Richest People in Côte d’Ivoire in 2024

Côte d’Ivoire, a West African nation known for its rich cultural heritage and economic growth, is also home to some of the continent’s wealthiest individuals. In 2024, the list of the richest people in Côte d’Ivoire highlights a diverse array of successful entrepreneurs, sports stars, and business moguls who have made significant contributions to the nation’s economy. These individuals have amassed their wealth through various sectors, including agriculture, finance, sports, and entertainment, reflecting the dynamic economic landscape of the country.

Leading the list is Jean-Louis Billon, the CEO of SIFCA, a major agricultural and agro-industrial group, with a net worth exceeding $1 billion. Following closely is Jean Kacou Diagou, the founder of NSIA (New Inter-African Insurance Company), whose fortune stands at $405 million. Other notable figures include Yaya Touré, a former professional footballer with a net worth over $240 million, and Alpha Blondy, a legendary reggae musician worth over $215 million.

These individuals exemplify the diverse avenues of wealth creation in Côte d’Ivoire, from sports and music to extensive business enterprises, showcasing the potential and economic vibrancy of the nation.

1. Jean-Louis Billon

• Net Worth: Over $1 billion
• Source of Income: CEO of SIFCA, a major agricultural and agro-industrial group.
• Billon spent his childhood between Abidjan and Dabakala, the birthplace of his father (Pierre Billon). He obtained a Master in Business Law at the University of Montpellier and a degree from the Institute of Higher National Defence Studies.
• He got his masters in International Business Management at the University of Florida. He began his career in Wisconsin, as sales manager of Grace Cocoa.
• In 2001, he took the head of the family business and became mayor of Dabakala, a position he held until his appointment to the chair of the Regional Council of Hambol in 2013
• In 2009 he became Chairman of the Board of Directors of UBA Bank.
• Appointed Minister of Trade, Crafts and SME on 22 November 2012, by President Alassane Ouattara, Jean-Louis Billon is currently Minister of Trade of Ivory Coast.

2. Jean Kacou Diagou

Net Worth: $405 million

Background:

• Jean Kacou Diagou is a prominent Ivorian businessman known for establishing NSIA, a leading insurance and banking group in West Africa.
• NSIA: Founded in 1995, NSIA has grown significantly, offering a range of financial services including insurance, banking, and asset management. It operates in multiple African countries, providing innovative financial solutions and contributing to economic development.
• Achievements: Under Diagou’s leadership, NSIA has become one of the largest insurance companies in Francophone Africa. His success in the financial sector has made him the second richest person in Côte d’Ivoire.
• Recognition: Jean Kacou Diagou’s entrepreneurial skills and contributions to the African financial landscape have earned him recognition and accolades, solidifying his status as a key figure in the industry.

Philanthropy:

• Beyond business, Diagou is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and healthcare, aiming to improve living standards in Côte d’Ivoire and beyond.

Jean Kacou Diagou’s vision and leadership have not only built a financial empire but also inspired many in the African business community.

3. Yaya Touré

• Net Worth: Over $240 million
• Source of Income: Professional footballer with lucrative contracts and endorsements.
• Touré aspired to be a striker during his youth and has played centre-back, including for Barcelona in the 2009 UEFA Champions League final. However, he spent the majority of his career as a box-to-box midfielder for club and country, where he has been regarded as one of the world’s best players in his position. One of the greatest African players of all time, Touré was voted African Footballer of the Year for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
• On 3 November 2023, Touré was named as assistant coach of the Saudi Arabia national team, to join the staff of his former manager at Manchester City Roberto Mancini

4. Alpha Blondy

• Net Worth: Over $215 million
• Source of Income: Legendary reggae musician with international concerts and a personal radio station.
• Alpha Blondy, is an Ivorian reggae singer and international recording artist. Many of his songs are politically and socially motivated, and are mainly sung in his native language Dyula, French and English, though he occasionally uses other languages, for example, Arabic or Hebrew

5. Didier Drogba

• Net Worth: Over $90 million
• Source of Income: Professional footballer and business investments, including owning a football club and mining activities.
• He is the all-time top scorer and former captain of the Ivory Coast national team. He is best known for his career at Chelsea, for whom he has scored more goals than any other foreign player and is currently the club’s fourth highest goal scorer of all time. Drogba was named Chelsea’s greatest ever player in a poll of 20,000 fans conducted by Chelsea Magazine in 2012, and he was also named in the Chelsea team of the 2010–2020 decade by Chelsea’s fans in 2020. Regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time, he was noted for his physical strength, speed, ability in the air, powerful, accurate strikes and ball retention. Drogba was named African Footballer of the Year twice, winning the award in 2006 and 2009.
• In 2018, Drogba was appointed Vice President of Peace and Sport, an independent organisation based in Monaco and under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco that works in areas across the world where communities have become estranged from one another

6. Bernard Koné Dossongui

• Net Worth: Substantial millions
• Source of Income: Diverse investments in banking (Atlantic Bank), insurance, telecoms, and agro-industry (Atlantic Cocoa Corporation).
• Background: Former Minister of Technical Education and Agriculture, he is known for his discretion despite his extensive business ventures. His enterprises have significant presence in various African countries, particularly in the cocoa industry.

6. Adama Bictogo

• Net Worth: Over $16 million
• Source of Income: CEO of Snedai Groupe, a company specializing in biometric passport production, energy, and public works.
• Background: Founded Snedai Groupe in 2007, which operates in eight African countries. He has expanded into the transport sector with STL (Lagoon Transport Company) and holds a political role as the executive secretary of the RHDP, the ruling party in Côte d’Ivoire.

7. Gervinho

• Net Worth: High earnings from football contracts
• Source of Income: Professional footballer, with significant contracts in Europe and China.
• Background: Former captain of the Ivorian national team, Gervinho has played for clubs like AS Roma and Hebei China Fortune. His lucrative contracts and bonuses have made him one of the highest-earning African football players.

These individuals represent various sectors, including sports, music, agriculture, and business, showcasing the economic diversity and potential within Côte d’Ivoire. Their success stories highlight significant contributions to the Ivorian economy and global influence.