Billionaire Profile
Najib Mikati
Global Rank
#1124

Image: European Commission - Ibrahim Amro | CC BY 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Najib Mikati

CEO, Telecom
LEBANON
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.782B
Estimated based on Telecom stock value as of March 6, 2026
+0.17% (24h)
Age
70
Source
Telecom
Industry
Telecom
Citizenship
LEBANON

Biography

Najib Mikati, born in Tripoli, Lebanon, in 1955, is a prominent figure in both the business and political spheres. With an estimated net worth of $3.7 billion as of early 2024, he is a major shareholder in South African telecommunications operator MTN and the co-founder of the M1 Group, an investment firm. Mikati's career began in telecommunications, co-founding Investcom with his brother Taha in 1982. He transitioned into politics, serving as Prime Minister of Lebanon on multiple occasions: in 2005, from 2011 to 2014, and from 2021 to 2025. His leadership has been tested by various crises, including economic challenges and political instability in Lebanon.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Najib Azmi Mikati was born on November 24, 1955, in Tripoli, Lebanon. He comes from a prominent Sunni Muslim family in the city.

Rise to Success

Mikati's business career began with the founding of Investcom in 1982 alongside his brother, Taha. Investcom initially provided satellite phone access and later expanded to building cellphone towers in Africa. In 2005, Investcom was listed on the London Stock Exchange. Investcom was later sold to MTN Group in 2006 for $5.5 billion. Following this, the Mikati brothers co-founded M1 Group, an investment firm with diverse holdings.

Key Business Strategies

Key business strategies included identifying opportunities in the emerging telecommunications market, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure. The sale of Investcom to MTN Group for $5.5 billion was a pivotal moment.

Philanthropy

Through the Mikati Foundation, Najib Mikati has contributed over $50 million to education and healthcare initiatives. This includes scholarships for over 5,000 students and donations to hospitals in Lebanon.

Career Milestones

1982

Cofounded Investcom

Co-founded Investcom, a telecommunications company, with his brother Taha Mikati

1998

Minister of Public Works and Transport

Appointed Minister of Public Works and Transport, serving until 2004

2000

Member of Parliament

Elected as a Member of Parliament representing Tripoli

2005

Prime Minister of Lebanon

Served as Prime Minister from April to July

2011

Prime Minister of Lebanon

Appointed Prime Minister

2021

Prime Minister of Lebanon

Appointed Prime Minister

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and Healthcare

Education and Healthcare

$50M

Contributed over $50 million to education and healthcare initiatives through the Mikati Foundation, including scholarships for over 5,000 students and donations to hospitals

Healthcare

Hospital Donations

$10M+

Donated over $10 million to hospitals in northern Lebanon, particularly in rural areas

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"One's country is worthy of having its citizens' devotion without expecting anything in return and without limits."

Controversies & Challenges

2019

Corruption Allegations

Accusations of illegitimate enrichment via subsidized housing loans were made against him, but the charges were dismissed