Nassef Sawiris, North Africa’s richest man, is $264 million richer this year

Key Points

• Sawiris’ fortune has surged by $264 million in 2025, reaching $8.95 billion, securing his position among Africa’s wealthiest individuals.
• His rising wealth places him 324th globally, ahead of Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves, with Adidas stakes and growing cash reserves driving the gains.
• Nassef and his brothers received $13.3 million from Orascom Construction’s payout, reinforcing the firm’s resilience despite Egypt’s economic challenges.

Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris, North Africa’s richest person, has seen his fortune grow significantly this year, with his net worth rising by $264 million since January.

Nassef Sawiris’ net worth nears $9 billion

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the wealth of the world’s 500 richest individuals, Sawiris’ net worth has climbed from $8.69 billion at the start of the year to $8.95 billion as of this report.

This follows a $310 million gain in 2024, when his wealth increased from $8.41 billion to $8.72 billion, reinforcing his status as one of Africa’s wealthiest individuals and placing him among the top 400 richest people in the world.

Sawiris moves up Bloomberg’s real-time billionaire list

The steady rise in Nassef Sawiris’ net worth has pushed him to the 324th spot on Bloomberg’s billionaire ranking, ahead of U.S. entrepreneur Todd Graves, the founder of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. Graves, whose fast-food chain has more than 800 locations across the U.S. and the Middle East, is also worth $8.95 billion.

The Egyptian billionaire’s year-to-date wealth gain is largely tied to his 7-percent stake in German sportswear giant Adidas and his growing cash reserves, which have increased from $3.8 billion in January to $3.93 billion.

Nassef Sawiris, brothers collect $13.3 million

In addition to this, Nassef Sawiris and his brothers, Samih and Naguib, received a combined $13.3 million from their majority stake in Orascom Construction, the engineering and building giant their late father, Onsi Sawiris, founded in 1976. The dividend, part of Orascom’s $24.25 million interim payout, was transferred to their accounts on Jan. 15.

The three brothers collectively own 54.86 percent of Orascom, amounting to 60.48 million shares. Nassef holds the largest share at 36.52 percent, followed by Samih at 12.5 percent and Naguib at 5.84 percent. Their individual dividend earnings were $8.86 million, $3.03 million, and $1.42 million, respectively.

Orascom thrives despite economic challenges

The payout highlights Orascom’s resilience in a tough economic climate, particularly amid the effects of the Egyptian pound’s devaluation. Despite economic pressures, the company remains a key player in construction across the Middle East, Africa, and the U.S.

With a focus on expanding its project backlog and strengthening its global presence, Orascom continues to maintain stability and growth under the Sawiris family’s leadership.