Media Take Out compiled a list of the 22 wealthiest Black people in the world – each person has a net forth of more than $1 billion. According to our research half of the Black billionaires are Black from America, and the other half are from Africa.
The world’s wealthiest Black individuals span across industries like entertainment, sports, technology, finance, and manufacturing. These 22 Black billionaires have amassed their fortunes through hard work, innovation, and strategic investments. Here’s a look at their backgrounds and how they built their wealth.
1. Aliko Dangote – $23.9 Billion
Industry: Manufacturing & Cement
Aliko Dangote is the richest Black person in the world and Africa’s wealthiest businessman. He built his fortune through Dangote Group, a multinational conglomerate specializing in cement, sugar, flour, and other essential commodities. His company, Dangote Cement, is Africa’s largest cement producer, supplying major infrastructure projects across the continent. Beyond cement, Dangote has diversified into oil refining, agriculture, and real estate. His upcoming $19 billion oil refinery in Nigeria is expected to revolutionize the country’s energy sector.
2. David Steward – $11.4 Billion
Industry: IT & Technology
David Steward is the co-founder and chairman of World Wide Technology (WWT), the largest Black-owned tech company in America. His company provides cloud computing, cybersecurity, and supply chain solutions for major corporations, including Boeing and Verizon. Steward started WWT in 1990 and grew it into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, making him the richest Black tech mogul in the U.S. Despite his immense wealth, he keeps a low profileand focuses on philanthropy, investing in education and community development.
3. Robert F. Smith – $10.8 Billion
Industry: Private Equity & Investments
Robert F. Smith made his fortune as the founder of Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm specializing in software and tech investments. Under his leadership, Vista has acquired and transformed numerous software companies, generating billions in revenue. In 2019, he gained national recognition for paying off student loan debt for the entire graduating class at Morehouse College, further solidifying his status as a philanthropist and financial leader.
4. Alexander Karp – $10.2 Billion
Industry: Technology & Data Analytics
Alexander Karp is the CEO of Palantir Technologies, a data analytics company that works with government agencies, intelligence operations, and large corporations. His company specializes in big data solutions for national security, finance, and healthcare industries. Karp’s success in Silicon Valley has made him one of the most influential tech billionaires today.
5. Mike Adenuga – $6.8 Billion
Industry: Telecom & Oil
Nigerian billionaire Mike Adenuga is the founder of Globacom, Nigeria’s second-largest telecom provider. His company revolutionized Africa’s mobile communication industry, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in Nigeria. He also built his fortune through Conoil, a leading oil exploration and production company. Adenuga’s businesses have played a significant role in Nigeria’s economic development.
6. Abdulsamad Rabiu – $4.7 Billion
Industry: Manufacturing & Cement
Abdulsamad Rabiu is the founder of BUA Group, a Nigerian manufacturing and infrastructure company that specializes in cement, sugar refining, and real estate. His company competes with Dangote Cement, contributing to Africa’s construction boom. His business empire continues to expand across West Africa.
7. Oprah Winfrey – $3 Billion
Industry: Media & Philanthropy
Oprah Winfrey is the first Black female billionaire and a media powerhouse. She built her fortune through The Oprah Winfrey Show, and later expanded into OWN Network, Weight Watchers, and multiple business ventures. Winfrey’s media influence, coupled with strategic investments, has made her one of the most powerful women in entertainment.
8. Michael Jordan – $3.5 Billion
Industry: Sports & Business
NBA legend Michael Jordan became a billionaire through his partnership with Nike’s Jordan Brand, which generates billions in revenue annually. His investments in sports franchises (Charlotte Hornets, NASCAR) and real estate pushed him further into billionaire status.
9. Patrice Motsepe – $2.8 Billion
Industry: Mining & Finance
Patrice Motsepe, a South African billionaire, built his fortune through African Rainbow Minerals, a mining company specializing in gold, platinum, and minerals. He is also the owner of Mamelodi Sundowns, one of Africa’s top football clubs.
10. Jay-Z – $2.5 Billion
Industry: Music & Business
Jay-Z built his fortune beyond music through business investments in liquor (D’Ussé, Armand de Brignac), Tidal, and Roc Nation. His music catalog, real estate, and art investments solidified his billionaire status.
11. Adebayo Ogunlesi – $2.3 Billion
Industry: Infrastructure & Finance
Adebayo Ogunlesi is the CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a firm that owns and manages airports, seaports, and energy companies worldwide. He has played a crucial role in global infrastructure development.
12. Femi Otedola – $1.7 Billion
Industry: Energy & Finance
Femi Otedola made his billions through oil trading and banking investments. His company, Zenon Petroleum and Gas, played a key role in Nigeria’s energy sector.
13. Magic Johnson – $1.6 Billion
Industry: Sports & Business
Magic Johnson transitioned from NBA superstar to business mogul, investing in sports franchises, real estate, and entertainment businesses. His ownership stake in the Washington Commanders (NFL) helped solidify his billionaire status.
14. Strive Masiyiwa – $1.8 Billion
Industry: Telecommunications
Strive Masiyiwa founded Econet Wireless, one of Africa’s largest telecom companies. His investments in solar energy, fintech, and media have expanded his wealth.
15. Rihanna – $1.4 Billion
Industry: Music, Fashion & Beauty
Rihanna became a billionaire through Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, her makeup and lingerie brands. Her businesses generate hundreds of millions annually.
16. Tyler Perry – $1.4 Billion
Industry: Film & Television
Tyler Perry owns Tyler Perry Studios, producing blockbuster films and TV shows. His independent ownership model made him one of Hollywood’s richest self-made entrepreneurs.
17. Tope Awotona – $1.4 Billion
Industry: Tech & Software
Founder of Calendly, Tope Awotona built his billion-dollar fortune through tech innovation and business automation.
18. Junior Bridgeman – $1.4 Billion
Industry: Franchises & Distribution
A former NBA player, Junior Bridgeman invested in fast-food franchises and Coca-Cola bottling, building a vast business empire.
19. Tiger Woods – $1.3 Billion
Industry: Golf & Endorsements
Tiger Woods built his fortune through prize winnings, endorsements, and golf course investments.
20. Mohamed Ibrahim – $1.3 Billion
Industry: Telecommunications
Sudanese-British billionaire Mo Ibrahim made his fortune in mobile telecommunications and philanthropy.
21. LeBron James – $1.2 Billion
Industry: Basketball & Investments
LeBron James expanded his fortune through SpringHill Entertainment, sports investments, and endorsements.
22. Michael Lee-Chin – $1.2 Billion
Industry: Finance & Investments
Jamaican billionaire Michael Lee-Chin built his fortune in banking and mutual funds
Final Thoughts
From tech entrepreneurs to sports legends and industrial moguls, these 22 Black billionaires prove that wealth can be built across multiple industries worldwide. Their journeys highlight the power of innovation, investment, and resilience.
Who will be next to join this exclusive list? Only time will tell.