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Billionaire Profile
Naguib Sawiris
Global Rank
#743

Image: Naguib.jpg: upload user [1] derivative work: Jobas | CC BY-SA 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Naguib Sawiris

CEO, Telecom
EGYPT
Real-Time Net Worth
$5.538B
Estimated based on Telecom stock value as of March 6, 2026
-0.05% (24h)
Age
71
Source
Telecom
Industry
Telecom
Citizenship
EGYPT

Biography

Naguib Sawiris is an Egyptian-Grenadian billionaire businessman, born on June 15, 1954. He built his fortune in the telecom industry, notably through Orascom Telecom, which he sold in 2011. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $5.1 billion, ranking him among the wealthiest individuals in the world. He is the Chairman of Orascom TMT Investments and is actively involved in investments, real estate, and philanthropic endeavors through the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development. His career also includes founding the Free Egyptians Party and various initiatives supporting education and community development.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Naguib Onsi Sawiris was born in Cairo, Egypt, on June 15, 1954, into a Coptic Christian family. He is the eldest son of businessman Onsi Sawiris, the founder of the Orascom Group. He obtained a diploma in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's degree in Technical Administration from ETH Zurich. He has four children and resides in Cairo.

Rise to Success

Sawiris joined the family business, Orascom, in 1979. He built the railway, information technology, and telecommunications sectors of Orascom. In the late 90s, he led the split of Orascom into separate operating companies. He served as Chairman and CEO of Orascom Telecom Holding and Orascom Investment Holding S.A.E.

Key Business Strategies

Sawiris's key strategies involve expanding into international markets, with investments exceeding $200 million in Algeria, Palestine, and Jordan. He also acquired La Mancha, a global gold exploration and mining company. Furthermore, he founded the first internet company in Egypt, InTuch, in 1994, and launched Ora Developers, a global real estate company, in 2016.

Philanthropy

Sawiris is known for his philanthropic activities and contributions to various charitable causes. He established the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development in 2001 to support education, job creation, and training in Egypt.

Career Milestones

1979

Joined Orascom

Joined the family business, contributing to its growth and diversification.

1990

Technological Sector Development

Took responsibility for advancing the technology sector within Orascom.

1994

Founded InTuch

Founded Egypt's first internet company.

1997

Established Orascom Telecom Holding

Established Orascom Telecom Holding.

2005

Acquired Wind Telecomunicazioni

Acquired Wind Telecomunicazioni in Italy.

2011

Sold Orascom Telecom

Sold Orascom Telecom to VimpelCom.

2016

Founded Ora Developers

Launched a global real estate company.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and Community Development

Sawiris Foundation for Social Development

N/A

Supports educational initiatives, job creation, and training programs in Egypt.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""Women are beautiful. If God didn't want them to be beautiful, he would not have created them like that. If God would have wanted them to be veiled, he would have created them with a veil. God is beautiful and loves beauty. God knows what he is doing. Who are we to argue?""

"“I never yielded to corruption, or to authoritarian dictators trying to force me to do something unethical or against my principles. I paid the price every time, but I paid it with a lot of happiness.”"

Leadership Principles

Commitment to Principles

Maintaining ethical standards and resisting corruption.

Support for Free Markets

Belief in free-market economics and foreign direct investment.

Controversies & Challenges

2013

Criticism of Muslim Brotherhood

Criticized the Muslim Brotherhood and voiced concerns about business prospects under their leadership.

2012

Djezzy Dispute

Filed a lawsuit against the Algerian government over the Djezzy dispute, alleging harassment and interference.

2025

Remarks on the Military

Sawiris made remarks about the military's economic empire.

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