No shade, but it is a known fact that women in Africa, in almost all the indigenous cultures across the continent, are considered less valuable. If it isn’t their husbands owning them like property, it’s cultural barriers forbidding them to pursue education, inherit wealth or even own property.
However, thanks to the following top 5 African women with an impressive net-worth, our women are finally standing up and handling independency like nobody else’s business..
- Wendy Appelbaum, Net Worth $259.3 Million
After the death of her billionaire father, Wendy Appelbaum inherited a fortune by becoming a director at Liberty Investors. She was able to increase her net worth by selling her shares and then diversifying investments. One of her investments is the renowned South African wine brand DeMorgenzon.
- Ngina Kenyatta, Net Worth $500 Million
Jommo Kenyatta’s family is among the richest in Africa. Ngina Kenyatta has managed to safeguard and multiply her late husband’s investments. The Kenyatta Empire includes: Real estate, hospitality, education, manufacturing, farming and banking. She also holds majority shares in several companies like Commercial Bank of Africa, Heritage and Brookside Dairies.
- Hajia Bola Shagaya, Net Worth $600 Million
This Nigerian businesswoman has diversified her investments across industries like real estate, banking, photography, communications and the oil sector. Her portfolio consists of several other countries apart from her birth place. She’s very powerful and has close ties with Nigeria’s political figures and military.
- Folorunso Alakija, Net Worth $600 Million
Folorunso owns FAMFA Oil Company located in Nigeria. She is also a fashion designer and her company, Supreme Stitches, which was launched in 1985, made her a fashion icon in Nigeria. She studied in the UK. In the late 70s, she became a secretary of the International Merchant Bank of Nigeria.
- Isabel Dos Santos, Net Worth $1 Billion
This remarkable Angolan woman has invested heavily in diamonds and oil. She is actually president Jose Eduardo dos Santos’ daughter and is among the directors of a number of high profile companies. Her investments are diversified and spread-out in Portugal and Angola. The source of her immense wealth is still unclear. She made history by becoming the first woman billionaire in Africa.
Main picture credit: African Leadership Magazine
T.Nkabinde
