South America is home to some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs and business magnates, who have built their fortunes across diverse industries like telecommunications, mining, beverages, and technology. In 2025, the Top 10 Richest People in South America showcase the economic potential of the region and the power of long-term investments in critical sectors.
From telecom tycoons to mining moguls, the richest individuals in South America have created massive fortunes by capitalizing on the region’s abundant natural resources, growing consumer markets, and strategic global investments. These billionaires have transformed industries and shaped economies, becoming influential figures not just in their home countries but also globally.
Top 10 Richest People in South America (2025)
- Carlos Slim Helú: $92.0 billion
- Germán Larrea Mota-Velasco: $30.8 billion
- Iris Fontbona & Family: $25.8 billion
- Jorge Paulo Lemann: $15.4 billion
- Ricardo Salinas Pliego: $12.4 billion
- Eduardo Saverin: $10.6 billion
- Marcel Herrmann Telles: $10.3 billion
- Luis Carlos Sarmiento: $9.9 billion
- Jorge Moll Filho: $9.8 billion
- Carlos Alberto Sicupira: $8.5 billion
These billionaires have made their fortunes in diverse sectors:
- Carlos Slim Helú leads the list with a net worth of $92.0 billion, primarily from telecommunications through América Móvil, Telmex, and Telcel. He remains one of the wealthiest people in the world, dominating the telecom industry in Latin America.
- Germán Larrea Mota-Velasco controls Grupo México, one of the world’s largest mining corporations, with a net worth of $30.8 billion. His company is a major player in copper and mineral production globally.
- Iris Fontbona & Family have built their wealth through mining, banking, and media interests, including Antofagasta PLC and Quiñenco, making them some of the wealthiest individuals in Chile.
- Jorge Paulo Lemann, known for his investments in the global beverage giant AB InBev, has a net worth of $15.4 billion, reflecting the power of strategic investments in global brands.
| # | Name | Net Worth (USD) | Source of Income | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Slim Helú | $92.0 billion | Telecommunications (América Móvil, Telmex, Telcel) | Mexico |
| 2 | Germán Larrea Mota-Velasco | $30.8 billion | Mining (Grupo México) | Mexico |
| 3 | Iris Fontbona & Family | $25.8 billion | Mining, Banking, Media (Antofagasta PLC, Quiñenco) | Chile |
| 4 | Jorge Paulo Lemann | $15.4 billion | Beverages (AB InBev), Investments | Brazil |
| 5 | Ricardo Salinas Pliego | $12.4 billion | Retail, Media, Finance (Grupo Salinas) | Mexico |
| 6 | Eduardo Saverin | $10.6 billion | Technology (Facebook co-founder) | Brazil |
| 7 | Marcel Herrmann Telles | $10.3 billion | Beverages (AB InBev), Investments | Brazil |
| 8 | Luis Carlos Sarmiento | $9.9 billion | Banking, Construction (Grupo Aval) | Colombia |
| 9 | Jorge Moll Filho | $9.8 billion | Healthcare (Rede D’Or São Luiz) | Brazil |
| 10 | Carlos Alberto Sicupira | $8.5 billion | Beverages (AB InBev), Investments | Brazil |
Disclaimer: The rankings and net worth figures of the individuals listed in this article are based on data published in May 2025. These figures are subject to change over time due to market fluctuations, business performance, and financial disclosures. As a result, the rankings may vary in the future.
South America’s wealthiest individuals have built their fortunes through a combination of natural resources, strategic investments, and diversified business interests. Carlos Slim Helú stands out as a telecommunications powerhouse, while Germán Larrea and Iris Fontbona have leveraged the region’s rich natural resources. Meanwhile, Eduardo Saverin, a Facebook co-founder, highlights the potential of tech entrepreneurship in the region.
From telecom titans to mining moguls, South America’s wealthiest individuals continue to shape the continent’s economic landscape and influence global markets. As these billionaires expand their influence and investments, their impact on the world economy is likely to grow even further.
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