With his younger brother, Robert Budi Hartono, he transformed a modest family tobacco business in Kudus, Central Java, into the Djarum Group, one of Indonesia’s largest conglomerates. 

Its flagship kretek — clove-flavoured cigarettes — became household names, including Djarum Super and Djarum Black, in a country where tens of millions smoke.

Through their holding company, they became controlling shareholders of Bank Central Asia, Indonesia’s largest private lender, and invested in sectors ranging from property and electronics to telecommunications and e-commerce. Their redevelopment of Jakarta’s landmark Hotel Indonesia into the Grand Indonesia complex symbolised that shift from manufacturing to modern urban capital.

Hartono’s fortune was estimated at $18.9 billion in 2026, making him Indonesia’s richest man and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals.

Yet he was equally known in another arena: the card table .

A lifelong bridge enthusiast, Hartono began playing at the age of six and went on to become one of the sport’s most prominent advocates in Southeast Asia. He served as president of the South East Asia Bridge Federation and was instrumental in lobbying for bridge’s inclusion in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.

At those Games, Hartono competed himself, winning a bronze medal in the supermixed team event at the age of 78 — becoming the oldest Indonesian medalist in the competition’s history. 

When awarded a cash prize by the government, he donated it to support the development of bridge.

He often drew parallels between the game and his business career. “First you get the data, the information. You analyse the information, and then you make a decision,” he said. “Business, real life and bridge are the same.”

Born on October 2, 1939, Hartono he inherited the cigarette business after his father’s death in 1963. Over the following decades, he helped turn it into a global brand — but it was at the bridge table, as much as in the boardroom, that he said decisions truly revealed themselves.

#16 – Carlos Slim Helu

Carlos Slim Helu remains the richest person in the Global South in 2026. The Mexican tycoon built his fortune through telecom giant América Móvil and a vast portfolio of investments under the conglomerate Grupo Carso.

Slim once held the title of the world’s richest person between 2010 and 2013 and continues to dominate business in Mexico and much of Latin America. His holdings stretch across telecommunications, infrastructure, retail and finance, reflecting decades of acquisitions across the Mexican economy.

#21 – Mukesh Ambani

Mukesh Ambani is the wealthiest person in India and one of Asia’s most influential business figures. As chairman of Reliance Industries, he oversees a conglomerate involved in petrochemicals, oil refining, telecommunications and retail.

Reliance has expanded aggressively into digital services through Jio, which transformed India’s telecom market by bringing affordable internet to hundreds of millions of users.

#26 – Zhang Yiming

Zhang Yiming, co-founder of ByteDance, built his fortune from the global success of TikTok and other digital platforms. The company’s rapid expansion turned him into one of China’s richest entrepreneurs.

ByteDance’s algorithm-driven content platforms have attracted billions of users worldwide, making it one of the most valuable technology firms to emerge from China.

#27 – Zhong Shanshan

Often dubbed the “Lone Wolf” of Chinese business, Zhong Shanshan founded bottled-water giant Nongfu Spring and later expanded into pharmaceuticals.

His companies have benefited from China’s vast consumer market, helping him rise to become one of the country’s richest individuals.

#30 – Germán Larrea Mota Velasco

Mexican magnate Germán Larrea Mota Velasco leads Grupo México, the country’s largest mining company and one of the world ’s major copper producers.

Under his leadership, the firm has expanded its mining and infrastructure operations across the Americas, cementing his position as one of Latin America’s richest businessmen.

Who dominates the top 10?

The very top of the global wealth rankings remains heavily dominated by US technology billionaires, according to the latest Forbes Billionaires data.

Elon Musk sits far ahead of the rest with an estimated $839 billion, making him by far the richest person in the world. His fortune is tied mainly to Tesla, SpaceX and artificial intelligence firm xAI.

The gap between Musk and the rest of the billionaire class is enormous. The next richest individuals have fortunes roughly one-third of his wealth or less.

Among them are several other US technology founders. Larry Page is worth roughly $257 billion, while fellow Google co-founder Sergey Brin has about $237 billion.

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, holds an estimated $224 billion, while Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive of Meta, has around $222 billion.

The top ranks also include figures outside the US technology sector. Bernard Arnault, chairman of luxury group LVMH, remains Europe’s richest person with a fortune of about $178 billion.

What follows is a look at the top five richest individuals on the continent and the shifts in their wealth:

Aliko Dangote

Leading the surge is Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest person, whose fortune has grown by $451 million since January 1. Dangote’s net worth now stands at $30.4 billion, placing him first in Africa and 79th globally.

Johann Rupert

In second place is Johann Rupert and his family from South Africa . Rupert’s wealth increased by $70.9 million over the same period, bringing his net worth to $19.5 billion. He is ranked second in Africa and 138th worldwide.

Nathan Kirsh

South African businessman Nathan Kirsh ranks third among Africa’s wealthiest individuals. His fortune rose by $289 million since the start of the year, giving him a net worth of $10 billion. Kirsh is third in Africa and 322nd globally.

Naguib Sawiris

Also among the top gainers is Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris, whose wealth increased by $173 million. His net worth now stands at $10.8 billion, ranking him fourth in Africa and 350th globally.

Abdul Samad Rabiu

Rounding out the top five is Nigerian billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu, whose wealth rose by $328 million since January. Rabiu’s net worth is estimated at $10.5 billion, making him fourth in Africa and 337th globally.

The move is framed by the government as a matter of fairness and enforcement, amid growing concerns that tax incentives meant to boost local economies have instead enabled loopholes, abuse and weak compliance among wealthy vehicle owners.

For years, Langkawi’s duty-free status allowed supercars that would cost up to 5 million ringgit ($1.2 million) elsewhere in Malaysia to be registered on the island for roughly half the price, making it the preferred hub for luxury car buyers nationwide.

Industry figures indicate that around 90% of Ferraris in Malaysia were registered in Langkawi, not for island use but to take advantage of lower taxes. 

After uncovering unpaid tax

Officials have also been under pressure to act after stepped-up enforcement revealed widespread non-compliance , including hundreds of luxury vehicles with unpaid road tax, forged plates or years of arrears despite their high market value.

Since July 2025, road transport authorities have seized more than 900 luxury vehicles nationwide, including Ferraris, Aston Martins and Rolls-Royces, some owing tens of thousands of ringgit in unpaid tax. 

By removing exemptions, Malaysia appears to be signalling that ownership of high-value assets must come with full fiscal responsibility, particularly at a time when the government is seeking to broaden its tax base.

The policy also aligns with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s broader reform agenda, which emphasises closing leakages, curbing elite privileges and restoring confidence in the tax system.

Backlash on economy

However, industry veterans warn the move could backfire economically, arguing that Langkawi’s tax-free status generated sustained revenue through corporate tax, customs charges, tourism spending and high-end services tied to luxury vehicles.

They say the island evolved into a niche automotive and lifestyle hub, hosting international car launches and supporting specialised workshops, logistics firms, hotels and secure storage facilities.

Dealers report immediate fallout, with cancellations already being felt amid uncertainty over implementation, while local business groups fear job losses and a decline in premium tourism.

These figures, drawn from data from Millionaire Migrant , paint a vivid picture of how money and opportunity are concentrated in certain regions while others continue to lag.

Confirming the numbers

In total, the global millionaire population has climbed to nearly 58 million , representing only about 1.5% of the world ’s adults . Yet, this small group controls an outsized share of global assets.

North America : Wealth powerhouse

North America dominates the global wealth map, with nearly 27 million millionaires, amounting to roughly 42% of the world’s total.

Asia-Pacific: The rising giant

The Asia-Pacific region is home to about 10.75 million millionaires and has experienced explosive growth.

Europe: Stable but slower growth

Europe hosts around 16.7 million millionaires, or roughly 27% of the global share.

Latin America and Africa: Stalled growth

While Latin America counts 915,000 millionaires and Africa just 352,000, both regions have struggled to see meaningful increases in recent years.

Since 2016, growth in millionaire numbers across these regions has plateaued, reflecting economic instability, limited capital markets, and political uncertainty.

Globally, the millionaire population now stands at 58 million, but where these wealthy individuals live is shifting:

According to the 2025 Billionaire Wealth Study by the COSMOS Analytic Institute, total billionaire wealth now exceeds $14.5 trillion, up 12% from 2024. Analysts warn, however, of growing wealth concentration—just 10% of billionaires hold over 60% of this wealth, echoing concerns flagged by economists at Forbes’ Global Wealth Roundtable.

At the top of the billionaire rankings, the United States dominates with 902 billionaires, an increase of 89 from 2024. This growth is attributed to booming valuations in AI, green tech, and private equity.

Forbes highlights that U.S. tech billionaires alone added over $1.2 trillion in wealth since early 2024, led by names in generative AI, autonomous logistics, and cloud infrastructure .

China remains second with 450 billionaires—a +44 increase—as its digital commerce, electric vehicle, and semiconductors sectors continue to yield ultra-wealthy founders and investors. Despite regulatory tightening, China’s venture capital ecosystem showed resilience.

India, meanwhile, has reached 205 billionaires, climbing +5 spots from 2024. The COSMOS Analytic Institute credits this to the “formalisation of wealth through public listings” and massive inflows into tech IPOs and fintech unicorns.

Germany reported 171 billionaires, a remarkable jump of +39 over the past year. Many of these gains came from industrial innovation, robotics, and family-owned business consolidations.

Russia, still contending with geopolitical isolation, surprisingly saw an increase of +20 to reach 140 billionaires, mostly due to soaring commodity prices and capital sheltering strategies via crypto assets and offshore hubs.

Notable movements elsewhere

Brazil saw the largest decline due to economic volatility, currency depreciation, and political turbulence, according to CEOWORLD Magazine.

Below are ten of the world’s most expensive animals, and yes, the reasons behind their extraordinary worth may surprise you!

Thoroughbred Racehorse – $70,000,000

Leading the list is the Thoroughbred racehorse, valued at an astronomical $70 million. These horses are bred for speed, stamina, and pedigree—often going on to win multimillion-dollar purses and generate massive income from breeding rights. The most expensive example is Fusaichi Pegasus, whose combination of championship bloodline and race wins made him a legend.

Belgian Racing Pigeon – $1,900,000

You wouldn’t expect a pigeon to sell for more than a Ferrari, but in the world of competitive pigeon racing, New Kim, a Belgian-bred bird, fetched nearly $2 million at auction. These birds are prized for their speed, navigation skills, and homing instincts.

Holstein Cow – $1,200,000

Not just any dairy cow, the Holstein on this list is genetically elite, producing exceptional milk yields. Top-tier Holsteins with superior breeding potential and award-winning genetics can command prices upwards of $1.2 million.

Tibetan Mastiff – $1,150,000

With their lion-like manes and noble demeanour, Tibetan Mastiffs are a luxury pet in China . One pup was sold for over a million dollars thanks to its rarity, lineage, and status as a symbol of wealth.

Cloned Labrador Retriever – $155,000

Science meets sentiment in the case of cloned dogs. For those unwilling to say goodbye to a beloved pet, companies like ViaGen Pets offer canine cloning for over $150,000. Labrador Retrievers, among the most popular breeds, have been cloned by celebrities and grieving families alike, raising ethical and scientific questions alongside soaring demand.

White Lion Cubs – $140,000

Rare, majestic, and genetically unique, white lions are not albinos but have a rare colour mutation. Their scarcity in the wild and captivity makes them highly sought after.

Arabian Horse – $130,000

Famed for their endurance, grace, and ancient bloodlines, Arabian horses are icons of prestige. High-value stallions are often bought by royal families or equestrian collectors.

Stag Beetle – $90,000

Yes, a beetle. A rare Japanese stag beetle once sold for nearly $90,000. Enthusiasts pay a premium for size, rarity, and unique horn shape—especially in the exotic pet markets of Asia .

Camel – $50,000

Camels are integral to Middle Eastern culture and commerce, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The most expensive ones compete in beauty contests or races and are valued for their lineage and appearance.

Lavender Albino Ball Python – $40,000

Snake lovers covet the lavender albino ball python for its rare pastel hues. These snakes are carefully bred in captivity and can command tens of thousands of dollars among exotic pet collectors.

While most billionaires are still men, these women are proving they can lead big companies, grow their own businesses, and give back to society.

Some of these women inherited their wealth, but many also built their fortunes from scratch. From fashion to finance, and from candy to shipping, here are the top 10 richest women in the world in 2025, according to Forbes .

Alice Walton – US$101 billion

Alice Walton is the richest woman in the world. Her father started Walmart, and she owns a large part of it. Even though she never worked at Walmart, the company’s success made her wealth grow.

She spends her time supporting the arts. She built a museum in her hometown in Arkansas and has given away billions through charities, especially to help with education and the environment.

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers – US$81.6 billion

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers comes from the family that founded L’Oréal, one of the biggest beauty brands in the world. She became the main heir after her mother died in 2017.

Her family still owns a large part of the company. She keeps a low profile and rarely appears in public, but her two sons help run the business.

Julia Koch – US$74.2 billion

Julia Koch became very rich after her husband, David Koch, died in 2019. She and her children inherited a big share of Koch Industries, one of the largest private companies in the U.S.

She grew up in a normal family and dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. Now, she gives millions to hospitals and museums to help improve health and education.

Jaqueline Mars – US$42.6 billion

Jaqueline Mars owns a big part of Mars Inc., the company behind M&M’s, Snickers and Pedigree pet food. Her grandfather started the business over 100 years ago.

She worked in different parts of the company and also supports many causes. She helps groups in arts, sports, and horse riding in the U.S.

Savitri Jindal – US$35.5 billion

Savitri Jindal is the richest woman in India. Her family owns a huge steel and energy company. She took over after her husband passed away.

She is also involved in politics and has worked to support education and healthcare in her country.

Abigail Johnson – US$32.7 billion

Abigail Johnson runs Fidelity Investments, a company her grandfather started. It helps people manage their money, retire, and invest.

She became the boss in 2014 and has made the company even bigger.

Miriam Adelson – US$32 billion

Miriam Adelson’s wealth comes from Las Vegas Sands, one of the biggest casino companies in the world. She got her share after her husband died.

She is also a doctor and gives a lot of money to help with health research and public health programs.

Marilyn Simons – US$31 billion

Marilyn Simons is the widow of Jim Simons, who ran a very successful hedge fund. She now leads the Simons Foundation, which helps fund science and education.

She keeps working to support research in maths and health. Her goal is to make science useful for people’s everyday lives.

Melinda French Gates – US$30.4 billion

Melinda French Gates is known for her work in technology and charity. She was married to Microsoft founder Bill Gates and helped build their foundation.

She now runs her own company, Pivotal Ventures, which supports women and families hoping to involve more women to lead in business and in their communities.

Gianluigi Aponte-Diamant – fortune details not clearly stated

Together with her husband, she started MSC, a global shipping company. They began with one ship and grew it into the largest fleet in the world.

She is one of the few women who built her own fortune and has won many awards for her work in the shipping industry.

Buffett and Gates respected for philanthropy

Warren Buffett, with a net worth of $150 billion, ranks highest in public favourability (52%). His image as a humble, value-driven investor who still lives in a modest home in Omaha has long contrasted with the flashiness associated with extreme wealth. His extensive philanthropic efforts through the Giving Pledge have only strengthened this perception.

Bill Gates (49% favourable), another Giving Pledge co-founder, maintains a strong reputation due to his post-Microsoft efforts in global health and education via the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Despite conspiracy theories and online speculation during the pandemic, as well as divorce controversy, Gates' long-term reputation as a problem-solver and philanthropist seems to endure.

The most unfavourable

In sharp contrast, Mark Zuckerberg has the highest unfavourable rating at 64%, a figure likely driven by repeated privacy scandals, political controversies surrounding Facebook (now Meta), and the perception of unchecked power in the digital space.

Elon Musk (55% unfavourable), while admired by many for his innovation in space, electric vehicles, and AI, continues to polarise the public. His unpredictable behaviour on social media, his sharp takes on the Trump administration and societal issues as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, have dented his once universally admired image .

Similarly, Jeff Bezos (also 55% unfavourable) is often associated with the perceived excesses of capitalism—from anti-union sentiment at Amazon to concerns about worker treatment —despite stepping down as CEO and investing heavily in space exploration.

Low favourability and recognition: The quiet giants of tech

Larry Page (11% favourable) and Sergey Brin (9%), co-founders of Google, along with Larry Ellison (13%) and Steve Ballmer (16%), suffer from relatively low public favourability—not necessarily due to negative press, but because many Americans simply don’t feel a personal connection to them or remain unfamiliar with their personalities or contributions.

This is further evidenced by the large number of respondents who selected "Never heard of them" for several of these tech billionaires. Public visibility, especially in non-tech circles, plays a key role in shaping opinions.

Bloomberg’s political baggage

Michael Bloomberg (29% favourable, 39% unfavourable), while well-known, carries political baggage from his time as New York City mayor and his controversial self-funded 2020 presidential bid. His reputation among voters varies widely by political affiliation, and that polarization is reflected in his mixed favorability.

In recent months, Thailand has showcased its prowess in weightlifting, particularly highlighting the remarkable achievements of female athletes who have garnered a substantial 14 out of 17 total Olympic medals, including five prestigious golds. According to IWF , this journey began with Khassaraporn Suta's bronze medal win in the 58kg category during the 2000 Olympics, marking the inception of female Olympic participation for Thailand. The success continued with Udomporn Polsak clinching the first gold for a Thai female athlete in the 53kg category at the 2004 Olympics. The momentum carried on until the 2016 Rio Games, where Sinphet Kruaithong made history as the first male Thai lifter to achieve medal success, securing bronze in the 56kg event.

Chinese tourist, holder of Thailand Privilege Card, found dead on Pattaya Beach

The tranquil Yinyom Beach in Pattaya, Thailand, was disrupted by a tragic event involving a 40-year-old Chinese tourist, Ronghua Qiu, whose lifeless body was discovered on the morning of Saturday, April 5. The examination of the body revealed signs of trauma, specifically abrasions and a notable split wound above the eyebrow, suggesting a violent occurrence before his death. As reported by The Nation , medical experts estimated that Qiu had been deceased for approximately 6 to 12 hours at the time of discovery. Holding a Thailand Privilege Card, Qiu had been residing in the country since early 2023, and a passbook found alongside him indicated a balance of 60,000 baht.

Charoen Pokphand Group chairman Dhanin tops Thailand wealth list with $15bn

On the financial front, Dhanin Chearavanont, the senior chairman of the Charoen Pokphand Group, has emerged as the wealthiest individual in Thailand, boasting a staggering net worth of $15.2 billion, earning him the 141st position on Forbes' 2025 Billionaires list. Bangkok Post reports that within this prestigious ranking, Thailand is represented by 25 billionaires, including Sarath Ratanavadi, CEO of Gulf Development Plc, with a net worth of $12.9 billion, and Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi from Thai Beverage Plc, valued at $11.7 billion.

Thailand’s top 10 fake news revealed

Thailand's Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has taken proactive measures to combat misinformation, identifying the top 10 fake news stories that circulated in the past week. The most concerning item on the list was a false tsunami warning affecting Phuket and Samut Prakan provinces stemming from an earthquake. Between March 27 and April 3, the DES's Anti-Fake News Centre diligently monitored over 837,000 social media messages, revealing that 599 required verification due to their potential to mislead the public. The Nation said the prevalent themes of misinformation pertained to natural disasters, government policies, and health-related products. Key examples of fake news included alarming claims of tsunamis, structural failures, and distorted economic forecasts.

From May 1, electronic arrival cards become mandatory for tourists in Thailand

To modernise its travel infrastructure, Thailand has announced a transformative initiative requiring all tourists to complete an electronic arrival card before entering the country, effective from May 1. This digital approach replaces the traditional paper-based system, mandating that travellers register online at least three days before their arrival, providing essential personal and travel details. Azer News reports that the primary objective of this initiative is to enhance the immigration process, bolstering security measures and improving overall data management. This initiative not only reflects Thailand's ambition to evolve as a "smart travel destination" but also aligns with the broader global trend of enhancing travel experiences through technology and innovation.

Tanzania’s Health Ministry has confirmed the country’s first two cases of mpox. The patients, who showed symptoms like rash, fever, headache, and throat pain, are now in isolation. One case involves a truck driver who entered from a neighbouring country. According to The Star , authorities said samples were tested at the national lab and confirmed on Saturday, March 8. The government is enhancing disease surveillance at borders, raising public awareness, and encouraging preventive measures.

UNESCO launches $8 million water initiative in Tanzania and Kenya

UNESCO has launched an $8 million project to improve groundwater management in Tanzania and Kenya, focusing on preserving 400 acres of Mount Kilimanjaro’s forest—a key water source for over two million people. Funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented with the FAO, the initiative aims to boost water security through aquifer mapping and community engagement, providing clean water access to 100,000 more people. Officials emphasised the urgency of protecting Kilimanjaro’s melting glaciers and ensuring long-term water sustainability, according to Atta Travels .

Unicef chief calls for greater investment in Tanzanian children

Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell visited education and health programs in Tanzania’s Songwe Region, urging greater investment in children and adolescent girls to break the cycle of poverty. She praised Tanzania’s progress in expanding access to education, healthcare, and nutrition, especially for girls, and emphasized that investing in children is key to the country’s future. The Citizen reports that Unicef is working with the government to reduce child marriage and teenage pregnancies—affecting nearly 45% of girls in Songwe—through education, skills training, and health services.

NHIF’s new healthcare coverage to support 1.2 million poor Tanzanian households

The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has launched a new initiative to provide basic healthcare support to 1.2 million vulnerable Tanzanian households unable to afford medical costs. Implemented under Section 25 of the Universal Health Insurance Act, the program will be carried out with the President’s Office and the Tanzania Social Action Fund (Tasaf). Health Minister Jenista Mhagama noted that out of 14.8 million households in mainland Tanzania, 3.9 million are economically disadvantaged, with 1.2 million identified as extremely poor. NHIF Director General Dr. Irene Isaka said beneficiaries will be identified through local government authorities, reports The Citizen .

Tanzania to build mega-conference centre in Arusha to rival Nairobi’s KICC

Tanzania’s Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) has partnered with the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF) to build the Mount Kilimanjaro International Conference Centre (MKICC), a Tsh385 billion state-of-the-art facility. NTV reported that the centre will include a 5,000-seat auditorium, a five-star hotel with 500 rooms, a 20,000-square-metre commercial space, parking for 2,000 vehicles, and a helipad. Set to be completed by 2027, MKICC aims to rival Kenya’s Kenyatta International Conference Centre.

Musk also owns 42% of SpaceX, which was at $350 billion in December 2024, SpaceX's reusable rockets and NASA contracts have played a big role in growing Musk's fortune. His other ventures include X, formerly known as Twitter, XAI, which is his artificial intelligence company, The Boring Company, a tunnel building company worth $3.3 billion and he made about $180 million from the sale of paper. Which helped start his other ventures.

Tesla benefits from electric vehicle incentives, while SpaceX gets big contracts from NASA and other companies. These have helped Musk's companies grow. Musk's wealth is tied to his companies, meaning it can rise and fall based on their performances. Despite the fluctuations, he continues to expand his business empire, taking on new challenges in space, AI, and infrastructure.

According to Forbes' 2024 list , here are the top 10 billionaires in Africa:

Aliko Dangote

Country: Nigeria

Networth: $13.9 billion

Aliko Dangote retains his position as Africa's richest person for the 13th consecutive year. His wealth primarily comes from Dangote Cement, the continent's largest cement producer.

Johann Rupert

Country: South Africa

Networth: $10.1 billion

Rupert's fortune is derived from his stakes in luxury goods company Richemont, known for brands like Cartier and Montblanc.

Nicky Oppenheimer

Country: South Africa

Networth: $9.4 billion

The Oppenheimer family made their fortune in the diamond industry, primarily through De Beers, which they sold to Anglo American in 2012.

Nassef Sawiris

Country: Egypt

Networth: $8.7 billion

Sawiris is a major shareholder in OCI N.V., a global nitrogen fertilizer producer, and also holds stakes in Adidas and LafargeHolcim.

Mike Adenuga

Country: Nigeria

Networth: $6.9 billion

Mike Adenuga's fortune is built on his telecommunications company Globacom and his oil exploration firm Conoil.

Abdulsamad Rabiu

Country: Nigeria

Networth: $5.9 billion

Rabiu is the founder and chairman of BUA Group, a Nigerian conglomerate with interests in cement production, sugar refining, and real estate. He also serves as the chairman of the Nigerian Bank of Industry.

Naguib Sawiris

Country: Egypt

Networth: $3.8 billion

Naguib Sawiris, brother of Nassef, has investments in telecommunications, media, and technology.

Mohamed Mansour

Country: Egypt

Networth: $3.2 billion

Mohamed Mansour oversees the Mansour Group, which has diverse interests including automotive, capital markets, and consumer goods.

Koos Bekker

Country: South Africa

Networth: $2.7 billion

Bekker is the chairman of Naspers, a global consumer internet group and one of the largest technology investors in the world.

Patrice Motsepe

Country: South Africa

Networth: $2.7 billion

Motsepe is the founder and chairman of African Rainbow Minerals, a mining company with interests in gold, ferrous metals, base metals, and platinum.

For Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook, now Meta, became a billionaire at the age of 23. His rapid ascent was driven by the explosive growth of the social media platform.

Larry Page, one of the co-founders of Google, however, hit the billionaire mark at 30, thanks to the success of the search engine giant.

The Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates became a billionaire at 31, setting a precedent for tech entrepreneurs.

American-French entrepreneur best known as the co-founder and CEO of Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, Evan Spiegel became a billionaire at 25.

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon reached billionaire status at 35, as his e-commerce platform began to dominate the online retail space.

Steve Ballmer, another Microsoft giant, became a billionaire at 38, benefiting from the company's sustained growth.

Known for his ventures with Tesla and SpaceX, Elon Musk became a billionaire at 41, after years of innovative projects and investments.

The media mogul and philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey became a billionaire at 49, after building a media empire from her talk show.

The legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett reached billionaire status at 56, showcasing the power of long-term investment strategies.

Eliane's dog beauty centre offers various services, including "chromotherapy" (a soothing treatment using coloured lights), hair hydration, and shampoo baths. They even have a "low stress" area for anxious pets.

Rodrigues recalls when dog care was minimal, often limited to food scraps and basic cleaning with household detergents. “Nowadays it's a more specialized process,” she told AFP, as an employee examines a puppy’s fur under a microscope.

The Pet Institute of Brazil reports that the country is home to around 160 million pets; 62 million dogs and 30 million cats, 42 million birds, and 2.8 million reptiles making it the third-largest pet population in the world, after China and the United States .

This figure stands in contrast to the roughly 40 million children under 14 in Brazil. As the birth rate declines and the middle class expands, pets have increasingly become family members.

"When you have a pet, when you have a dog, and you're willing to have one, you're also willing to spend, right?" Silvana Matos, a pet owner argued.

She proudly carries her two Pomeranians, Fénix and Bento, who receive top-notch treatments, including moisturizing therapy for Fénix and care for Bento's alopecia.

Rodrigues estimates that maintaining a dog like Bento and Fénix costs between 500 and 800 reais (about $100-$150) monthly. "Love is like that. When a child needs something, the mother spends. Regardless of whether it is expensive or not," Matos explains, drawing parallels to parenting.

The Brazilian pet market generated 68.7 million reais (approximately $12.5 million) in 2023, reflecting a 14% growth from the previous year. This market is primarily driven by food and veterinary services, which increasingly include alternative therapies like chiropractic care and acupuncture.

These celebrity billionaires have leveraged their talents, influence, and business acumen to build empires that extend far beyond their primary fields of work.

From groundbreaking filmmakers and iconic athletes to media moguls and music superstars, these celebrities have turned their passions into lucrative ventures, making them some of the wealthiest people on the planet.

According to Forbes , these are the top celebrity billionaires of 2024.

George Lucas - $5.5 billion

The creator of the iconic Star Wars franchise, George Lucas, tops the list. His wealth primarily comes from the sale of Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012 for more than $4 billion in cash and stock and his continued involvement in various entertainment ventures.

Steven Spielberg - $4.8 billion

Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg follows closely behind. His extensive filmography and successful production company, Amblin Entertainment, have solidified his place among the wealthiest with a cut from every ticket sold at Universal theme parks thanks to the Indiana Jones series.

Michael Jordan - $3.5 billion

Basketball legend Michael Jordan has turned his sports fame into a business empire, with significant earnings from his Nike partnership and the sale of his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets for $3 billion in 2023.

Oprah Winfrey - $3.2 billion

After becoming the first female black billionaire in 2003, media mogul Oprah Winfrey continues to build her wealth through her OWN network, various investments, and her influential presence in media.

Jay-Z - $2.5 billion

Hip-hop icon Jay-Z has diversified his income streams through music, his entertainment company Roc Nation, and investments in companies like Uber and Armand de Brignac Champagne.

Kim Kardashian - $2.1 billion

Reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian has built a substantial fortune through her beauty and shapewear brands. She sold KKW Beauty to Coty for $200 million in 2020 and SKIMS was valued at $4 billion in a 2023 funding round.

Peter Jackson - $1.7 billion

The director of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Peter Jackson, has earned his wealth through his films and the sale of his visual effects company, Weta Digital.

Tyler Perry - $1.6 billion

Filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry has created a media empire with his production studio and numerous successful films and TV shows.

Rihanna - $1.4 billion

Pop star Rihanna has made a significant portion of her wealth from her stakes in Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty and her music career.

Tiger Woods - $1.3 billion

Known for his incredible achievements on the golf course, Tiger Woods has made significant strides in the business world. His earnings come from his record-breaking PGA Tour winnings and lucrative endorsement deals with major brands like Nike and Monster Energy.

Despite market fluctuations, huge losses and sometimes gains, these influential figures remain at the forefront of the region's economic growth, establishing and marking their niche among the world's financial elite.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index , which provides a daily ranking of the world’s richest individuals, these are the top ten richest people in Asia.

Mukesh Ambani 

Net worth: $113 billion

Country: India

Leading the list is Mukesh Ambani from India, with a total net worth of $113 billion . Although his wealth recently declined by $850 million, Ambani has experienced a year-to-date increase of $16.2 billion, driven by his vast energy empire. Aside from being the owner of the Mumbai cricket team, Ambani also owns Reliance Industries, which owns the world's largest oil refining complex. The conglomerate also operates in polymer and chemical manufacturing, generating over $100 billion in revenue in the year ending March 2024. He is ranked number 11 on the Bloomberg Billionaire Index.

Gautam Adani 

Net worth: $103 billion

Country: India

Close behind is Indian industrialist Gautam Adani, who has a net worth of $103 billion . Despite a recent dip of $412 million, Adani has seen a substantial gain of $18.4 billion this year. Adani is the chairman of the Adani Group, a conglomerate headquartered in Ahmedabad, with diverse business interests including ports, airports, power generation and transmission, green energy, and oils, amongst others. His group owns the country's largest private port and ranks among the world's biggest coal traders. Adani Enterprises, the group's flagship company, reported revenue of $11.6 billion for the year ending March 31, 2024. Adani is ranked 15 th  on the Bloomberg Billionaire Index.

Zhong Shanshan 

Net worth: $49.5 billion

Country: China

In China, Zhong Shanshan is a businessman known for his diversified ventures, and has a net worth of $49.5 billion , despite experiencing a significant year-to-date loss of $18.2 billion. He is the founder and chairman of Nongfu Spring, a bottled water company that went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in September 2020. Zong is ranked 25 th  on the Bloomberg index.

Tadashi Yanai 

Net worth: $49.0 billion

Country: Japan

Japan's Tadashi Yanai, a prominent figure in the retail sector, has a net worth of $49.0 billion and has seen a considerable rise of $10.6 billion this year. Tadashi Yanai is the founder and president of Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, a leading global fashion retailer. With his innovative approach to business and a focus on quality and affordability, Yanai has grown Uniqlo into one of the world's most successful clothing brands. Yanai is ranked 26 th .

Ma Huateng 

Net worth: $44.1 billion

Country: China

Ma Huateng, a leading technology entrepreneur in China, has a net worth of $44.1 billion , reflecting a year-to-date increase of $9.43 billion despite a recent minor decrease. Huateng also doubles as an investor and a co-founder and CEO of Tencent, one of China's largest and most influential technology companies. Tencent is a leader in various sectors, including social media, gaming, fintech, and artificial intelligence. Huateng ranks 32 nd  on the Bloomberg index.

Shapoor Mistry 

Net worth: $42.6 billion

Country: India

Indian industrialist Shapoor Mistry's wealth totals $42.6 billion , with a positive year-to-date change of $7.33 billion. Mistry is the chairman of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, an engineering and construction conglomerate with a legacy spanning over 150 years. The group is renowned for its contributions to infrastructure and real estate projects both in India and globally. Under his leadership, the company has continued to expand and diversify its operations. Shapoor ranks 33 rd  on the index.

Zhang Yiming 

Net worth: $42.2 billion

Country: China

Zhang Yiming, another tech giant from China, is the founder of Chinese tech giant ByteDance. One of ByteDance’s apps is TikTok. He ranks 34 th  on the Bloomberg list. He maintains a net worth of $42.2 billion , although he has seen a slight decrease of $90 million this year. 

Shiv Nadar 

Net worth: $39.6 billion

Country: India

Shiv Nadar, a technology pioneer in India, holds a net worth of $39.6 billion , experiencing a year-to-date rise of $5.77 billion despite a recent $166 million drop. Shiv Nadar is the founder of HCL Technologies, one of India's leading IT services companies. He is also a prominent philanthropist, focusing on education through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which has established several institutions aimed at improving access to quality education in India. Nadar ranks 37 th .

Savitri Jindal 

Net worth: $34.9 billion 

Country: India

Savitri Jindal, representing the commodities sector in India, has a net worth of $34.9 billion and has gained $10.2 billion this year.    Jindal  is famously known as the “Iron Lady of Industry.” Aside from her political career, she controls OP Jindal Group which deals in steel, power, cement and infrastructure. Savitri ranks 44 th  on the global index.

Prajogo Pangestu

Net worth: $33.6 billion

Country: Indonesia

Pangestu, with a net worth of $33.6 billion , has seen an increase of $222 million, up by $2.57 billion. He is based in Indonesia and is involved in the energy sector. Pangestu is the founder and chairman of Barito Pacific, Indonesia's largest petrochemical company

Creating and maintaining substantial wealth in Africa continues to be a formidable challenge. Global investors remain cautious due to concerns about the continent’s stock exchanges, while businesses struggle with economic difficulties, inadequate infrastructure, and fluctuating exchange rates. These factors make it tough to build and sustain a billion-dollar fortune.

The continent’s ever-changing political environment can have a dramatic impact on wealth. Shifts in political conditions can either boost or severely affect the fortunes of Africa’s richest people, adding another layer of complexity to the pursuit and retention of great wealth.

According to The Bloomberg Billionaires Index , which tracks the wealth of the world's richest people, five people from Africa have been featured on this year's list of the top 500 billionaires.

Here’s a look at the top five African billionaires according to the Bloomberg billionaire list:

Johann Rupert

Net worth: $14.3 billion

Country: South Africa

Johann Rupert, 74, the chairman of luxury goods giant Richemont, has seen his net worth soar to $14.3 billion, placing him 147th on the global billionaire list and first in Africa. He has seen a substantial increase in his net worth, jumping by $1.9 billion recently. Richemont owns prestigious brands such as Cartier and Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Aliko Dangote

Net worth: $13.4 billion

Country: Nigeria

The Nigerian industrialist who previously held the top spot for over a decade, now has a net worth of $13.4 billion. Aliko Dangote, 67, ranks 159th globally. Dangote’s fortune has declined due to challenges in Nigeria’s economic environment, which have negatively affected his business empire. His wealth mainly comes from his stake in Dangote Cement, as well as investments in sugar, flour, and the ambitious Dangote Refinery in Lagos.

Nicky Oppenheimer

Net worth: $11.3 billion

Country: South Africa

At 79, Nicky Oppenheimer has a net worth of $11.3 billion, positioning him 213th in the world. The former De Beers stakeholder who sold his family’s 40% stake in De Beers for $5.2 billion in 2012, continues to invest through Stockdale Street, focusing on private equity in Africa, Asia, the US, and Europe.

Natie Kirsh

Net worth: $9.22 billion

Country: South Africa

Natie Kirsh, 92, controls the Kirsh Group and has a net worth of $9.22 billion, placing him 286th globally. He controls the Kirsh Group and holds a majority stake in Jetro Holdings, which operates Jetro Cash & Carry and Restaurant Depot in over 30 US states. His investments span private equity and property across four continents.

Naguib Sawiris

Net worth: $7.32 billion

Country: Egypt

Naguib Sawiris holds a net worth of $7.32 billion and is ranked 390th on the global list. The 70-year-old Sawiris, through his Luxembourg-based company D La Mancha Resources, has significant stakes in gold mining companies like Evolution Mining and Endeavor Mining. He previously raised over $4 billion from selling his stake in Vimpelcom.

His 23 per cent stake heavily influences Musk’s fortune in Tesla, the electric car company where he serves as CEO. Tesla's market value dramatically increased in 2020 and 2021, helping Musk reach a peak net worth of $320 billion in November 2021. Today, a substantial portion of his wealth remains linked to Tesla’s success.

Beyond Tesla, Musk is also the CEO of SpaceX, which NASA contracts for resupply missions to the International Space Station.

He also made headlines in October 2022 with his $44 billion purchase of Twitter, now known as X.

The Bloomberg Billionaires Index tracks the wealth of the world's richest people.

Rupert, 74, is the chairman of Richemont, which owns high-end brands like Cartier and Jaeger-LeCoultre. His wealth has propelled him to 147th place on the global billionaire list , moving him ahead of Dangote.

Aliko Dangote, the Nigerian industrialist who previously held the top spot for over a decade, now has a net worth of $13.4 billion. Dangote’s fortune has declined due to challenges in Nigeria’s economic environment, which have negatively affected his business empire.

His wealth mainly comes from his stake in Dangote Cement, as well as investments in sugar, flour, and the ambitious Dangote Refinery in Lagos.

He is now the continent’s second richest individual and ranks 159th globally.

Other billionaires in Africa include South African investor Nicky Oppenheimer, Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris, and South African businessman Natie Kirsh, with net worths of $11.3 billion, $7.32 billion, and $9.14 billion, respectively.

“Türkiye stands out with a staggering growth of over 157% in wealth per adult between 2022 and 2023, leaving all other nations far behind,” Swiss bank UBS wrote.

According to the report, one of the primary drivers of this wealth increase is the significant rise in asset prices, particularly in real estate. As inflation soared to over 71%, the value of assets like homes also surged, contributing to the overall increase in wealth.

Turkey's wealth growth stands in contrast to other countries. The next-highest countries in terms of average wealth growth per adult were Qatar and South Africa, with increases of nearly 20% and 16%, respectively. In comparison, the United States saw a modest 2.5% growth in average wealth per adult.

While the wealth growth figures are impressive, they come with significant challenges. The high inflation rate in the country has eroded the purchasing power of many Turks, leading to economic hardships for a large portion of the population.

The Turkish lira has lost nearly 83% of its value against the dollar over the past five years, further complicating the economic landscape.

However, the report expands that the world in general is recovering quickly from the 2022 wealth slump.

"Last year, global wealth rebounded from its 2022 slump. Wealth is steadily growing throughout the world – albeit at different speeds – with very few exceptions. The proportion of people in the world in the lowest wealth bracket has shrunk since 2008, while the proportion of people in every other wealth bracket has grown," UBS said.

Additionally, the bank projects that by 2028, the world will experience a huge leap in adults with wealth over a million dollars.

"By 2028, the number of adults with wealth of over USD one million will have risen in 52 of the 56 markets in our sample, according to our estimates. In at least one market – Taiwan – this increase may reach 50%. Two notable exceptions are expected to be the United Kingdom and the Netherlands," the report adds.

Hot on the Frenchman's heels is Tesla's Elon Musk, with a net worth of $199.6 billion. Musk briefly fell to third place in April 2024 when Amazon founder Jeff Bezos overtook him. However, according to Forbes, a 15% surge in Tesla's stock on April 29, 2024, boosted Musk's wealth by $14.5 billion, securing his second-place position.

Bezos now sits in third place with a net worth of $193.3 billion while Mark Zuckerberg of Meta holds fourth place with a net worth of $151.2 billion.

Among the top 10 wealthiest individuals, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, once the world's richest person for nearly three decades, now ranks ninth with a net worth of $128 billion. Steve Ballmer, another Microsoft veteran, rounds out the list with a net worth of $117.1 billion.

The wealthiest woman on the list is Francoise Bettencourt Meyers of France, ranked 15th globally with a net worth of $95.4 billion. Meyers’ wealth stems from her ownership stake in cosmetics giant L'Oréal, a family inheritance.

Here are the top ten richest people in the world as of May 1, 2024:

1. Bernard Arnault

Net worth: $209.4 billion

Source: LVMH/ luxury goods

Age: 75

Nationality: French

2. Elon Musk

Net worth: $199.6 billion

Source: Tesla, SpaceX, X (formerly Twitter)

Age: 52

Nationality: American

3. Jeff Bezos

Net worth: $193.3 billion

Source: Amazon

Age: 60

Nationality: American

4. Mark Zuckerberg

Net worth: $151.2 billion

Source: Meta (Facebook)

Age: 39

Nationality: American

5. Larry Ellison

Net worth: $142.8 billion

Source: Oracle

Age: 79

Nationality: American

6. Larry Page

Net worth: $135.4 billion

Source: Google

Age: 51

Nationality: American

7. Warren Buffett

Net worth: $131 billion

Source: Berkshire Hathaway

Age: 93

Nationality: American

8. Sergey Brin

Net worth: $129.9 billion

Source: Google

Age: 50

Nationality: American

9. Bill Gates

Net worth: $127 billion

Source: Microsoft

Age: 68

Nationality: American

10. Steve Ballmer

Net worth: $117.1 billion

Source: Microsoft, Clippers (NBA)

Age: 68

Nationality: American