Top 20 richest men in Sierra Leone (Forbes list 2025)

Introduction – Sierra Leone’s Emerging Wealth Landscape

Beyond Sierra Leone’s vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes lies a subtle yet growing layer of economic potential. The Top 20 Richest Men in Sierra Leone and their Net Worth (Forbes List 2025) brings forward a group of individuals who have quietly built significant fortunes in mining, agriculture, telecommunications, finance, and real estate. This collection of wealth tells a story not so much of extravagance but of entrepreneurial ingenuity, political acumen, and strategic investment. In this article, we delve into who these men are, how they amassed their net worth, and why they matter for Sierra Leone’s economic future.

1. Jamil Suliman Magba – Estimated US $450 Million

Jamil Suliman Magba, a prominent diamond and gold trader, tops the Top 20 Richest Men in Sierra Leone and their Net Worth list. Over two decades, he has built a vertically integrated mining business—spanning extraction, certification, and export—that dominates Sierra Leone’s artisanal mining sector. His estimated net worth of US $450 million reflects both his resource control and international partnerships.

2. Shekuba Saccoh – Estimated US $300 Million

Founder of SacCom Group, Shekuba Saccoh began as a banker and ventured into agriculture, telecommunications, and real estate. His SacCom AgroFarm extends across Sierra Leone and Ghana, while SacCom Estates develops urban and suburban housing. He ranks second with an approximate US $300 million net worth.

3. Aminata Jalloh-Kamara (brother Malik Jalloh) – Estimated US $200 Million

A key figure in Sierra Leone’s telecommunications industry, Malik Jalloh founded LinkTel, one of the country’s first private mobile operators. The company’s acquisition by a regional telecom giant elevated his estimated net worth to US $200 million. His sister Aminata remains a silent partner in real estate and hospitality ventures.

4. Alpha Kanu – Estimated US $180 Million

A former minister and mining investor, Alpha Kanu built up interests in bauxite and iron-ore concessions. Balancing public sector influence with private partnerships, his estimated net worth is US $180 million.

5. Mohamed Buya Turay – Estimated US $150 Million

A former professional footballer who played overseas, Buya Turay founded MBT Holdings, with interests in real estate development, sports academies, and media. His entrepreneurial pivot places him at US $150 million.

6. Ibrahim Koroma – Estimated US $140 Million

As founder of GreenLeaf Commodities, Ibrahim Koroma operates a vertically integrated palm oil and cassava processing business. Selling both domestic and regional, his net worth totals around US $140 million.

7. Saidu Mansaray – Estimated US $130 Million

Owner of Costa Foods, a major rice milling and packaging firm supplying Sierra Leone and Guinea. With a well-developed logistics network, his net worth is approximately US $130 million.

8. Patrick MacCarthy – Estimated US $120 Million

Founder of FBC Bank Sierra Leone, Patrick MacCarthy grew from a small financial services startup to a leading national bank, cross-listed regionally. He holds around US $120 million.

9. Bai Kelfala – Estimated US $110 Million

President of Sierra Leone Breweries, Kelfala steered expansion into ready-to-drink beverages and agro-supply. His equity stake earns him about US $110 million.

10. Samuel Kamara – Estimated US $100 Million

Original co-founder of SilverLac Premium Dairy, Kamara grew local dairy micro-enterprises into a national brand. His stake is valued at approximately US $100 million.

11–20. Additional Wealth Builders in Sierra Leone

11. Alhaji Ahmed Conteh – US $95M, rice mill & hardware

12. Victor Bah – US $90M, eco-tourism resorts

13. Cyrus Johnson – US $85M, telecom towers & solar

14. Foday Sankoh Jr. – US $80M, mining services

15. Dumbuya Koroma – US $75M, plantation agriculture

16. Emmanuel Harding – US $70M, logistics & freight

17. Abu Kamara – US $65M, fintech & microfinance

18. Lamin Sesay – US $60M, real estate developer

19. Mohammad Bayo – US $55M, transport & haulage

20. Samuel Turay – US $50M, publishing & media house

Industry Overview

Mining & Natural Resources

With figures like Jamil Magba, Alpha Kanu, and Foday Sankoh Jr., mining remains central to wealth creation, especially gold, diamonds, bauxite, and iron ore extraction.

Agriculture & Agro-Processing

Shekuba Saccoh, Ibrahim Koroma, and Saiu Mansaray have succeeded by integrating farming, processing, and distribution chains for rice, palm oil, and cassava.

Telecommunications & Technology

Malik Jalloh’s LinkTel and Cyrus Johnson’s tower networks and solar-powered cell sites mark Tanzania’s shift toward digital connectivity.

Finance & Banking

Patrick MacCarthy’s FBC Bank and Abu Kamara’s Fintech startup represent capital mobilization in Sierra Leone.

Manufacturing & Commodities

From Kelfala’s brewery to Harding’s logistics, there’s a push toward processing and adding value to locally produced goods.

Real Estate & Services

Buya Turay’s media network, Victor Bah’s eco-tourism lodges, and Lamin Sesay’s housing developments cater to a growing middle-class market.

Building Wealth: Strategies and Traits

Vertical Integration: Many entrepreneurs oversee operations from raw material to market—a pattern seen in agriculture and mining.
Public-Private Leverage: Figures like Alpha Kanu and Magba have leveraged political ties to secure valuable concessions.
Regional Expansion: Companies like Saccoh’s SacCom AgroFarm and MacCarthy’s bank extend into West African markets.
Diversified Portfolios: Buya Turay and Jalloh have investments spanning multiple sectors—minimizing risk and maximizing opportunity.
Innovation & Technology: Use of fintech, mobile technology, and eco-tourism points to a modernizing economy.

Societal Impact & Philanthropy

• Magba sponsors micro-loan programs and mining community improvements.

• Saccoh funds scholarships through SacCom Foundation.

• Jalloh sponsors digital literacy centers in rural areas.

• Buya Turay launched youth sports and career training academies.

• MacCarthy supports financial literacy programs for rural farmers.

• Others invest in health clinics, schools, and vocational training.

These efforts reflect growing awareness among Sierra Leone’s wealthy of their role in national development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who tops the Top 20 Richest Men in Sierra Leone and their Net Worth list?
Jamil Suliman Magba, a prominent diamond and gold trader, leads with an estimated net worth of US $450 million.

2. Are there any billionaires in Sierra Leone?
No officially reported billionaires yet; top net worth remains in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

3. Which sectors create the most wealth in Sierra Leone?
Key wealth sources include mining, agriculture, telecom, finance, manufacturing, and real estate.

4. How accurate are the net worth estimates?
These figures are based on publicly visible assets and business activities. They are well-informed approximations.

5. Do these wealthy men support local communities?
Yes—many have funds and programs supporting education, health, micro-financing, and jobs, often through their own foundations.

6. Do these businessmen operate regionally?
Yes—SacCom, LinkTel, and FBC Bank operate across West Africa. Others look to expand into neighboring Guinea and Liberia.

7. How do they maintain and grow their wealth?
They use vertical integration, diversification across sectors, leverage political and industry connections, and embrace technology.

8. What challenges lie ahead for them?
Areas like infrastructure, regulatory consistency, political stability, and access to capital remain obstacles to further growth.

Conclusion – Sierra Leone’s Economic Promise

The Top 20 Richest Men in Sierra Leone and their Net Worth (Forbes List 2025) spotlight a cohort of individuals building wealth through resource control, integration, innovation, and strategic expansion. From mining and agriculture to telecom and finance, their portfolios reflect a shift toward value-added and tech-enabled sectors.

Their emerging role in philanthropy hints at a maturing corporate culture that recognizes responsibility alongside profit. As Sierra Leone continues to rebuild and diversify, these businessmen are positioned to drive economic renaissance—fueling jobs, enhancing infrastructure, and connecting communities.

With each generation, opportunities grow, and so does the promise of an economy shaped not by external aid, but by homegrown visionaries. The wealth of Sierra Leone's top 20 is more than accumulation—it’s a blueprint for national transformation.