Dubai, UAE – December 8, 2025 – The United Arab Emirates hosted a rare gathering of Africa’s leading business and philanthropic leaders in Dubai, bringing together eight billionaires with a combined net worth of over $61 billion.
The high-profile meeting took place at the Address Creek Harbour Hotel, where Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, engaged with the African delegation to discuss investment and development opportunities across the continent.
Prominent attendees included Aliko Dangote, Johann Rupert, Tony Elumelu, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Patrice Motsepe, Mohammed Dewji, Naguib Sawiris, and Strive Masiyiwa. These leaders have played a key role in shaping Africa’s economic trajectory across sectors like energy, infrastructure, agriculture, finance, and technology.
During the summit, several major investment commitments were highlighted:
Aliko Dangote pledged over $1 billion to build pipelines, power plants, and a cement facility in Zimbabwe, while expanding fertilizer production in Ethiopia.
Johann Rupert strengthened his healthcare investments through Mediclinic’s operations in Southern Africa.
Naguib Sawiris invested $100 million in electric mobility in Morocco and unveiled a $10 billion real estate project in the UAE.
Abdul Samad Rabiu increased his wealth by $2.2 billion from BUA Cement and BUA Foods while funding educational infrastructure in northern Nigeria.
Patrice Motsepe expanded fintech ventures in Africa and mining projects in Australia.
Mohammed Dewji committed $250 million to mechanize farmland and over $130 million to expand beverage production in Tanzania.
Tony Elumelu invested $1 billion in Kenyan infrastructure projects and expanded support for 3,000 African entrepreneurs.
Strive Masiyiwa announced a $720 million plan to build five AI data centers across Africa in partnership with Google and Nvidia.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
The billionaires also highlighted their philanthropic contributions:
Motsepe Foundation donated $10 million to youth sports and education programs, including the CAF African Schools Football Championships.
Masiyiwa launched the $500 million Beginnings Fund to improve maternal and neonatal healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa.
Dangote was recognized on TIME Magazine’s inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy list.
Elumelu donated $62 million to Lagos’ Produce for Lagos program and $15 million to support African entrepreneurs through his foundation.
Rabiu, Rupert, and others continued supporting education, public services, and nutrition programs across Africa.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the UAE’s commitment to Africa, stating: “By working closely with partners across the continent, we aim to advance innovation, strengthen energy and food security, expand opportunity, and build pathways for more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economies.”
The summit underscored the growing role of African billionaires in shaping both economic and social development on the continent while highlighting the UAE’s emerging position as a key investment partner for Africa.
