Nassef Sawiris, the youngest of Onsi Sawiris' three sons, is the wealthiest member of the family, with a net worth estimated at $9.2 billion. As the chairman of Orascom Construction Industries (OCI), Nassef has played a pivotal role in expanding the family business into a global powerhouse. OCI, which started as a construction firm, has grown into a leading engineering and construction contractor and fertilizer producer, with operations in over 25 countries, including the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Under Nassef's leadership, the company has also expanded into new areas such as green energy and sustainability, further diversifying its portfolio.
Beyond his business ventures, Nassef is also known for his significant investments in sports. He co-owns English Premier League club Aston Villa, where he serves as a director, alongside American billionaire Wes Edens. His investment in Aston Villa has revitalized the club, resulting in substantial improvements in team performance and infrastructure. Additionally, Nassef acquired a controlling stake in Vitória de Guimarães, a prominent Portuguese football club, as part of his strategy to develop a network of football clubs across Europe, aimed at nurturing talent and creating synergies between these teams.
Naguib Sawiris, Nassef's elder brother, has a net worth of $3.8 billion and is best known for his success in the telecommunications sector. As the founder and former chairman of Orascom Telecom Holding, Naguib built one of the largest telecom companies in the Middle East and Africa, which expanded rapidly into markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. In 2011, he sold a significant stake in Orascom Telecom to Russian telecom giant VimpelCom (now VEON), in a multi-billion-dollar deal that solidified his status as one of Africa’s wealthiest individuals.
Naguib is also a prominent investor in media and technology, having founded multiple television networks and media outlets. He is a vocal advocate for press freedom and entrepreneurship and has invested in various tech startups in Egypt and beyond. Beyond business, Naguib is known for his philanthropic activities, supporting causes related to education, economic empowerment, and cultural preservation. He has been actively involved in promoting tourism in Egypt and is passionate about supporting young entrepreneurs.
Samih Sawiris, the third brother, had an estimated net worth of $850 million in 2015 and is renowned for his contributions to the hospitality and real estate sectors. He is the founder of Orascom Development Holding, which specializes in developing integrated towns and luxury resorts in Egypt and abroad. Under Samih’s leadership, Orascom Development has successfully launched major projects such as El Gouna on the Red Sea coast, which has become a premier destination for tourists and a hub for cultural and sports events. Other notable developments include the luxurious Andermatt Swiss Alps resort in Switzerland and the Salalah Beach resort in Oman.
Samih's ventures have contributed significantly to promoting tourism in Egypt, creating thousands of jobs and fostering economic development in the regions where his projects are located. His vision of creating self-sufficient, sustainable towns has attracted international attention and investment, further elevating the family's profile on the global stage.
The Sawiris family legacy began with the patriarch, Onsi Sawiris, who laid the foundation for their empire by establishing Orascom Construction in 1950. A visionary entrepreneur, Onsi built the company into Egypt's first multinational corporation, with operations spanning various sectors, including construction, fertilizers, telecommunications, and tourism. Under his guidance, Orascom became a symbol of Egyptian industrial prowess, renowned for its expertise in building large-scale infrastructure projects, such as power plants, roads, and bridges, both within Egypt and internationally.
Onsi Sawiris' business acumen and dedication laid the groundwork for his sons to take the family business to new heights, turning Orascom into a diversified conglomerate with global reach. Even after his retirement, Onsi remained a respected figure in the business community until his passing in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, innovation, and philanthropy.
Today, the Orascom Group remains one of the most diversified and influential business entities in Africa and the Middle East. With a presence in over 25 countries, the company's activities include construction, engineering, real estate development, and fertilizers. Orascom Construction, a subsidiary of the group, is a leading global contractor involved in high-profile infrastructure projects around the world, including the expansion of Cairo Metro, the building of airports in Algeria, and the developing of power plants in Iraq.
The group’s expansion into sustainable and renewable energy projects reflects a forward-thinking approach to global challenges, such as climate change. Orascom has also been involved in several joint ventures and partnerships with international firms, further solidifying its reputation as a leading player on the global stage.
Beyond their business success, the Sawiris family is deeply committed to philanthropy and social impact. The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, established in 2001, focuses on promoting social justice, economic empowerment, and education in Egypt. The foundation has funded numerous programs aimed at providing scholarships, supporting young entrepreneurs, and improving healthcare and education for disadvantaged communities.
Each member of the Sawiris family has taken a personal interest in various philanthropic causes, contributing to efforts that foster sustainable development and create opportunities for the less privileged. Their philanthropic initiatives have had a significant impact on improving the quality of life for many Egyptians, reflecting the family's belief in giving back to their community.
The Sawiris family’s influence extends beyond their vast wealth. They are seen as key figures in Egypt's modernization and economic development, symbolizing the potential for success through hard work, innovation, and strategic vision. As they continue to expand their business interests globally, the Sawiris family remains a powerful force in Africa's economic landscape, demonstrating that African families can play a leading role on the world stage.
Their story is one of entrepreneurship, resilience, and vision, with each family member contributing uniquely to the group's growth and success. With ongoing investments in sports, media, technology, and sustainable development, the Sawiris family is poised to maintain its status as Africa's richest family for years to come, while continuing to influence global business trends and inspire future generations of African entrepreneurs.
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