/Five Prominent African Businessmen

Five Prominent African Businessmen

In the past, African hasn’t been thought of as a huge business powerhouse in the world, but the last few decades have changed that notion completely. In the last decade especially, a large number of mega-corporations have exploded in Africa. And while in the past, many of these corporations have been run by foreigners, there is a new crop of prominent African businessmen who are helping the continent experience a phase of prosperity.

Marius Kloppers
This South African spearheaded the success of largest mining company in the world, BHP Billiton, which is en route to announce a profit of $30 billion. Kloppers earned his MBA and joined Billiton in 1993, so has had several decades of experience with the company before leading it to take control as one of the most powerful companies in the world.

Patrick Davies
Davies, with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Natal in South Africa, is the CEO of Sasol, which is the largest energy company in Africa. The company is currently worth $34 billion and is rapidly expanding into new fields such as oil and gas exploration.

Sifiso Dabengwa
From Zimbabwe, Dabengwa has recently been appointed to the position of Group Chief Executive of the largest telecommunications firm in Africa, MTN. Dagengwa has moved through the company in a number of strategic managerial positions, and is set to become one of the most prominent businessmen in Africa.

Alvaro Sobrinho
This passionate and dedicated African philanthropist and businessman began his career in the financial services sector, leading up to becoming CEO of Banco Espirito Santo Angola. He now is dedicated to improving the fields of science and technology in Africa, working on educational development and helping Africa to achieve scientific independence.

Cyril Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa is another South African who was named in 2007 by Times Magazine as one of the most influential people in the world. He is the chair of telecom giant MTN and is also on the board of the Standard Chartered Bank. Not only that, he’s also founded the Shanduka Group and he recently took hold of the South African operations of McDonalds.