Forbes has released its exclusive ranking of the Top 23 Black Billionaires in the World for 2025, showcasing the global power, resilience, and influence of Black wealth across Africa, North America, the Caribbean, and beyond.
For the 14th consecutive year, Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote retains his crown as Africa’s richest individual and the world’s wealthiest Black billionaire, with a net worth of $23.9 billion (Forbes, April 2025). Dangote’s business empire, spanning cement, sugar, salt, and oil refining, continues to place him at the forefront of African and global enterprise.
The 2025 ranking highlights not only established moguls like Mike Adenuga, Robert F. Smith, and Oprah Winfrey, but also cultural icons such as Jay-Z, Rihanna, and LeBron James, proving the growing intersection of business, entertainment, and influence in shaping Black wealth.
Top 23 Black Billionaires in the World (2025)
- Aliko Dangote (Nigeria) – $23.9B
- David Steward (USA) – $11.4B
- Robert F. Smith (USA) – $10.8B
- Alexander Karp (USA) – $8.4B
- Mike Adenuga (Nigeria) – $6.8B
- Abdulsamad Rabiu (Nigeria) – $5.1B
- Michael Jordan (USA) – $3.5B
- Patrice Motsepe (South Africa) – $3B
- Oprah Winfrey (USA) – $3B
- Jay-Z (USA) – $2.5B
- Adebayo Ogunlesi (Nigeria/USA) – $2.2B
- Magic Johnson (USA) – $1.5B
- Femi Otedola (Nigeria) – $1.5B
- Tope Awotona (Nigeria/USA) – $1.4B
- Tyler Perry (USA) – $1.4B
- Tiger Woods (USA) – $1.4B
- Rihanna (Barbados) – $1.4B
- Mohammed Ibrahim (UK/Sudanese-born) – $1.3B
- LeBron James (USA) – $1.3B
- Strive Masiyiwa (Zimbabwe) – $1.2B
- Michael Lee-Chin (Canada/Jamaica) – $1.1B
- Herriot Tabuteau (USA) – $1.1B
- Sheila Johnson (USA) – $1B
Nigeria’s Dominance in Global Black Wealth
Nigeria stands out with five billionaires on the list, Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Femi Otedola, and Tope Awotona, making it Africa’s most influential hub of Black wealth creation. This reinforces Nigeria’s reputation as the continent’s largest economy and a rising powerhouse in global finance and investment.
The Global Spread of Black Billionaires
From Silicon Valley to Johannesburg, Lagos to Los Angeles, the 23 billionaires reflect a diverse spread across industries, technology, entertainment, sports, media, manufacturing, and finance. Their stories embody resilience, innovation, and a growing role in reshaping wealth distribution on the world stage.
🔗 Read more on Interface Africa Magazine: www.interfaceafrica.co.uk
