Zimbabwe is home to some of Africa’s most successful business moguls, who have built substantial wealth through diverse investments across various industries.
From telecommunications to mining and real estate, these billionaires and multi-millionaires have made their mark on the global stage. Here’s a closer look at the ten wealthiest individuals in Zimbabwe, according to recent estimates.
1. Strive Masiyiwa – $860 Million
Strive Masiyiwa, the founder of Econet Wireless, leads the list as Zimbabwe’s richest individual with a net worth of $860 million. Masiyiwa is a self-made billionaire whose fortune stems primarily from telecommunications, but his business interests also span across media, technology, and renewable energy. He is well-known for his philanthropy, particularly in education and healthcare across Africa.
2. John Bredenkamp – $793 Million
John Bredenkamp, a businessman with roots in tobacco, mining, and sports management, ranks second on the list with a net worth of $793 million. Despite facing legal and political challenges over the years, Bredenkamp has maintained his wealth through shrewd investments and a vast business network spanning several industries.
3. Nicholas van Hoogstraten – $750 Million
Property tycoon Nicholas van Hoogstraten is well-known for his extensive real estate holdings in Zimbabwe and the UK. With a net worth of $750 million, he has investments that span property development, mining, and other sectors. Van Hoogstraten has remained a controversial figure due to his outspoken personality and business dealings.
4. Billy Rautenbach – $740 Million
Billy Rautenbach, often referred to as “The Napoleon of Business,” has a fortune of $740 million, amassed through investments in mining, agriculture, and transport. He is a key player in Zimbabwe’s business landscape, with significant influence in the Southern African region.
5. Zed Koudounaris – $734 Million
Zed Koudounaris, a prominent businessman in the retail and manufacturing sectors, has an estimated net worth of $734 million. He is one of the founders of Innscor Africa Limited, one of Zimbabwe’s largest conglomerates, which operates in food, packaging, and distribution, among other sectors.
6. Ken Sharpe – $690 Million
Ken Sharpe, a property mogul and chairman of the West Property Group, has grown his wealth to $690 million. His business interests are focused on real estate development, making him one of Zimbabwe’s most influential figures in urban development and construction.
7. Sam Levy – $677 Million
Sam Levy, who made his fortune through real estate, notably as the developer of Sam Levy’s Village, one of Zimbabwe’s premier shopping destinations, has an estimated net worth of $677 million. Levy’s business acumen and investment strategies have ensured his family’s legacy in the business world.
8. Michael Fowler – $645 Million
Michael Fowler, a co-founder of Innscor Africa Limited alongside Zed Koudounaris, has amassed a wealth of $645 million. Fowler’s business empire extends across retail, manufacturing, and food processing, making him a notable figure in Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial landscape.
9. Ian Saunders – $590 Million
Ian Saunders, with a net worth of $590 million, has established his wealth in the mining industry. His ventures primarily involve gold mining, and he is recognized for his extensive contributions to Zimbabwe’s mining sector, playing a crucial role in the country’s economic landscape.
10. Chelsy Davy – $540 Million
Chelsy Davy, a businesswoman best known for her jewelry brand, Aya, rounds out the list with a net worth of $540 million. Davy’s ventures in luxury goods have been bolstered by her investments in tourism and hospitality, where she continues to expand her business footprint.
These individuals represent the epitome of Zimbabwean entrepreneurship, with diverse investments ranging from telecommunications to real estate and mining. Despite economic challenges, they have thrived, showcasing the potential of Zimbabwe’s business landscape. Their stories are a testament to the resilience and business acumen required to succeed at the highest levels.
