Table of Contents
Key Points
- Africa’s billionaires and multimillionaires celebrate the holidays with extravagant luxury and style.
- They give back to communities through impactful acts of generosity.
- Their traditions blend festive splendor with meaningful philanthropy.
The holiday season is the time of happiness and gift-giving, and the African continent’s most prosperous people are no exception.
Despite their opulent lifestyles, many of the continent’s billionaires and UHNWIs use this opportunity to serve the society and effect change in the society.
From grand festive celebrations within their families and loved ones to life changing charitable efforts, these billionaires and UHNWIs demonstrate the best of what wealth has to offer, during the holiday season.
In this article, we look at how some African billionaires and UHNWIs observed the holiday season, splurge and give back.
Some of them entertain numerous guests while others provide support to that type of programs that can change people’s lives, and their actions speak of the true meaning of the holidays – giving.
1. Tony Elumelu: Empowering entrepreneurs during the festive season
Tony Elumelu, a Nigerian born businessman and philanthropist has been instrumental in supporting the spirit of entrepreneurship amongst the African people. Through his Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), he has given out over $100 million and impacted more than 19 thousand entrepreneurs from the African continent with funding, mentorship and business courses.
Philanthropic contributions during the festive season
Like most African men, the festive season is widely embraced by Elumelu and his philanthropic activities are often characterized by this season. Elumelu in December 2024 distributed 1, 800 bags of rice to family heads in his home town of Onicha- Uku Aniocha North Local Government of Delta State. This was in an effort to see that families in this community could afford to enjoy the festive season in a dignified manner.
According to his Tony Elumelu Foundation, he has also engaged in events that entertain people during the holidays such as Christmas caroling among others with the with an aim of encouraging people to come together an celebrate.
In their annual message to African entrepreneurs, Elumelu’s foundation has wished them a happy and prosperous new year and reiterated its support for African entrepreneurs.
Not only is Elumelu financially supporting philanthropy institutions but he is also involved in other ways. This show is an excellent way he extends a helping hand to the chosen entrepreneurs by providing them with consultation and business insights. He has a unique way of doing philanthropy, revolving on the fact that when people are empowered, economic transformation will be achieved, a concept he calls Africapitalism.
Besides volunteering his services to TEF, Elumelu gives out his time to other philanthropic efforts during the holidays.
He has participates in relief projects of making foods and basic provisions available to the less privileged in the Nigerian society during the yuletide.
Personal holiday celebrations
As the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Elumelu participates in the bank's annual end-of-year celebrations.
These events are renowned for their vibrant themes and serve as a platform to appreciate employees' hard work throughout the year. For instance, the 2023 celebration, themed "Denim and Diamonds," was highlighted by The Tony Elumelu Foundation on Facebook.
Elumelu often shares glimpses of his family celebrations on social media, emphasizing togetherness and cultural heritage. His festive traditions include attending church services and participating in local community events.
In December 2022, he shared a family Christmas photo, spreading warmth and wishes to his global audience.
Known for his enthusiasm, Elumelu actively participates in preparing for the holidays, showcasing his joy in celebrating the season. Videos and posts on social media highlight his involvement in creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere.
By balancing personal celebrations with extensive philanthropic efforts, Tony Elumelu exemplifies how African billionaires and UHNWIs can leverage their resources to make a meaningful impact during the festive season.
2. Patrice Motsepe: Spreading joy through 'Christmas with Our People'
Patrice Motsepe, South Africa’s first Black billionaire and founder of African Rainbow Minerals, exemplifies a unique blend of wealth and responsibility.
With a net worth of $2.8 billion, according to Forbes, his festive traditions over the years reflect a balance of luxury and giving.
Motsepe embraced the African way of Ubuntu wholly, ensuring that he continues to make a positive change as a billionaire while giving back lift and celebrating others.
Philanthropy: Giving back during the festive season
Through the Motsepe Foundation, established in 1999, he has initiated various programs aimed at improving the lives of disadvantaged individuals across South Africa.
Education has remained top on Motsepe’s agenda as a way of transforming society for the better, in the long run. It has envisaged to issue the bursaries in several tranches, and since its inception, the foundation has granted more than R260m ($18.3million) to nearly 2,000 of the needy students.
Motsepe’s holiday seasons are as much about giving back as they are about indulgence. Since 2011, his Motsepe Foundation’s “Christmas with Our People” campaign has been the cornerstone of his festive philanthropy.
It is through this programme that food hampers, toys and basic needs have been taken to underprivileged children and their families exceeding 900,000 across the country. All these actions reflect Ubuntu through the culture of catering for everyone and pulling each other up.
Since its inception, the "Christmas with Our People" campaign has reached nearly a million children, providing them with toys and festive cheer.
The program targets children between the ages of 0 to 15, ensuring that the youngest members of society receive gifts that bring joy and a sense of inclusion during the holidays.
Motsepe and his family actively participate in these distribution events, underscoring their hands-on approach to philanthropy and their commitment to nation-building.
In addition to the toy distribution, the Motsepe Foundation engages in other charitable activities during the festive season.
These include funding bursary programs for poor South African students, supporting initiatives in music, the arts, and sports, and contributing to healthcare and education projects aimed at improving the quality of life for disadvantaged communities.
A legacy of generosity
Motsepe's dedication to philanthropy is further exemplified by his commitment to The Giving Pledge, an initiative led by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.
In 2013, he became the first African billionaire to join the pledge, committing to donate half of his fortune to charity.
This historic commitment reflects his deep sense of responsibility to use his wealth for the common good, particularly during times of celebration like the festive season.
Through the "Christmas with Our People" campaign and other philanthropic endeavors, Patrice Motsepe demonstrates how African billionaires can blend personal celebrations with meaningful contributions to society.
His efforts during the festive season not only bring joy to countless children but also address systemic issues such as poverty and lack of access to education and healthcare, building a legacy that transcends his business ventures.
3. Nicky Oppenheimer: Conservation and community engagement during the holidays
Nicky Oppenheimer, South Africa’s second-richest individual and former chairman of De Beers, has a longstanding commitment to philanthropy, particularly in the areas of education, conservation, and economic empowerment.
With an estimated net worth of $9.5 billion, Oppenheimer has leveraged his wealth to drive social change across Africa.
During the festive season, Oppenheimer's philanthropic activities often focus on conservation efforts.
He has made significant contributions to wildlife preservation, supporting initiatives that protect endangered species and promote sustainable environmental practices.
His dedication to conservation is exemplified by his support for various projects aimed at preserving Africa's natural heritage.
In addition to his conservation efforts, Oppenheimer is deeply involved in educational initiatives.
Through his philanthropic endeavors, he has supported programs that provide scholarships and improve access to quality education for underprivileged students across Africa.
In response to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicky Oppenheimer and his son, Jonathan, established SAFT in March 2020. They donated R1 billion ($53 million) to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa, providing financial relief to employees and preserving jobs during a critical period.Founded in 2005 by the Oppenheimer family, the Brenthurst Foundation is dedicated to strengthening Africa's economic performance. The foundation engages in policy research and development initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable growth across the continent. Brenthurst Foundation
Personal celebrations
Information regarding Nicky Oppenheimer's personal celebrations during festive periods is scarce, as he maintains a relatively private lifestyle.
He is known to value family time and has a deep appreciation for conservation, often spending time at the Brenthurst Estate in Johannesburg, which features the renowned Brenthurst Gardens.
His contributions have played a major role in shaping the future of many young Africans, offering them opportunities to succeed and contribute to their communities.
4. Aliko Dangote: Transforming lives through festive philanthropy
Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man and founder of the Dangote Group, is celebrated for his philanthropic efforts through the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF).
His holiday activities often focus on health, education, and disaster relief, positively impacting millions across Nigeria.
Festive season contributions
During the holidays, Dangote’s giving is amplified. In 2017, ADF distributed food items worth over $625,000 (N150 million) to displaced persons in Borno State, Nigeria, ensuring that communities affected by insurgency could celebrate the festive season with dignity.
This initiative aimed to support approximately 371,000 individuals affected by insurgency, ensuring they could observe the Ramadan period with dignity.
The foundation's efforts included the provision of essential food items such as rice, spaghetti, sugar, salt, millet, maize, noodles, semolina, and wheat meal.
During festive seasons, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has been known to distribute food items to vulnerable populations. This year, the foundation flagged off a food intervention program in Lagos State, distributing 80,000 bags of 10kg rice to support communities during the Easter period.
The foundation has also initiated empowerment programs aimed at poverty alleviation. While these programs run throughout the year, they often intensify during festive periods to bring relief and joy to beneficiaries.
For example, the foundation has empowered women through micro-grant programs, distributing funds to support small-scale businesses and improve livelihoods.
Personal celebrations
Aliko Dangote values spending festive periods with family and close associates. He often participates in community and religious events during these times.
For instance, during the Eid celebrations in June 2024, Dangote paid Sallah homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his residence in Lagos, reflecting his commitment to cultural and religious traditions.
Dangote's personal milestones are celebrated with close family, friends, and associates.
For example, his 60th birthday in April 2017 was marked by a private celebration with staff and well-wishers, featuring specially crafted cakes that highlighted his business achievements.
Aliko Dangote’s philanthropy during the festive season reflects his dedication to improving lives. His work through ADF ensures that thousands of Nigerians experience the spirit of the holidays, with long-lasting support in critical areas like education and disaster relief.
5. Femi Otedola: Celebrating the festive season with generosity and family
Femi Otedola, a Nigerian billionaire and chairman of Geregu Power Plc, is renowned for his business acumen and philanthropic endeavors.
During the festive season, Otedola's activities often reflect a blend of family-oriented celebrations and significant charitable contributions aimed at uplifting various sectors of Nigerian society.
Philanthropic endeavors during the festive season
Otedola's commitment to philanthropy is particularly evident during the holiday season. In November 2019, he made a landmark donation of ₦5 billion ($14 million) to Save the Children UK through his daughter DJ Cuppy's Foundation.
This contribution, the largest individual donation in Nigeria's history, was aimed at supporting various intervention programs for underprivileged children in Nigeria's northeastern region, ensuring they received necessary aid during the festive period.
In January 2024, Otedola donated ₦1 billion ($625,000) to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). This substantial contribution aimed to enhance security measures in Lagos, ensuring safer celebrations during festive seasons.
His daughter, Tolani Otedola, highlighted the LSSTF's role in maintaining peace during recent festive periods, attributing seamless celebrations to the diligent efforts of security services supported by the fund.
Otedola has made significant contributions to educational institutions, particularly Augustine University in Epe, Lagos.
In 2021, he donated $6 million for the construction of The Lady Doja Otedola Faculty of Engineering, named in honor of his mother. Such donations, though not directly tied to festive periods, demonstrate his ongoing commitment to societal development.
Personal celebrations
Otedola places high value on family during festive seasons. He is known to spend Christmas and New Year's with his children. On Christmas Day in 2021, he celebrated with his 89-year-old mother, Lady Doja Otedola, at the dedication of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Epe, Lagos. This event underscored his dedication to family and religious traditions during the holidays.
Otedola's 60th birthday in November 2022 was marked by an intimate family celebration aboard the luxury yacht Christina O. Accompanied by his wife and children, the family shared quality time, reflecting Otedola's preference for close-knit family gatherings during significant occasions.
Through these actions, Femi Otedola exemplifies a blend of philanthropy and family-oriented celebrations during festive periods, contributing to societal well-being while cherishing personal family moments.
6. Strive Masiyiwa: Empowering communities through festive philanthropy
Strive Masiyiwa, a Zimbabwean-born billionaire and founder of Econet Global, is widely recognized for his transformative philanthropy across Africa. His contributions focus on education, healthcare, and economic development, impacting millions across the continent.
Together with his wife, Tsitsi Masiyiwa, he established the Higherlife Foundation, which focuses on education, healthcare, and disaster relief across Africa.
While specific information about Masiyiwa's activities during festive periods is limited, his philanthropic initiatives operate year-round, providing continuous support to those in need.
Their programs include scholarships, educator training, leadership development, and e-learning access, all aimed at building a pipeline of leaders from early childhood education to the PhD level.
For instance, the Higherlife Foundation, founded by Masiyiwa and his wife Tsitsi in 1996, has supported over 250,000 young people through scholarships and leadership training. This ongoing commitment ensures that beneficiaries receive support regardless of the time of year.
Additionally, in November 2019, the foundation announced a ZW$100 million ($276,000) training fellowship for junior and senior resident medical officers employed at public healthcare institutions in Zimbabwe, further demonstrating its dedication to education and professional development.
Personal celebrations
Details about Masiyiwa's personal celebrations during festive periods are scarce, as he maintains a relatively private lifestyle.
However, his dedication to family and faith is evident. In a recent interview, Masiyiwa shared his Christian testimony, highlighting the role of faith in his life and work.
7. Mohammed Dewji: Spreading festive cheer through generosity
Mohammed Dewji, a Tanzanian billionaire businessman and philanthropist, is renowned for his significant contributions to society through the Mo Dewji Foundation, established in 2014.
The foundation focuses on education, healthcare, and community development, aiming to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions in Tanzania.
Dewji's foundation operates year-round to support various initiatives. The foundation has organized eye camps providing free cataract surgeries, distributed reading glasses, and offered other related treatments to individuals in need. These efforts have restored vision and hope to many Tanzanians.
Personal celebrations
Dewji maintains a relatively private lifestyle for personal celebrations during festive periods. However, he has shared festive greetings on social media platforms.
For example, in recent years, he posted a "Merry Christmas!" message on his Facebook page, extending holiday wishes to his followers.
This year, he also dropped an amazing message on his Facebook page, wishing everyone:
“May this Christmas bring peace, joy, and love to your homes and hearts. Let us cherish our blessings, embrace the spirit of giving, and spread kindness to all around us. Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!”
8. Mike Adenuga: A Blend of festive opulence and quiet generosity
Mike Adenuga, a prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, is renowned for his substantial contributions to various sectors, including education, sports, and cultural development.
His philanthropic endeavors, often channeled through the Mike Adenuga Foundation, have significantly impacted numerous lives across Nigeria and Africa.
Philanthropic contributions
Adenuga firmly believes in the transformative power of education. Through his foundation, he donates about $20.5 million annually to facilitate access to quality education. These funds are allocated for scholarships and bursaries, enabling underprivileged individuals to pursue academic excellence.
In response to natural disasters, Adenuga has demonstrated unwavering commitment to affected communities. For instance, he donated $3.8 million to support victims of floods in the Niger Delta region, aiding them in rebuilding their lives.
Adenuga's passion for sports is evident through his investments exceeding $25 million to support the sports sector in Nigeria since 2002. His contributions have been pivotal in nurturing talent and promoting sports nationwide.
In 2018, Adenuga donated millions of dollars for the construction of the Alliance Française Lagos' new headquarters, now known as the Mike Adenuga Centre. This center serves as a hub for cultural exchange, promoting French culture in Nigeria.
While specific details about Adenuga's activities during festive periods are not extensively documented, his companies often engage in initiatives that align with the celebratory spirit of these times.
For example, the Alliance Française de Lagos / Mike Adenuga Centre hosts various cultural events, especially during December, contributing to the festive atmosphere in Lagos.
Personal celebrations
Adenuga is known for his private lifestyle, and information about his personal celebrations during festive periods is limited. However, he has been known to host lavish events for significant family occasions.
For instance, this year, he organized an extravagant traditional wedding ceremony for his daughter, Folasade Adenuga, in Lagos.
The event was attended by dignitaries and featured performances by renowned artists, reflecting Adenuga's penchant for grand celebrations in honor of his family.
In summary, Mike Adenuga's philanthropic contributions have profoundly impacted various sectors in Nigeria and beyond.
While he maintains a private personal life, his support for cultural events and significant family celebrations during festive periods underscores his commitment to societal development and family values.
9. Isabel dos Santos: Navigating festive seasons amid philanthropy and controversy
Isabel dos Santos, an Angolan businesswoman and philanthropist, has been involved in various initiatives that contribute to society, including during festive periods.
In December 2015, Unitel, Angola's leading telecommunications company co-founded by Isabel dos Santos, organized a holiday concert featuring international artist Nicki Minaj.
The event was part of Unitel's festive celebrations, aiming to provide entertainment and joy to the Angolan public during the holiday season.
Personal celebrations
Isabel dos Santos values spending festive periods with her family. In December 2020, she spent Christmas in Dubai with her father, former President José Eduardo dos Santos.
This family reunion was significant, as it marked the first time her father had left Barcelona since 2019 to join his daughter and grandchildren for the holidays.
Isabel dos Santos involvement in organizing large-scale events through her business ventures and her emphasis on family gatherings highlight her engagement during these times.
10. Nassef Sawiris: A season of cultural patronage and community support
Nassef Sawiris, an Egyptian billionaire and philanthropist, is renowned for his substantial contributions to education and economic development, primarily through the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, established by his family in 2001.
Sawiris has made significant donations to educational institutions. In 2015, he donated $20 million to the University of Chicago to establish the Onsi Sawiris Scholars Program, named in honor of his father, providing support for academically gifted students from Egypt.In 2019, he expanded this commitment with an additional $24.1 million gift to support international students and executive education.More recently, in 2024, the Sawiris family contributed over $30 million to the American University in Cairo's School of Business, leading to its renaming as the Onsi Sawiris School of Business.
Through the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, Nassef supports initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and empowering underprivileged communities in Egypt.
The foundation provides scholarships, funds vocational training programs, and promotes entrepreneurial ventures, creating social impact.
