How Africa’s billionaires lost billions: 5 costly investment blunders
Even billionaires make costly mistakes—overleveraging, overexposure, disruption, misjudgment, and poor due diligence can erase fortunes in months.
Standard Bank, led by Sim Tshabalala, makes $165 million bet on platinum group metals
The 5.74 percent stake in Northam Holdings boosts the bank’s mining investments in South Africa.
South African billionaire Ivan Glasenberg takes $684 million hit on Glencore stake
This decline follows a steeper loss earlier this year, when his stake dropped by $817.53 million between Jan. 24 and Feb. 23.
Swedfund pours $16.3 million into African SMEs
This initiative focuses on supporting businesses across multiple sectors, ensuring they have the resources to grow sustainably.
Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola’s FirstHoldCo raises $125 million in oversubscribed rights issue
Otedola, one of Africa’s billionaires since 2009, played a key role in guiding the group toward this milestone, reinforcing his influence in Nigeria’s financial sector.
Trustco’s debt to Namibia’s Van Rooyen family rises to $280 million
Trustco Group’s debt to Next Capital hit $280 million, boosting the Van Rooyen family’s financial control.
JPMorgan cuts Sibanye-Stillwater stake from over $215 million to $157 million
This move signals a reassessment of its exposure to the $3-billion mining group amid evolving economic dynamics in South Africa.
South African-born Billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong loses $1.2 billion in a month
The decline has wiped out nearly all the gains he made in the first seven weeks of 2025.
Will.i.am backs large concept models in new tech investment
His latest initiative centers on identifying and supporting young tech talent who can build these next-generation models.
Wale Tinubu’s Oando strikes deal for Nigeria’s biggest solar project after Caribbean win
The project, expected to play a key role in Nigeria’s shift toward sustainable energy, will be executed by Oando Clean Energy, the renewable energy unit of Oando Energy Resources.
Jean Kacou Diagou: Founder of Côte d'Ivoire’s first banking-insurance group
He transformed Africa’s financial sector by founding NSIA Group, the first Ivorian banking-insurance conglomerate, now operating in 12 countries.
7 banks backed by African billionaires
With deep pockets and a sharp eye for opportunity, billionaire-backed banks are making a mark in corporate finance, wealth management, and financial inclusion.
Ugandan tycoon Patrick Bitature suffers another legal defeat against South Africa’s Vantage
Ugandan tycoon Patrick Bitature suffers another legal defeat against South Africa’s Vantage
Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote’s refinery halts petroleum products sales in naira
The decision follows a major policy shift by NNPC, which scrapped the naira-for-crude oil swap deal just ten days ago.
Tony Elumelu’s UBA stake falls below $60 million
Elumelu faced a similar setback in 2024 when UBA’s 32.55% stock gain was erased by naira devaluation, cutting his stake’s value $17 million.
Ghanaian logistics tycoon McKorley donates food to 7,000 widows in Accra
Daniel McKorley’s latest donation comes at a time when soaring living costs have made it harder for many families to afford basic necessities.