Forbes Ranks, Dangote Tops World’s Richest Black Billionaires in 2025 — Jay-Z, Rihanna...

Forbes 2025 List of Black Billionaires Reveals Global Surge in Black Wealth and Influence

Forbes has officially unveiled its eagerly awaited 2025 ranking of the world’s Black billionaires, spotlighting an elite group of influential individuals who have shaped global industries including business, entertainment, technology, sports, and finance. This year’s list highlights not just personal wealth, but also the increasing impact of Black excellence across continents—from the heart of Africa to the power corridors of the United States, and beyond.

Black Billionaires Redefining Global Wealth in 2025

The 2025 edition features 23 Black billionaires, a record-breaking figure that reflects the growing economic footprint of Black entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and cultural icons around the world.

Two nations—Nigeria and the United States—dominate the rankings, together producing the majority of individuals on the list. These two powerhouses continue to nurture extraordinary business talent, proving that Black wealth is not just growing—it’s transforming the global financial landscape.

Nigeria: Africa’s Billionaire Capital

Topping the list once again is Aliko Dangote, cementing his status as Africa’s richest man with an eye-popping net worth of $23.9 billion. The surge in his fortune is largely attributed to the successful launch of the Dangote Refinery in 2024—an ambitious, multi-billion-dollar energy project that added over $10 billion to his wealth in under a year. Dangote’s empire spans cement, sugar, and petroleum products, making him one of the most powerful economic figures on the continent.

Following closely are fellow Nigerian tycoons:

Mike Adenuga – $6.8 billion, telecommunications and oil magnate
Abdulsamad Rabiu – $5.1 billion, founder of BUA Group, a leader in cement, sugar, and real estate

New Nigerian Entrants on Forbes’ Billionaire Radar

The 2025 list also welcomes Femi Otedola, chairman of Geregu Power, who enters the billionaire club with a net worth of $1.5 billion. Also making his debut is Tope Awotona, the Nigerian-American tech founder of Calendly, whose valuation surged in recent years, bringing his net worth to $1.4 billion.

Africa’s Broader Presence in the Black Billionaire Club

Beyond Nigeria, other African nations are also making their mark:

Strive Masiyiwa – $1.2 billion, Zimbabwean telecom mogul and philanthropist
Patrice Motsepe – $3 billion, South African mining tycoon and investor

While Nigeria dominates Africa’s billionaire conversation, South Africa quietly takes the lead in broader wealth statistics, boasting 37,400 millionaires, 102 centi-millionaires, and the continent’s highest concentration of private wealth—outperforming Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco combined.

United States: Home to the Largest Number of Black Billionaires

In the U.S., Black wealth continues to rise through a mix of entrepreneurship, innovation, and entertainment empire-building. Leading the American pack is:

David Steward – $11.4 billion, founder of World Wide Technology, one of the largest Black-owned businesses globally
Robert F. Smith – $10.8 billion, CEO of Vista Equity Partners, a leading tech investment firm
Also featured are entertainment powerhouses like:
Oprah Winfrey – $3 billion, media mogul and philanthropist
Jay-Z – $2.5 billion, rapper and business executive
Tyler Perry – $1.4 billion, filmmaker and studio owner
Rihanna – $1.4 billion, musician and Fenty brand founder

From Courts to Corporations: Athletes Building Billion-Dollar Empires

Sports icons have also turned their fame into fortune, becoming powerful business figures in their own right:

Michael Jordan – $3.5 billion
Magic Johnson – $1.5 billion
Tiger Woods – $1.4 billion
LeBron James – $1.3 billion

These athletes have not only set records on the field or court but also built massive investment portfolios in sectors like real estate, media, health, and technology.

The Bigger Picture: What the 2025 Black Billionaires List Tells Us

The Forbes Black Billionaires List 2025 reflects more than just numbers—it highlights the shift toward generational wealth creation, economic empowerment, and representation in global financial ecosystems. From Silicon Valley to Lagos, from Hollywood to Harare, these individuals are shaping narratives, creating jobs, and redefining what it means to be successful in the 21st century.

Despite ongoing systemic challenges, their stories point to a rising tide of opportunity and resilience. The expansion of Black wealth—across regions, industries, and generations—signals a powerful new era where Black excellence meets economic dominance.