Ethiopia Billionaires: Top 10 Richest Men In Ethiopia
Hey there, my people!
Today, we’re taking a quick (well, not-so-quick) trip to the Horn of Africa. Get your popcorn ready, because we’re talking about money—big money. And no, not the "I just got paid and bought shawarma" type of money. I’m talking about billionaires, business moguls, and industry shakers from Ethiopia—yes o, Ethiopia is not just about coffee, injera, and long-distance runners. These guys are cashing out big time and putting their country on the map in major ways.
So if you’ve ever dreamed of making it big in Africa, or just enjoy hearing about who’s balling hard, stick with me. You’re about to meet the Top 10 Richest Men in Ethiopia as of 2025—and believe me, their stories are as inspiring as they are fascinating.
1. Mohammed Al-Amoudi – The King of the Pack ($8.3 Billion)
Let’s not waste time. Sitting pretty on top of the money mountain is Mohammed Al-Amoudi. This man is the real MVP, not just in Ethiopia but across Africa. Born to a Yemeni father and an Ethiopian mother, he’s got a foot in both worlds—and apparently a vault full of cash in both, too!
Al-Amoudi made his billions through industries you and I only read about in textbooks: oil, mining, real estate, and agriculture. His company MIDROC Ethiopia is like the Dangote Group of East Africa. He owns fuel refineries in Sweden and Morocco, and he even has hotels all over Europe. Basically, while some of us are still figuring out how to afford Netflix subscriptions, Al-Amoudi is busy investing in half of Africa and chilling with royalty. Not bad for someone who started with humble beginnings.
But it hasn’t been all rosy—he was arrested during Saudi Arabia’s anti-corruption sweep in 2017 (drama!), but he's back now, and guess what? Still loaded.
2. Buzuayehu Tadele – The Industrial General ($1.2 Billion)
Next on the list is Buzuayehu Tadele, founder of East African Holding. This man has built an empire brick by brick—literally. His group is into manufacturing, trading, agriculture, and construction. He's like the guy who never stops working. The kind who wakes up before your alarm goes off and builds a factory before breakfast.
He produces soap, food items, plastic, paper—you name it. His company is helping Ethiopia reduce imports and create jobs for thousands of people. So while some billionaires just make money, Buzuayehu is building a nation. Respect!
3. Eyob “Joe” Mamo – The Fuel King of America ($800 Million)
Meet Eyob Mamo, aka Joe Mamo. Sounds like a rap name, right? But this man is not spitting bars—he’s pouring fuel. Literally. Joe is based in the United States, where he runs Capitol Petroleum Group, one of the biggest gas distributors in the country.
He came from Ethiopia, found opportunity abroad, and grabbed it with both hands. Now he’s back, investing in fuel and logistics back home. His story is the perfect mix of “diaspora dream” and “homeboy making a difference.”
So next time you're filling your tank in D.C., just know Joe Mamo might be the guy behind the nozzle. Big ups!
4. Tewodros Ashenafi – The Oil Explorer ($700 Million)
Let’s talk about Tewodros Ashenafi—the man who went looking for oil in Ethiopia and actually found it! This Harvard-educated businessman is the founder of SouthWest Energy, one of the country’s top oil exploration companies.
He's like Indiana Jones, but with a necktie and a balance sheet. Besides oil, Tewodros sits on various boards, partners with global corporations, and helps shape Ethiopia’s financial future.
He’s proof that you can have brain, class, and cash all in one package.
5. Jemal Ahmed – The Coffee Boss ($600 Million)
Ah yes, coffee. Ethiopia’s most famous export—and Jemal Ahmed is making sure the world drinks it with style. His company Horizon Plantations is a leading name in coffee and horticulture exports.
If you’ve ever sipped a high-end cup of Ethiopian coffee in London, New York, or Tokyo, chances are Jemal had a hand in it. Beyond beans, he’s into logistics and cold storage facilities to preserve exports. Jemal is making farming look luxurious!
6. Abnet Gessesse – The Concrete Commander ($500 Million)
In every country, there’s always that one man who turns cities into skylines. In Ethiopia, that man is Abnet Gessesse, founder of Flintstone Engineering. No, not the cartoon family—this Flintstone builds real houses, real roads, and real money.
Abnet's company has helped reshape Addis Ababa and other cities. Think high-rises, estates, and mega malls. And he’s not just building for the rich—his housing projects are for the middle class too. That’s boss behavior.
7. Kibour Gena – The Coffee Export Legend ($400 Million)
Let me introduce you to Kibour Gena, another heavyweight in Ethiopia’s coffee game. His company, Kibour Coffee, is a household name when it comes to exporting those magical beans that keep us awake during Monday meetings.
But Kibour isn’t just about coffee—he’s also deep in real estate and finance. This man understands that coffee may be king, but it’s smart investing that turns you into royalty.
8. Ato Shegaw Tulu – The Healthcare Hero ($380 Million)
This one hits different. Shegaw Tulu is saving lives and making millions. His company Medtech Ethiopia supplies hospitals and clinics with everything from syringes to scanning machines.
You know how hard it can be to get good medical care in many African countries? Well, Shegaw is one of the guys fixing that. And while he’s at it, he’s also investing in clean water projects and mobile health platforms. This is wealth with purpose—and we love to see it.
9. Samuel Tafesse – The Hotel Guy ($350 Million)
Now, who doesn’t love a good hotel? Samuel Tafesse is making sure Ethiopia becomes a top destination for business travelers and tourists alike. His company, Sunshine Investment Group, builds luxury hotels and real estate projects across the country.
He was the one who brought Marriott to Addis Ababa and didn’t stop there—he’s also working with Hilton and Radisson. This man saw tourism potential and went full throttle. Hospitality is big business, and Tafesse is cashing in.
10. Belayneh Kindie – The Import-Export King ($300 Million)
Last but definitely not least, meet Belayneh Kindie, the quiet giant behind Ethiopia’s import and export trade. His company handles commodities like coffee, sesame, pulses, machinery, and even pharmaceuticals.
He’s also building warehouses and storage centers to make export logistics smoother. Belayneh understands what Africa needs: infrastructure and efficiency. And he’s not waiting for foreign aid—he’s doing it himself, while smiling all the way to the bank.
Summary Table: Ethiopia’s Top 10 Richest Men (2025)
| Rank | Name | Net Worth (USD) | Major Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohammed Al-Amoudi | $8.3 Billion | Oil, Mining, Real Estate, Agriculture |
| 2 | Buzuayehu Tadele | $1.2 Billion | Manufacturing, FMCG, Real Estate |
| 3 | Eyob “Joe” Mamo | $800 Million | Oil Distribution, Logistics |
| 4 | Tewodros Ashenafi | $700 Million | Oil Exploration, Finance |
| 5 | Jemal Ahmed | $600 Million | Agriculture, Horticulture, Logistics |
| 6 | Abnet Gessesse | $500 Million | Construction, Real Estate |
| 7 | Kibour Gena | $400 Million | Coffee Export, Real Estate |
| 8 | Shegaw Tulu | $380 Million | Pharmaceuticals, Health Infrastructure |
| 9 | Samuel Tafesse | $350 Million | Real Estate, Hospitality |
| 10 | Belayneh Kindie | $300 Million | Import/Export, Logistics, Industrial Goods |
Final Thoughts: So, What Can We Learn From Ethiopia’s Richest Men?
First of all, money doesn't just fall from the sky. These guys built their empires from scratch. No magic. No lottery wins. Just vision, hustle, and consistency.
Secondly, they’ve shown us that Africa isn’t a place of lack—it’s a land of opportunity. Whether it’s coffee, oil, logistics, or real estate, the continent is filled with industries waiting to be tapped.
Finally, they remind us that wealth isn’t just about cash—it’s about impact. From creating jobs to building hospitals and exporting African excellence to the world, these billionaires are shaping the future of Ethiopia in a big way.
So, if you’re out there dreaming big, don’t stop. Your own “Top 10” moment might just be around the corner. And when you get there, don’t forget to build, give back, and inspire others—just like these guys.
