Forbes lists Africa’s power players

 ·24 Apr 2012

South African CEOs, chairmen and executives dominate Forbes’ list of the most powerful people in African business.

“These are the corporate titans and leaders who set the African economic agenda. Their voices are much listened to within Africa’s business and political circles, and through their resolutions and actions, they shape the economic future of the continent,” said Forbes.

Of the 20 listed businessmen and women, 12 represent South Africa, with Nigera, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Egypt and Ethiopia being represented by top executives.

Naspers’ CEO, Koos Bekker, described by Forbes as “The Rupert Murdoch of Africa”, is listed for his company’s diverse interests in media and internet technologies, boasting stakes in global internet companies such as Allegro, Buscape, Tencent, Ibibo, Buzzcity – as well as an indirect exposure to Facebook through a Mail.ru shareholding.

Naspers also owns Africa’s largest Pay-TV conpany, DSTV as well as Media24, Africa’s largest newspaper publisher.

Nicky Oppenheimer also made it onto Forbes’ African billionaires list, where he was listed at being worth $6.8 billion. Oppenheimer is the chairman of the world’s largest producer of rough diamonds, De Beers.

Absa group’s CEO, Maria Ramos, and the world’s largest producer of steel, ArcelorMittal’s South African chief executive, Nonkululeko Nyembezi-Heita, are the only women who appear on the list.

Here are the most powerful people in Business in Africa:

  • Tony Elumelu, Executive Chairman, Heirs Holdings & The Tony Elumelu Foundation (Nigeria)
  • Johann Rupert, Chairman, Richemont, Reinet Investments SCA, and Remgro (SA)

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