News
New Richest Men List Put Africa’s Billionaires Fortune @ $144Bn
Ventures Africa, an African business magazine and news service, said it has launched the first of its new annual Africa rich list, touted as the most comprehensive ever compiled.
It revealed the true wealth of Africa’s richest people and many more African billionaires than previously thought.
The list uncovers the fortunes of the 55 African billionaires, of which for many little was previously known about the size of their wealth.
Previously published Africa rich lists have only identified as few as 16 African billionaires.
Key findings from the research include: the combined fortune of Africa’s 55 billionaires is $143.88 billion, with average net worth of $2.6 billion.
The median age of the list is 65 years. The youngest billionaires are Mohammed Dewji of Tanzania and Igho Sanomi, a Nigerian oil trader, who are both 38.
The oldest billionaires are Manu Chandaria, a Kenyan industrialist, and Mohammed Al-Fayed, the Egyptian property tycoon, who are both 84.
Folorunsho Alakija, Africa’s wealthiest woman, is worth $7.3 billion dollars.
The most common industries in which African billionaires have made their money are: construction, financial services, oil and gas, manufacturing and real estate;
The wealthiest African’s are significantly wealthier than previously thought, for example: Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest person, is now estimated to be worth $20.2 billion, a 68% increase on the most recent estimate of $12 billion
Mike Adenuga, oil and telecoms magnate and Africa’s third richest person, is now estimated to be worth $8 billion a 74% increase on the most recent estimate of $4.6 billion
Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt have the most billionaires with 20, nine and eight respectively. In total ten African countries are represented on the list; there are a large number of African billionaires on the list whose fortunes have never been accurately calculated before including: Strive Masiyiwa (Zimbabwe, $1.46 billion); Abdulsamad Rabiu (Nigeria, $1.4 billion); Aziz Akhannouch (Morocco, $1.39 billion); Jide Omokore (Nigeria, $1.32 billion); and Bode Akindele (Nigeria, $1.19 billion)
Chi-Chi Okonjo, Founder of Ventures Africa, said: “The Ventures Africa Rich List is the most authoritative Africa rich list ever compiled. We have been able to do so because of our on-the-ground experience and detailed knowledge of the local African business landscape, enabling us to negotiate problems that have hampered other African wealth researchers.
“This list is also a tribute to the entrepreneurial heartbeat within Africa. This wealth helps to create jobs and the billionaires on the list are more philanthropic than ever before. We’ve also featured a list of the aspiring millionaires under 40.
These represent the voice of youth and the creation of tomorrow’s jobs. It makes for fascinating reading.”
The Ventures Africa Rich List has also reveals changing attitudes of Africa’s wealthy to philanthropy. Africa’s wealthy are becoming more structured with their philanthropy and choosing to set up foundations that will support their causes well into the future. For example, the foundation of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has donated over $100 million in the previous twelve months to causes including: education, health and disaster relief.
Jason Njoku, co-Founder iROKO Partners, and who also features on the Ventures Africa ‘Aspirant African Millionaires Under 40’ list, said: “The new generation of wealthy Africans is looking at both commercial success and what good this success can bring to local communities, countries and Africa as a whole. Responsibility goes hand in hand with growth and with success goes the ability to make a difference.”
The list has been compiled using financial reports, by tracking equity holdings around stock markets and identifying specific shareholding structures in large, privately-held companies. The results have been corroborated with investment bankers, realtors and financial analysts to determine proper values for companies, real estate and other assets, such as art collections, jets, yachts and jewellery.
News
NELFUND Says UTME, NIN, BVN Mandatory for Student Loans
Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has said that Nigerian students will need to present their Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination registration number (UTME); National Identification Number (NIN); and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to access student loans.
Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, managing director of NELFUND, assured that the body would ensure that those he called ‘ghost students’ would not have access to the soon-to-be-launched scheme.
The MD noted that NELFUND has put processes in place to ensure that all applicants and beneficiaries are traceable to prevent the loan from turning into a sort of national cake.
“We are using technology to run the system. The process of application is online and we are limiting human contact as much as possible. Once you have a Bank Verification Number, BVN and National Identification Number, NIN, which are parts of the requirements, we will have access to your data and all your accounts. This will also help us to know if you are qualified or not,” he explained.
He explained further that those who are already in school can apply for the loan at any level of their study, but must be at the beginning of each session. They would also have to provide their admission and matriculation details in addition to BVN and NIN.
According to the NELFUND boss, about 1.2 million Nigerian students in tertiary institutions and government-recognized skill acquisition centres would be among the first batch of beneficiaries. The number may increase as time goes on.
The programme, he noted, will be funded with one per cent of the total annual collectable revenue by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which will amount to N194 billion if the agency meets its projection.
He explained that the loan would be paid in two segments. The first, he said, is the chargeable school fees which would be paid directly to the institutions while stipend would be paid into individual student’s account for day-to-day upkeep.
Mr. Sawyerr stated that the amount individual applicants will access will vary because of the course of study, school fees payable and geographical location of the institutions among others.
On the method of payback, he said, “You don’t start paying back the loan until two years after your National Youth Service Corps, NYSC Scheme and that is, if you have secured a job or business. A beneficiary can defer repayment if he has not secured a job, but if after due diligence, he defaulted, then he becomes a criminal and we will work with every agency that can help us get the money back, for example, EFCC, ICPC etc.”
News
Sun International Finalizes $14.4M Exit from Nigeria, Sells Interests to RFC
Sun International Limited, run by Anthony Leeming, South African entrepreneur, has agreed to sell its Nigerian interests to Rutam Finance Company Limited (RFC) for roughly $14.4 million.
The move is part of Sun International’s strategy to consolidate operations and focus on key markets. Sun International joined the Nigerian market in 2009, but has struggled in recent years due to a challenging operating climate.
This divestiture is consistent with the company’s strategic objectives and represents a shift in portfolio management.
Sun International, will sell a 43.3 percent ownership investment in Tourist Company of Nigeria PLC (TCN), which manages Lagos’ Federal Palace Hotel, to RFC for $1.875 million.
In addition, the group would pay off its whole $12.675 million credit to RFC, effectively exiting the Nigerian market. The corporation also intends to sell its remaining 6% ownership in TCN in due course.
The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions including as regulatory approvals, is estimated to create a cash inflow of about $14.41 million for Sun International.
These funds will be utilized to reduce debt.
Following the completion of the acquisition, TCN will no longer be included in Sun International’s financial statements.
This will reduce group debt by about $41.82 million, excluding IFRS 16 lease liabilities.
The closing is scheduled for no later than May 28, 2024, provided that all usual closing conditions are met. The Nigerian Competition Authority, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Nigerian Stock Exchange have all provided key clearances.
Sun International, founded in 1968 by the late Sol Kerzner, has grown into a renowned gaming and resort company under Leeming’s leadership.
In fiscal 2023, the company’s revenue increased by 7% to $646.14 million, while headline earnings increased by 86 percent to $55.35 million.
This demonstrates Sun International’s resiliency and strategic direction. Sun International’s pullout from Nigeria demonstrates the company’s dedication to streamlining its portfolio and pursuing growth possibilities in key areas.
With a rich history and a focus on the future, this transaction demonstrates the company’s commitment to create wealth for shareholders and stakeholders while also strengthening its position in the gaming and hospitality industries.
News
Sam Darwish, US-Nigerian Businessman Suffers $6m Loss as IHS Shares Plunge
Sam Darwish, a US-Nigerian telecom entrepreneur, has experienced a huge financial setback in his holding in IHS Holdings following a recent drop in the shares of the top telecom infrastructure company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
According to data, Sam Darwish’s investment in IHS Holdings has lost $6 million in market value during the last 13 days. This drop reflects increasing selling pressure among NYSE investors.
From March 12 to 30, Darwish’s investment in IHS Holdings increased from $35.17 million to $49.27 million, resulting in a $14 million gain.
Darwish founded IHS Holdings in 2001, and it has since grown to become the largest telecom infrastructure business in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
It is renowned for its huge tower count and is the world’s third-largest independent international tower firm.
In the last 13 days, IHS Holdings shares on the NYSE have dropped by 11.72 percent, from $3.67 on April 3 to $3.24 at the time of writing.
As a result, the company’s market capitalization has dropped below $1.1 billion, causing significant losses for stockholders.
As chairman and CEO of IHS Holdings, Sam Darwish holds a critical position in African telecom.
With a strong 4.17 percent ownership holding, equivalent to 13,958,158 ordinary shares, he is a key participant in the global telecom infrastructure business.
The recent double-digit loss in IHS Holdings shares has resulted in a $6 million decrease in the market value of Darwish’s shareholding in the top telecom infrastructure company. His shareholding has decreased from $51.23 million on April 3 to $45.22 million.
Despite this defeat, Darwish remains an important figure in the worldwide telecom business.
IHS Holdings’ extensive tower network and smart acquisitions have secured its position as a major participant in the global telecom infrastructure sector.
- News3 days ago
QNET Raises Alarm over Fraudulent Use of Foundation’s Name in Nigeria
- News3 days ago
SoftTalk Messenger Introduces Chat and Make Calls without Sharing your Phone Number
- Telecom3 days ago
Starlink Users in SA to be Cut Off April 30
- Telecom3 days ago
NCC Advises Subscribers to Opt for Strong Passwords to Beat Hackers
- Broadcasting3 days ago
Canal+ Offer for MultiChoice Gains Shareholders’ Support
- E-Financial3 days ago
Fidelity Bank Reports N124.3Bn Pre-Tax Profit for 2023
- Telecom3 days ago
9mobile Clinches 2 Trophies at the Prestigious SABRE Awards 2024
- Telecom2 days ago
Imperative of Upholding Nigeria’s Telecoms Lifeline