Nairobi has been listed among global cities experiencing a surge in ultra-wealthy individuals, with projections indicating a 100 percent increase in the number of centimillionaires by 2035, according to a report by UK-based investment advisory firm Henley & Partners.
The Kenyan capital currently hosts ten centimillionaires—individuals with a net worth exceeding Ksh12 billion ($100 million)—ranking it fifth in Africa and top in East Africa.
The report highlights Nairobi as one of the world’s emerging wealth hubs, driven by a growing number of high-value individuals and increased business potential. Henley & Partners anticipates the city’s wealthy elite will double in size over the next decade.
Within Africa, Cape Town leads with 34 centimillionaires, followed by Cairo (27), Johannesburg (24), and Lagos (12). Nairobi’s performance positions it as a key contender in the continent’s financial growth narrative.
Globally, New York City tops the list with 818 centimillionaires, followed by the Bay Area (756) and Los Angeles (516). Other notable cities include London (352), Hong Kong (346), Singapore (333), and Beijing (316).
The rankings are based on data drawn from over 150,000 high-net-worth individuals, with a focus on those holding senior leadership positions or equity in major firms. Henley & Partners used a range of sources, including LinkedIn and business directories, to determine individuals’ business locations.
This latest recognition adds to Nairobi’s growing reputation, coming just a month after it was ranked East Africa’s wealthiest city, with 4,400 millionaires. In contrast, Johannesburg leads in Africa with 12,300 millionaires, while Cape Town follows at 7,400.
Nairobi’s accelerating growth in high-net-worth individuals underlines the city’s evolving economic landscape and its rising influence in the global investment ecosystem.
