A Look At The Black People Who Made Forbes’ 2025 Billionaires List

Buckling up for a countdown of the richest Black people in the world? Then get ready for more than just numbers. What follows are stories of grit, vision, and legacy.In 2025, Forbes counted just 23 Black billionaires worldwide—a stark reminder of how rare Black wealth, at this level, still is. Yet rarity does not diminish impact. On the contrary, their achievements stand as monumental testaments to resilience and ingenuity. Collectively, these individuals command a fortune of about $96 billion, a figure that speaks not only to wealth but also to influence and possibility.

Thus, this list is more than a ranking. It’s both a celebration and a call to action. A celebration of brilliance and vision, yes. But also a call to dismantle systemic barriers, to amplify talent, and to honor legacies that stretch far beyond bank balances. With that spirit in mind, let’s turn to the richest Black people in the world, beginning with those just entering the billionaire bracket, and rising to the one who towers above them all.

Here are the 23 Black billionaires in the world according to Forbes’ 2025 list…

#23. Sheila Johnson ($1B)

Sheila Johnson, co-founder of BET, turned media success into a new realm of luxury with the Salamander Collection, her portfolio of high-end resorts. Beyond hospitality, she expanded into sports, holding stakes in the Washington Mystics, as well as shares of the Wizards and Capitals. Her journey reflects decades of patient ownership and smart diversification. Today, as one of the richest Black people in the world, Johnson stands as a powerful example of cross-industry leadership and lasting vision.

#22. Michael Lee-Chin ($1.1B)

Michael Lee-Chin, a Jamaican-Canadian investor, built his fortune through financial services and bold investments. As chairman of Portland Holdings, he oversees stakes spanning telecommunications, tourism, and banking. Beyond business, he is a noted philanthropist, giving generously to health and education in both Canada and Jamaica. His rise shows how strategic investing not only creates immense wealth but also paves the way for lasting impact across generations.

#21. Herriot Tabuteau ($1.1B)

A physician-turned-entrepreneur, Herriot Tabuteau founded Axsome Therapeutics and took it public to advance therapies for central nervous system disorders. His expanding stake highlights how breakthrough science can translate into real-world value. By blending clinical rigor with sharp commercial execution, he stands out in biotech—a rare balance that has secured his place among the richest Black innovators in healthcare.

#20. Strive Masiyiwa ($1.2B)

Strive Masiyiwa, the Zimbabwean-born founder of Econet Wireless, revolutionized African telecommunications by bringing affordable mobile connectivity to millions. Beyond business, he channels his wealth into education and health initiatives across the continent. His rise to billionaire status underscores how technology can fuel both financial success and lasting social impact.

#19. Mohammed “Mo” Ibrahim ($1.3B)

Mo Ibrahim, the Sudanese-British founder of Celtel International, built one of Africa’s first major mobile networks before selling it for billions. Today, he is equally renowned for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, which champions good governance across the continent. His wealth, therefore, is not only financial but also a testament to his commitment to strengthening African leadership.

#18. LeBron James ($1.3B)

LeBron James is more than a basketball legend—he is a global brand and investor. His wealth stems from NBA salaries, endorsements, media ventures, and smart bets like Blaze Pizza. He also co-founded SpringHill Entertainment, producing films and content for worldwide audiences. His journey shows how athletes can turn fame into lasting wealth and influence.

#17. Tyler Perry ($1.4B)

Tyler Perry is a filmmaker, actor, and studio owner who built a billion-dollar empire. His Madea franchise and Atlanta-based Tyler Perry Studios gave him rare financial independence in Hollywood. By owning his work, he has inspired other creators to follow suit. His story underscores the rising influence of Black creators in global entertainment.

#16. Tiger Woods ($1.4B)

Tiger Woods is one of the most successful athletes-turned-entrepreneurs in history. His fortune comes from tournaments, endorsements, and business ventures, placing him among the richest Black people globally. Beyond golf, he has invested in real estate and partnerships that keep his wealth growing. His journey shows how sports icons can extend influence well beyond their prime.

#15. Rihanna ($1.4B)

Rihanna is a global superstar who built her fortune not just from music but also from business. Her cosmetics brand, Fenty Beauty, and lingerie line, Savage x Fenty, redefined inclusivity and style in their industries. By blending artistry with entrepreneurship, she has become one of the richest Black women in the world. Her rise shows the power of turning creativity into lasting wealth.

#14. Tope Awotona ($1.4B)

Tope Awotona is the Nigerian-born founder of Calendly, the widely used scheduling software. What began as a simple tool has grown into a multibillion-dollar company, placing him among the leading figures in global tech. His success highlights the reach of African entrepreneurs in the software and SaaS space. Awotona’s journey from startup founder to billionaire continues to inspire a new generation of innovators.

#13. Femi Otedola ($1.5B)

Femi Otedola is a Nigerian oil magnate who built his fortune in energy before expanding into finance, real estate, and power generation. His diversified investments have secured his place among the richest Black people in the world. With business interests across Africa, Otedola is also active in philanthropy and politics. His career underscores how diversification plays a key role in sustaining long-term wealth.

#12. Magic Johnson ($1.5B)

After his NBA career, Magic Johnson built a powerful investment platform spanning insurance, real estate, and sports ownership. Known for targeting mainstream businesses that serve underserved markets, Johnson has consistently turned opportunity into impact. His stake in EquiTrust and ownership of professional sports teams have added both stability and upside to his portfolio. Today, his post-career playbook stands as the gold standard for athletes-turned-entrepreneurs.

#11. Adebayo Ogunlesi ($2.2B)

Adebayo Ogunlesi, founder of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), built his fortune through strategic investments in airports, energy, and transportation. His bold thesis—that essential assets with regulated or contracted cash flows can serve as powerful growth engines—paid off spectacularly. The sale of GIP to BlackRock marked the crystallization of years of value creation, cementing Ogunlesi’s legacy as one of the most influential figures in global finance. His rise underscores the enduring appeal of infrastructure to long-term capital.

#10. Jay-Z ($2.5B)

Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, is one of the most successful music moguls of all time. His wealth comes not only from music but also from investments and brand ownership. Notably, he holds stakes in Armand de Brignac champagne and D’Usse cognac. In addition, he co-founded Roc Nation, a powerhouse in entertainment and sports management. Step by step, Jay-Z rose from rapper to billionaire. His journey shows how diversifying income streams can create lasting wealth.

#9. Oprah Winfrey ($3B)

Oprah Winfrey is one of the most recognizable names on this list. Her fortune began with her legendary talk show. From there, she expanded into media ownership, investments, and philanthropy. Through Harpo Productions and powerful brand partnerships, Oprah built an empire. Today, she stands among the richest Black people in the world. Above all, she continues to inspire millions as a symbol of perseverance and success.

#8. Patrice Motsepe ($3B)

Patrice Motsepe is a South African mining magnate and founder of African Rainbow Minerals. His company mines gold, platinum, and ferrous metals, securing his place as one of Africa’s most powerful businessmen. Beyond business, he is a committed philanthropist. Notably, he became the first Black South African to sign the Giving Pledge, dedicating much of his wealth to charity. His rise from humble beginnings to billionaire status remains a powerful source of inspiration.

#7. Michael Jordan ($3.5B)

Basketball legend Michael Jordan has moved from athlete to billionaire investor. Most of his wealth comes from Nike’s iconic “Air Jordan” brand. He also added billions through the sale of his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets. Jordan has turned sports fame into lasting fortune, proving the power of branding and smart deals. His journey shows how athletes can evolve into some of the richest Black people in the world.

#6. Abdul Samad Rabiu ($5.1B)

Abdulsamad Rabiu is a Nigerian billionaire who built his fortune through industry. He founded BUA Group, a powerhouse in cement, real estate, and agriculture. Over the years, he has steadily expanded operations, even boosting cement capacity to rival Dangote. His rise highlights Nigeria’s role as a hub for bold entrepreneurship and wealth creation.

#5. Mike Adenuga ($6.8B)

Mike Adenuga is a self-made Nigerian billionaire with vast interests in telecoms and oil. He founded Globacom, one of Africa’s largest mobile networks, and also holds stakes in Conoil, a major oil exploration company. Over the years, his businesses have created thousands of jobs while expanding into new West African markets. His journey shows how vision in communication and energy can grow into lasting empires.

#4. Alexander (Alex) Karp ($8.4B)

Alexander Karp is the co-founder and CEO of Palantir Technologies, a leading data analytics firm. While he often stays out of the spotlight, his work has built one of the most powerful companies in tech and security. Palantir partners with governments and corporations worldwide, giving it global influence. Karp’s success shows how data and software continue to shape modern wealth.

#3. Robert F. Smith ($10.8B)

Vista Equity Partners transformed software’s recurring revenue into private-equity gold under Robert F. Smith’s leadership. His disciplined playbooks boosted portfolio performance and drove headline exits. Beyond business, his philanthropy, most notably paying off Morehouse College’s 2019 graduating class debt, cemented his influence. Smith stands as a benchmark for value creation in enterprise software.

#2. David Steward ($11.4B)

David Steward is the founder of World Wide Technology, one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the United States. Starting with limited resources, he grew the company into a global IT powerhouse by securing major government and corporate contracts. His fortune reflects the long-term rewards of persistence, vision, and strategic growth in the tech industry.

#1. Aliko Dangote ($23.9B)

Aliko Dangote, from Nigeria, remains the richest Black person in the world. His wealth comes from the Dangote Group, a massive conglomerate leading Africa’s cement, sugar, and flour industries. Recently, his ambitious oil refinery project in Lagos has positioned him as a central figure in Africa’s energy future. Dangote’s rise reflects the influence of African industrialists and their power to shape markets and entire economies.

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