Sudan’S Billionaires: Top 10 Richest Men In Sudan
Hey there, money lovers and future moguls! ✨
Let’s take a little trip up north to the land of pyramids, gum arabic, and some of the most underrated money men in Africa — Sudan! Yes, I said Sudan. While the world keeps talking about Dubai, Lagos, and Johannesburg, there’s a quiet group of Sudanese business bosses raking in serious dollars — and not just in local currency either. We’re talking proper international paper, bank balances that look like phone numbers, and influence that touches everything from agriculture to telecoms, construction to politics.
If you’ve been thinking Sudan is all about deserts and diplomacy, think again. Behind the scenes, a few smart (and very strategic) men have been building empires like it’s child’s play. Some inherited legacies, others hustled their way from zero to serious hero, and a couple of them went from politics to profits — or is it the other way around? 👀
Either way, if you're a young African dreaming of business glory or you just enjoy rich people stories with your afternoon coffee, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into Sudan’s top 10 richest men and what we can all learn from them. Some of these guys will inspire you, some might annoy you, but all of them will make you think, "How exactly did they do it?"
1. Mo Ibrahim – $1.1 Billion: The Billionaire with a Brain (and a Heart)
First on the list is the king himself — Sir Mo Ibrahim. This man didn’t just make money, he made impact. Born in Sudan and raised in the UK, Mo went from being a telecoms engineer to building Celtel, one of the first African mobile networks. Now, if you grew up with a Nokia 3310 in one hand and “Call Me Back” text messages in the other, this guy probably helped power your childhood.
After selling Celtel for a jaw-dropping $3.4 billion, Mo could have bought a small country, but what did he do? He started the Mo Ibrahim Foundation — because making billions wasn’t enough, he had to start rewarding African presidents for not stealing. Can you imagine? A whole prize just for leaving office peacefully and doing your job properly. Visionary stuff.
If there’s a godfather of good business and good governance in Africa, it’s definitely Mo.
2. Osama Daoud Abdellatif – $1.6 Billion: Sudan’s Silent Business Tycoon
Next up, the man behind DAL Group, Sudan’s largest and most powerful conglomerate. If you’ve ever bought food, driven a tractor, used engineering services, or seen a warehouse in Sudan, chances are Osama had a hand in it.
Osama Daoud Abdellatif inherited part of the business from his father, but let’s be clear — this guy didn’t just maintain it, he multiplied it like a miracle. DAL Group is now a behemoth in agriculture, food production, trading, and even education. You name it, they’re probably involved.
The company pulls in over $1.6 billion in revenue annually, and Osama does it all with the calm confidence of someone who knows he’s feeding a nation — and his bank account.
3. Amin El-Nefeidi – $400 Million: Logistics Boss of East Africa
Ever wonder who’s behind all the trucks moving goods across Sudan, from Port Sudan to the furthest farm? Amin El-Nefeidi, that’s who.
He’s the brains behind the Elnefeidi Group, a powerhouse in transportation, logistics, agriculture, and general trading. From a tiny family-owned shop to one of Sudan’s most significant logistics empires, Amin built a fleet of over 600 trucks that help power the economy. If Sudan had a national logistics anthem, his trucks would be in the music video.
With over $400 million in the bank, he’s proof that when it comes to making money, even wheels can be gold-plated.
4. Ahmed Abdellatif – $200 Million: CTC Group Commander
You know how they say, “don’t put all your eggs in one basket”? Well, Ahmed Abdellatif definitely listened. He’s the president of CTC Group, a business so diversified, it probably has more divisions than your high school had classrooms.
CTC Group is into agriculture, machinery, electronics, automobiles, and even consumer products. It’s like a supermarket for mega-businesses. With annual revenues of over $200 million, Ahmed has his hands in almost every sector that matters in Sudan. Quiet, effective, and ridiculously wealthy.
5. Salih Abdelrahman Yagoub – $100 Million: The Builder Behind SAY Co.
When your company is literally called “SAY,” and people are saying your name with respect, you’re doing something right. Salih Abdelrahman Yagoub is the brains behind SAY Co., a construction and trading giant that’s been running since the 1960s.
From industrial construction to retail and services, Salih took his early experience in trading and turned it into a $100 million empire. Think cranes, concrete, commodities — and cash.
He’s not just building Sudan’s skyline, he’s building a financial legacy brick by brick.
6. Ali Ahmed Karti – $85 Million: The Politician with a Portfolio
Here’s where things get a little spicy. Ali Ahmed Karti is best known for his political influence, but behind the speeches and meetings lies a deep wallet. He made headlines when he bought Friendship Hotel in Khartoum for $85 million, like he was buying a pair of shoes.
Though he’s had some heat internationally (read: sanctions), there’s no denying he’s a major player both politically and financially. He’s that classic Sudanese hybrid of power and profit.
7. Khalil Osman – $70 Million: The Late Industrial Legend
Gone but never forgotten. Khalil Osman was one of Sudan’s most visionary entrepreneurs. He didn’t just build businesses — he helped build industries.
From shrimp fishing in Kuwait to textile factories in Sudan and even business ventures in Canada and Nigeria, this man was everywhere. He’s credited with launching over 60% of Sudan’s modern industrial sector — yes, you read that right.
He passed away in 2008, but his legacy is still very much alive — in Sudan’s economy and in every industrial zone his efforts helped birth.
8. Osman Eltayeb – $60 Million: The Sudanese Don in Nigeria
Now, this is a story worthy of a Netflix documentary. Osman Eltayeb left Sudan for Nigeria in 1939 and became one of the most powerful businessmen in West Africa.
He built Osman Eltayeb & Sons, a conglomerate that handled hides and skins, food manufacturing, real estate, and more. And when he wasn’t making money? He was giving it away — building schools, hospitals, and places of worship across Sudan and Nigeria.
A true businessman with a golden heart. And oh yes, he also invested in gum arabic and hibiscus — very on brand for a Sudanese mogul.
9. Mohammed Ibrahim – $55 Million: Yes, Mo Again (Sort Of)
Wait, haven’t we seen this name before? Yep, we’re talking about Mo Ibrahim again — because when you’ve got multiple titles (telecom tycoon, philanthropist, governance advocate), you might just appear on more than one list.
Though his fortune is reported in billions, his various personal investments and philanthropic arms hold assets estimated at over $55 million outside of his main business success.
He’s like that one rich uncle who owns a private island and funds scholarships. Talk about overachieving.
10. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) – $50 Million: The General with Gold
Closing the list is the most controversial figure — Hemedti. You’ve probably heard the name. He’s the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and a man who wields both power and capital.
While his military influence is well documented, his financial muscle comes from gold mining and a company called al-Junaid — which, surprise surprise, is one of Sudan’s largest gold traders.
Some love him, some loathe him, but everyone agrees on one thing — Hemedti is rich. His story is complex, his rise dramatic, but his bank account? Very real.
Final Thoughts: What Can We Learn From Sudan’s Billionaire Boys Club?
So there you have it — 10 men who have made (or continue to make) big moves in business, politics, and beyond. But let’s get real for a minute. What can you — the student, the start-up dreamer, the hustler with a side gig — actually take from this?
Here are a few lessons:
-
Diversify like a boss: Most of these men didn’t stick to one business. From construction to agriculture to telecoms, they spread their bets smartly.
-
Start small, dream big: Many began with humble family businesses and scaled with vision.
-
Think legacy, not just currency: The most respected names are those who gave back, invested locally, and supported their communities.
-
Stay strategic: Timing, networks, and knowledge were key ingredients to their
success.
-
Be bold: Whether it’s buying a $85 million hotel or founding a $3 billion telecom company, fortune favors the bold.
So, future billionaires of Africa, the map is in your hands. Sudan’s richest men have shown us that no matter where you come from, the journey to the top is possible — if you’re focused, fearless, and smart about your moves.
Who knows? The next time someone writes a list like this, your name might be number one. Until then, let’s keep learning, grinding, and building — one smart decision at a time. 💼
