South Africa, Egypt and Morocco rank among the countries with the most ultra-rich individuals globally in 2026

South Africa, Egypt and Morocco rank among the world’s leading hubs for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) in Knight Frank’s The Wealth Report 2026, stressing their status as the continent’s primary centres of private wealth.

The report defines ultra-high-net-worth individuals as those with at least $30 million in net assets, excluding their primary residence. While this group represents only a tiny fraction of the global population, it controls a significant share of the world’s wealth and plays a major role in investment, entrepreneurship and capital allocation.

South Africa ranks 37th globally, with 1,347 UHNWIs in 2026, making it Africa’s wealthiest country by this measure. Knight Frank projects that the country’s ultra-rich population will grow to 1,564 by 2031, reflecting continued wealth creation despite economic headwinds.

Egypt follows in 42nd place with 822 ultra-high-net-worth individuals, a figure expected to increase to 977 over the next five years. Morocco ranks 44th globally with 432 UHNWIs, with the report forecasting that the number will climb to 550 by 2031.

The report shows the rapid expansion of the world’s wealthiest population. Between 2021 and 2026, the global number of UHNWIs grew from 551,435 to 713,626, adding 162,191 new individuals worth more than $30 million. That translates to an average of 89 people crossing the $30 million threshold every day over the five years.

Much of that growth has been driven by the United States. According to Knight Frank, 41% of all newly created UHNWIs between 2021 and 2026 emerged in the U.S., stressing the scale, depth and capital-generating power of the world’s largest economy.

Unsurprisingly, the United States remains the world’s largest hub for ultra-high-net-worth individuals in 2026, while China ranks second with nearly 122,000 UHNWIs.

Together, the two economic giants account for approximately 55% of the global ultra-wealthy population, reflecting their dominance in global finance, technology and entrepreneurship.