By The Habesha News Desk
September 10, 2025
Ethiopia, one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, is home to a rising class of powerful entrepreneurs, industrialists, and investors who continue to shape the nation’s financial landscape. Despite political instability and economic challenges, Ethiopia has produced billionaires and multimillionaires whose fortunes span industries from energy and construction to hospitality and agriculture.
Here are the Top 10 Richest Ethiopians in 2025, their net worth estimates, and the industries that built their wealth.
1. Mohammed Hussein Al-Amoudi – Estimated Net Worth: $9–10 Billion
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Ranked 317th globally by Bloomberg in January 2025, with an estimated net worth of $9.07 billion (Addis Insight).
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Other sources, including Wikipedia, place his wealth closer to $10.3 billion.
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His diversified empire includes energy, gold mining, agriculture, construction, and real estate, with investments across Ethiopia, Sweden, and Saudi Arabia.
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Al-Amoudi remains Ethiopia’s richest individual and a global business figure.
2. Azeb Mesfin – Net Worth: $4 Billion
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Former First Lady of Ethiopia and a powerful political figure.
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Listed by Business Insider Africa with an estimated net worth of $4 billion.
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Her fortune comes from diverse holdings, business networks, and political influence.
3. Eyub “Joe” Mamo – Net Worth: $2.5 Billion
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A leading Ethiopian-American businessman, prominently active in the petroleum and real estate sectors.
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Estimated net worth of $2.5 billion, according to Business Insider Africa.
4. Samuel Tafesse – Net Worth: $1.6 Billion
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A visionary in construction and real estate.
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Listed by Business Insider Africa at $1.6 billion.
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Founder of Sunshine Construction, one of Ethiopia’s largest construction firms.
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According to African Billionaires Daily, his company generates more than $100 million annually.
5. Belayneh Kindie
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Self-made entrepreneur and founder of Belayneh Kindie Group (BKG).
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His diversified ventures include agriculture, construction, hospitality, and manufacturing.
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Since 2005, BKG has generated revenues exceeding $600 million (African Billionaires Daily).
6. Tewodros Ashenafi
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Founder of SouthWest Energy, Ethiopia’s first indigenous oil and gas exploration company.
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Co-owner of Ambo Mineral Water, a beloved Ethiopian brand.
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Played a leading role in a $1.4 billion privatization transaction in 2016.
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Profiled by African Billionaires Daily.
7. Ketema Kebede
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Founder of KK PLC, with investments in textiles, real estate, and logistics.
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His company produces garments and acrylic yarn for both local and international markets.
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Recognized by African Billionaires Daily.
8. Alemayehu Ketema – Net Worth: ≈ $500 Million
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Founder of Alemayehu Ketema General Contractor (AKGC), a powerhouse in construction.
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Built key Ethiopian infrastructure projects including bridges and roads.
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Also invested in manufacturing and hospitality.
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Estimated net worth about $500 million (African Billionaires Daily).
9. Buzuayehu Bizenu
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Founder of East African Holding (EAH), a conglomerate spanning cement, mining, agro-processing, and real estate.
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Established Ethiopia’s first private industrial park, supporting Ethiopia’s manufacturing sector.
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Listed by African Billionaires Daily.
10. Haile Gebrselassie
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Ethiopia’s iconic Olympic gold medalist turned entrepreneur.
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Founder of Haile Resorts, a chain of luxury hotels across Ethiopia.
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Co-founder of Marathon Motors, Ethiopia’s Hyundai dealership.
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Also invested in coffee plantations, fitness centers, and real estate (African Billionaires Daily).
Conclusion
The wealth of Ethiopia’s top 10 business figures highlights both the opportunities and contradictions of the Ethiopian economy. While the country struggles with poverty, political instability, and social unrest, a small circle of elites have amassed billions through real estate, energy, construction, agriculture, and industry.
At the top of the list stands Mohammed Al-Amoudi, Ethiopia’s most famous billionaire, whose wealth alone eclipses the combined fortunes of many others. But the rise of entrepreneurs like Belayneh Kindie, Tewodros Ashenafi, and Haile Gebrselassie shows that Ethiopia’s new generation of business leaders is carving a path that combines local innovation with global partnerships.