Among Forbes World’s 21 Black Billionaires, six are Nigerians

Forbes has released its annual list of billionaires, highlighting 2,781 individuals worldwide. Of these, only 21 are Black, making up less than 1% of the total. Among them, only two are women.

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
David Steward

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
Aliko Dangote

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
Robert F. Smith

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
Alexander Karp

Karp is the co-founder and CEO of Palantir Technologies, a software firm specialising in big data analytics.

5. Mike Adenuga – $6.9 billion
Mike Adenuga

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
Abdulsamad Rabiu

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
Michael Jordan

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
Oprah Winfrey

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
Patrice Motsepe

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

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
Adebayo Ogunlesi

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
Strive Masiyiwa

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
Femi Otedola

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
Earvin “Magic” Johnson

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
Tyler Perry

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
Tope Awotona

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

Rihanna’s wealth comes from her Fenty empire, which has expanded beyond cosmetics to sleepwear and lingerie.

18. Tiger Woods – $1.3 billion
Tiger Woods

Woods’ earnings come from his golf career and endorsements with brands such as Nike, Gatorade, and Rolex.

19. Mohammed Ibrahim – $1.3 billion
Mohammed Ibrahim

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
LeBron James

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
Michael Lee-Chin

Lee-Chin, a Jamaican investor, built his wealth through the National Commercial Bank Jamaica and AIC Limited.

. BUSINESS DAY