Van Zuydam and Sawiris Join African Billionaires List
The two business leaders secured spots on the Forbes 2026 ranking of Africa's wealthiest individuals.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Africa
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Paul van Zuydam and Samih Sawiris have been added to the Forbes 2026 African billionaires list. Both entrepreneurs possess net worths exceeding $1 billion, bolstered by their respective international ventures in retail and property development.
Why it matters
These additions highlight the ongoing growth of individual wealth tied to the expansion of premium global brands and integrated tourism destinations across the continent.
Forbes recorded Paul van Zuydam’s net worth at $1.6 billion and Samih Sawiris’ at $1.4 billion as of October 15, 2026. Sawiris additionally holds a 74.9% stake in the Raiffeisen Touristik Group, while his recent Morocco development project carries a $235 million cost.
The players
Paul van Zuydam
He is a South African entrepreneur best known for his ownership and global expansion of the premium French cookware brand Le Creuset.
Samih Sawiris
He is an Egyptian business leader and the founder of Orascom Development Holding, which specializes in large-scale tourism infrastructure.
Forbes
It is an American business magazine that publishes annual and real-time rankings of the world's wealthiest individuals.
The details
Paul van Zuydam, owner of the French cookware brand Le Creuset, expanded the company into global markets following his acquisition in 1988. Samih Sawiris, founder of Orascom Development Holding, transitioned significant shares to his son in early 2025 and is currently partnering with Emirati investors on a $235 million tourism development in Morocco.
Timeline
1925: Le Creuset was established.
1988: Paul van Zuydam acquired Le Creuset.
January 2025: Samih Sawiris transferred his shares to his son.
April 2026: Sawiris partnered on a Morocco tourism project.
October 15, 2026: Forbes established the real-time net worth rankings.
Travel Outlook
This news follows the long-term trend of billionaire investment in luxury and integrated tourism destinations documented in the Forbes 2026 African billionaires list. The entry of these figures signifies a shift toward large-scale capital deployment in African travel infrastructure relative to their historical industrial holdings.
Readers looking to explore destinations developed by these billionaires may note the expansion of projects like those in Morocco or Switzerland. Travelers should monitor these developments, as such massive investments often precede the opening of new high-end resorts and international travel routes.
The takeaway
The rise of these two figures onto the billionaire list illustrates the massive capital potential inherent in premium consumer goods and large-scale tourism property developments. Investors and market watchers should follow how these leaders continue to pivot their portfolios between different international markets.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the continent, read about Africa.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM News) - Nigeria Breaking News, Africa and World News and Updates -.
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