Africa: Top 5 Powerful Indian-Origin Billionaires Who Built Wealth and Influence in Africa

26 January 2026

1. Anand Mahindra

Mahindra's engagement with Africa reflects his long-term belief in emerging markets as engines of global growth. With an estimated net worth of over USD 10 billion, he brings both financial strength and strategic vision to the continent. Through the Mahindra Group, he has built a strong presence across Africa in automotive, agriculture, infrastructure, and financial services. His approach emphasizes local manufacturing, skill development, and sustainable partnerships.

By investing in mobility solutions and farm equipment, Mahindra has supported job creation and technology transfer. His Africa strategy blends commercial success with social responsibility, positioning the Group as a trusted long-term partner in the region's development.

2. Prateek Suri - Maser Group and MDR Investments

Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn

Prateek Suri, born in 1988, is recognised as the youngest and richest Indian businessman in Africa in 2025, with an estimated net worth of $1.9 billion. He founded Maser Group in 2012, focusing on affordable smart televisions and electronics. By 2024, Maser had sold over 800,000 units across Africa and reached a valuation of $5 billion before being acquired by SCG Asia.

Following this success, Suri launched MDR Investments, a venture capital firm investing in infrastructure, mining, and emerging technologies across Africa. Through the Maser Foundation, he also partners with governments and NGOs to support development in underserved regions.

3. Anil Agarwal - Vedanta Resources

Anil Agarwal, founder and chairman of Vedanta Resources, is one of the most influential Indian billionaires with major operations in Africa. Born in 1954 in Patna, India, Agarwal built his metals and mining empire into a global powerhouse.

In Africa, Vedanta is a key player in Zambia's copper industry through its 80% ownership of Konkola Copper Mines, employing thousands and contributing significantly to the local economy. As of 2025, Agarwal's fortune is estimated at $1.6 billion, and Vedanta continues to expand its footprint in natural resources across the continent.

4. Savitri Jindal & Family - O.P. Jindal Group

Savitri Jindal, India's richest woman, and her family oversee the O.P. Jindal Group, valued globally at around $12 billion, with a strong African presence through Jindal Africa, headquartered in Johannesburg.

The group runs major mining and energy projects including the Kiepersol Colliery in South Africa, the Chirodzi coal mine in Mozambique, and the Mmamabula Energy Project in Botswana, with further interests in Namibia, Cameroon, Zambia, and Tanzania. These ventures cement the Jindals as one of the most influential business families shaping Africa's steel, mining, and energy sectors.

5. Sudhir Ruparelia - Ruparelia Group

Ugandan billionaire Sudhir Ruparelia is the founder of the Ruparelia Group, Uganda's largest private conglomerate. His empire spans real estate, hospitality, finance, insurance, education, and floriculture.

Born in Kabatoro in 1956, Ruparelia became Uganda's first billionaire in 2014. His flagship properties include the Speke Resort Convention Centre, which hosted the Non-Aligned Movement and G-77 summits in 2024, and Arie Towers, a commercial complex in Kampala.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 80 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.