Forbes’ latest billionaire rankings feature 2,781 individuals globally, but only 21 are Black—less than 1% of the total.
Among them, six are Nigerians, while just two are women, underscoring the deep wealth gap in global rankings.
According to businessdailyafrica.com, the list includes individuals from various industries, including finance, technology, sports, and entertainment.
Here are the 21 black billionaires in 2025, ranked by net worth as of February 10
1. David Steward – $11.4 billion
Steward is the co-founder and chairman of World Wide Technology, an IT provider valued at $11.4 billion. The company serves clients such as Citi, Verizon, and the federal government.
2. Aliko Dangote – $10.9 billion
Dangote is Africa’s richest man and the founder of Dangote Cement. He owns nearly 88% of the publicly traded company and has stakes in salt, sugar, and flour manufacturing firms.
3. Robert F. Smith – $10.8 billion
Smith founded Vista Equity Partners in 2000, a private equity firm focusing on software and technology investments. He pledged $50 million to Cornell University and covered student debt for the Morehouse College Class of 2019.
4. Alexander Karp – $9.7 billion
Karp is the co-founder and CEO of Palantir Technologies, a software firm specialising in big data analytics.
5. Mike Adenuga – $6.9 billion
Adenuga built his fortune through investments in telecom and oil production. He made his first million at 26, selling lace and distributing soft drinks.
6. Abdulsamad Rabiu – $5.1 billion
Rabiu is the founder of BUA Group, a Nigerian conglomerate with interests in cement production, sugar refining, real estate, and shipping.
7. Michael Jordan – $3.5 billion
Jordan remains a financial powerhouse with sponsorship deals from Hanes, Gatorade, and Upper Deck, nearly two decades after retiring from basketball.
8. Oprah Winfrey – $3 billion
Winfrey has built a media empire and holds shares in Weight Watchers. She has donated over $100 million to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.
9. Patrice Motsepe – $2.8 billion
Motsepe was the first Black African to appear on the Forbes billionaire list in 2008. He is the founder and chairman of African Rainbow Minerals.
10. Jay-Z – $2.5 billion
Jay-Z became Hip-Hop’s first billionaire in 2019. His wealth comes from his diverse business ventures, including music, investments, and liquor brands.
11. Adebayo Ogunlesi – $2.3 billion
Ogunlesi co-founded Global Infrastructure Partners, a private equity firm. The company was valued at $12.5 billion when it was bought out in 2024.
12. Strive Masiyiwa – $1.8 billion
Masiyiwa founded Econet Wireless Zimbabwe in 1998. His philanthropy through the Higherlife Foundation has supported education for over 250,000 young Africans.
13. Femi Otedola – $1.7 billion
Otedola owns over 70% of Geregu Power’s shares and has investments in Zenith Bank and FBN Holdings. He owns properties in Lagos, Dubai, London, and Monaco.
14. Earvin “Magic” Johnson – $1.6 billion
Johnson made his wealth through business ventures, including investments in Starbucks and real estate. He became a billionaire in 2023.
15. Tyler Perry – $1.4 billion
Perry is a filmmaker and owns Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. His career spans acting, directing, producing, and screenwriting.
16. Tope Awotona – $1.4 billion
Awotona, a Nigerian immigrant to the US, founded Calendly, a scheduling software company. He previously attempted other business ventures that were unsuccessful.
17. Rihanna – $1.4 billion
Rihanna’s wealth comes from her Fenty empire, which has expanded beyond cosmetics to sleepwear and lingerie.
18. Tiger Woods – $1.3 billion
Woods’ earnings come from his golf career and endorsements with brands such as Nike, Gatorade, and Rolex.
19. Mohammed Ibrahim – $1.3 billion
Ibrahim founded Celtel International in 1998, providing mobile services across Africa and the Middle East. He sold the company in 2005 for $1.4 billion.
20. LeBron James – $1.2 billion
James has made his fortune through basketball, business ventures, and endorsements with Nike and Coca-Cola. He also owns SpringHill Entertainment.
21. Michael Lee-Chin – $1.2 billion
Lee-Chin, a Jamaican investor, built his wealth through the National Commercial Bank Jamaica and AIC Limited.
