, farming, and hotel business investments.
2. Folorunso Alakija
With an estimated network of a little over a $1 billion, the Nigerian multifaceted business mogul, Folorunso Alakija, comes second on this list. With decades of active interest in oil and gas exploration, Alakija’s wealth primarily stems from her business ventures. However, she has also solidified her position as Nigeria’s foremost business women by foraying into the banking sector and fashion design industry respectively.
1. Isabel dos Santos
First on the list is none other than the daughter of Angola’s former president, Isabel dos Santos with a reported net worth estimated at $2.2 billion. She is globally renowned for her business acumen and built her wealth by strategically investing in various sectors such as telecommunications, banking, and media both within her country and outside it.
Wrapping up,
These ten women – once constrained by societal expectations – exemplify the spirit of resilience, entrepreneurship, and dedication, paving the way for future generations of African women. They have not only shattered glass ceilings but have also created pathways for future generations.
As we look to the future, let the stories of these remarkable women serve as a reminder that barriers are meant to be broken, and success knows no gender. Here’s to the promise of a more inclusive, prosperous future for Women in Africa and beyond!
