In 2025, the list of the richest Black people in the world shows a diverse group of entrepreneurs, investors, entertainers, and business leaders who built empires in industries like technology, media, manufacturing, and sports. Let’s take a closer look at each person on the list and how they made their fortune.
1. Aliko Dangote (Nigeria) – $23.9 Billion
Aliko Dangote is the richest Black person in the world. He made most of his money from his company, Dangote Group, which is the biggest industrial group in West Africa. His main business is cement, but he also makes sugar, salt, and other goods. Dangote Cement is the largest cement producer in Africa.
2. David Steward (USA) – $11.4 Billion
David Steward is the founder of World Wide Technology, a large IT service company. His company helps businesses set up and manage tech systems. Steward started with very little and built a global business by offering reliable IT services to government and private clients.
3. Robert F. Smith (USA) – $10.8 Billion
Robert F. Smith is a businessman and investor. He started Vista Equity Partners, a firm that buys and grows software companies. He made his money by investing in tech companies and helping them succeed.
4. Mohammed Al Amoudi (Ethiopia/Saudi Arabia) – $10.3 Billion
Al Amoudi has made his money in oil, mining, and construction. He owns businesses in both Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia. His companies work in energy, farming, and hotels, and he has major investments across Africa and the Middle East.
5. Alexander Karp (USA) – $8.4 Billion
Alex Karp is the CEO of Palantir Technologies, a data analytics company that works with governments and businesses to make sense of large amounts of data. His company became valuable by helping organizations improve their security and decision-making through data.
6. Mike Adenuga (Nigeria) – $6.8 Billion
Mike Adenuga made his fortune in telecom and oil. He owns Globacom, one of Nigeria’s largest mobile phone networks, and has oil exploration businesses. He grew his wealth by investing in industries that are vital to Africa’s economy.
7. Abdulsamad Rabiu (Nigeria) – $5.1 Billion
Rabiu is the founder of BUA Group, a Nigerian company involved in cement, sugar, and real estate. Like Dangote, he gained his fortune by building up manufacturing and infrastructure businesses in Nigeria.
8. Michael Jordan (USA) – $3.5 Billion
The former NBA star became a billionaire through more than just basketball. Jordan made most of his money through his brand deals, especially with Nike’s Air Jordan line, and investments in sports teams and businesses.
9. Oprah Winfrey (USA) – $3 Billion
Oprah became rich through her media empire. Starting with her famous talk show, she later built her own TV network (OWN), made investments in Weight Watchers, and created a strong brand that led to many business deals.
10. Patrice Motsepe (South Africa) – $3 Billion
Motsepe made his money in mining. He started African Rainbow Minerals, a company that mines gold, platinum, and other metals. He was the first Black African to be listed on Forbes’ billionaires list and has since invested in various industries, including finance.
11. Jay-Z (USA) – $2.5 Billion
Jay-Z started as a rapper but built his wealth through business. He invested in liquor (like D’Ussé and Armand de Brignac champagne), tech (Tidal music streaming), and fashion. His smart deals turned him into a billionaire.
12. Adebayo Ogunlesi (Nigeria) – $2.2 Billion
Ogunlesi is a lawyer and investment banker. He runs Global Infrastructure Partners, which invests in airports and energy. His firm owns stakes in major airports like Gatwick and Edinburgh.
13. Femi Otedola (Nigeria) – $1.5 Billion
Otedola made his fortune in oil and energy. He was once chairman of Forte Oil and invested in power generation. He also holds stakes in other industries and recently made major investments in the banking sector.
14. Magic Johnson (USA) – $1.5 Billion
Magic Johnson, a former NBA star, became a successful businessman. He owns parts of sports teams, movie theaters, restaurants, and real estate. He’s known for bringing businesses to urban areas and creating jobs.
15. Rihanna (Barbados), Tope Awotona (Nigeria/USA), Tyler Perry (USA) – $1.4 Billion Each
- Rihanna: Made her fortune through her music and Fenty Beauty, a successful makeup brand with a focus on diversity.
- Tope Awotona: Founded Calendly, a scheduling software that became popular with businesses worldwide.
- Tyler Perry: Gained wealth through his movies, plays, and the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. He writes, acts, and produces his content.
18. LeBron James (USA), Mohammed Ibrahim (Sudan), Tiger Woods (USA) – $1.3 Billion Each
- LeBron James: NBA star who earns through sports, endorsements, and smart business moves like SpringHill Company and Blaze Pizza.
- Mohammed Ibrahim: Made his money in telecommunications in Africa, starting Celtel, which was later sold for billions.
- Tiger Woods: Gained wealth through golf, endorsements, and brand deals with Nike and others.
21. Strive Masiyiwa (Zimbabwe) – $1.2 Billion
Masiyiwa is the founder of Econet Wireless, a telecom company based in Zimbabwe. He expanded into other African countries and also invests in education and technology.
22. Herriot Tabuteau (USA), Michael Lee-Chin (Jamaica) – $1.1 Billion Each
- Herriot Tabuteau: A healthcare entrepreneur and investor in tech and pharma companies.
- Michael Lee-Chin: Gained his wealth through investing in financial services and owning a large stake in National Commercial Bank Jamaica.
24. Sheila Johnson (USA) – $1 Billion
She co-founded BET (Black Entertainment Television) and later sold it. Johnson now invests in hotels, sports teams, and the arts.
25. Dr. Dre (USA) – $850 Million
The rapper and producer made a huge chunk of his wealth by selling Beats Electronics to Apple. He also earns from music and producing.
26. Beyoncé (USA) – $760 Million
Beyoncé is a singer, performer, and businesswoman. She earns from music, touring, fashion (Ivy Park), and investments in media and tech.
27. Ken Chenault (USA) – $750 Million
Chenault is a respected business leader who was the CEO of American Express. After that, he joined venture capital and investment firms, earning through leadership and finance.
Conclusion
These individuals show how Black entrepreneurs and creators are building massive wealth across different sectors. From tech to music, oil to media, and sports to investments, they prove that with talent, vision, and determination, extraordinary success is possible.
