Johannesburg Named Africa’s Wealthiest City, With Sandton Leading the Way

• Johannesburg was named Africa’s wealthiest city in the Africa Wealth Report 2025, with Sandton at its financial heart
• Cape Town ranks highest in the number of centi-millionaires, showing wealth is spread across South African cities
• The report highlights Johannesburg’s economic strength, resilience, and influence across the continent

South Africans are seeing Johannesburg recognised as the continent’s wealthiest city, with its financial power centred in Sandton and a growing influence across the region.

When it comes to wealth in Africa, few cities shine as brightly as Johannesburg, a metropolis that has long been at the centre of business, finance, and high-end living. Its streets are lined with luxury developments, bustling commercial hubs, and exclusive neighbourhoods, all reflecting a concentration of wealth that continues to capture global attention.

Johannesburg has once again been recognised as Africa’s wealthiest city, according to the Africa Wealth Report 2025. Despite challenging economic times, the city’s financial strength remains evident, with a significant portion of wealth concentrated in the Sandton area, often called the richest square mile in Africa. The report highlights that Johannesburg continues to lead the continent in overall wealth, attracting attention from investors, entrepreneurs, and financial experts alike.

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While Johannesburg dominates in total wealth, Cape Town shows its own financial clout, ranking highest in Africa when it comes to centi-millionaires. The latest figures underline the diverse economic landscapes across South African cities, with Johannesburg serving as a hub for business, finance, and luxury living.

Johannesburg’s wealth shapes continental landscape

Experts point out that the city’s resilience and concentration of affluent individuals ensure it maintains a leading role on the continent’s economic map, even as other cities continue to grow in wealth and influence.

The Africa Wealth Report 2025 paints a clear picture: Johannesburg’s financial ecosystem, bolstered by Sandton’s ultra-wealthy residents, is central to the city’s status as a continental powerhouse.

From luxury real estate to high-end services, the economic activity in these key areas reflects both the opportunities and challenges of maintaining such wealth in a modern African metropolis. The city’s standing is a reminder of how concentrated economic hubs can shape not just national, but regional financial landscapes.

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Looking ahead, Johannesburg’s position as Africa’s wealthiest city is likely to influence investment patterns, urban development, and the growth of high-end services across the region. The city continues to attract entrepreneurs, multinational companies, and global investors seeking to tap into its thriving economy. As other African cities expand and accumulate wealth, Johannesburg’s established infrastructure, financial expertise, and concentration of affluent residents ensure it remains a benchmark for success on the continent.

3 other Briefly News stories about Johannesburg

• A South African millionaire was excited to get back to her mansion in Johannesburg, but also issued an apology to her fellow flight passengers.
• South Africans criticized the City of Johannesburg mayor, Dada Morero, for blaming wasteful expenditure on rising utility costs.
• South African women were startled by news of a kidnapper on the loose in Johannesburg who targets young women.

Source: Briefly News