As of mid-2025, Kenya’s external debt stands at a staggering Sh11.36 trillion, according to the latest reports.

This figure, a focal point of national economic discourse, raises pressing questions about the country’s fiscal health and the sustainability of its borrowing. 

When converted to US dollars at the mid-2025 exchange rate, this debt is approximately $87.7 billion.

In a striking illustration of the continent’s wealth disparity, the collective fortune of Africa’s top 13 wealthiest individuals not only surpasses but nearly doubles this amount, clocking in at an estimated $92 billion. 

Kenya’s public debt has been a subject of intense scrutiny, with the government navigating a delicate balance between financing development projects and managing its repayment obligations. 

Economists and citizens alike have expressed concerns over the growing debt servicing costs, which consume a significant portion of the country’s revenue.

Across the continent, a small cadre of business magnates presides over colossal fortunes. 

Based on a compilation of mid-2025 data from Forbes and the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, here are Africa’s ten wealthiest individuals

The combined net worth of these ten individuals, an astounding $92 billion, is a testament to their vast business empires that span the continent and the globe.

The sheer scale of this private wealth, when placed against a nation’s public debt, throws the issue of wealth concentration in Africa into sharp focus. 

The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few is not a phenomenon unique to Africa. 

However, on a continent grappling with significant poverty and inequality, the implications are particularly profound. 

This reality has spurred conversations around more progressive taxation policies, including wealth taxes and inheritance taxes, aimed at redistributing resources and funding public services. 

Furthermore, there are growing calls for the continent’s wealthiest to play a more significant role in its development through strategic philanthropy and impact investing. 

While many of Africa’s billionaires are engaged in philanthropic endeavours, the scale of the continent’s challenges necessitates a more systemic approach. 

Policy considerations also extend to creating a more equitable economic environment. This includes strengthening governance to curb corruption, promoting fair competition, and investing in education and healthcare to ensure broader participation in economic growth.