Slightly nudging out Ibrahim for the eighth spot on this list is a Nigerian businessman who has focused his efforts on trading commodities. Rabui started out in 1988 when he established Bua International Limited. Bua imported rice, flour, and even iron and steel. Just two short years later, a huge company known as Delta Steel Company (which was owned by the government) contracted Bua to supply them with raw materials. This gave Bua a much needed jumpstart. Rabiu’s company continued to grow, expanding to importation of steel and iron ore. 2008 was an excellent year for Rabiu, as he commissioned the second-largest sugar refinery in the heartland of Africa. He has set up the Bua Foundation and loves giving back to the community, including the construction of the Centre for Islamic Studies at Bayero University Kano.