The South-East of Nigeria, home to Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, is widely recognized as the Igbo heartland.
This region has long been a hub of entrepreneurship, commerce, and innovation, producing some of Nigeria’s most industrious and financially successful citizens.
It is a place where determination meets opportunity and where businesses, big and small, thrive through resilience and strategic thinking.
The individuals who make this list of the top 10 billionaires in South-East Nigeria represent a diverse array of sectors.
From oil and gas to automotive, manufacturing, finance, and telecommunications, these business leaders have built empires that not only generate significant wealth but also create jobs, drive industrial growth, and shape the economy. Their stories reflect a mix of ambition, ingenuity, and the ability to navigate Nigeria’s challenging business sector.
Beyond business, many of them are notable philanthropists, contributing to education, healthcare, and community development in the region. Examining the wealthiest in the South-East offers a window into the economic powerhouses driving the region’s growth and influence, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity that define the Igbo commercial tradition.
Leonard Stanley Nnamdi Ekeh is a Nigerian entrepreneur and technology investor, best known as the founder and chairman of Zinox Group and chairman of Konga.com. Born in Imo State in 1956, Ekeh studied Economics at Punjab University, India, and earned an MSc in Risk Management from the University of Nottingham, UK. His international education shaped his understanding of scalable business models and technology-driven enterprises.
In 2001, Ekeh launched Zinox Technologies Limited, pioneering computer manufacturing in Nigeria. The company quickly achieved WHQL certification—the first in sub-Saharan Africa—and later earned the ISO 9001 QMS certification. Under his leadership, Zinox expanded into consumer electronics, launching the Zipad tablet line in 2013. In 2018, Ekeh strategically acquired 99% of Konga.com, one of Nigeria’s leading e-commerce platforms, integrating it with his technology ecosystem.
