Forbes has unveiled its annual World Billionaires List, and among the 3,028 names featured in 2025 are 23 individuals of Black heritage whose combined wealth now stands at $96.2 billion.
Representing countries from Nigeria to the United States, Barbados to South Africa, these billionaires have amassed fortunes across sectors including finance, energy, technology, media, entertainment, and telecommunications.
The wealthiest of them all is Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, who retains his position as Africa’s richest man with a net worth of $23.9 billion. Dangote’s wealth received a significant boost following the long-awaited launch of his oil refinery in Lagos, which began operations in early 2024 after more than a decade in development.
Also on the list is David Steward, the richest Black American, with a fortune of $11.4 billion. He co-founded World Wide Technology in 1990, which now generates $20 billion in annual revenue. Fellow American Robert F. Smith, founder of Vista Equity Partners, ranks third with a net worth of $10.8 billion.
In the tech space, Alexander Karp, CEO of Palantir Technologies, holds a net worth of $8.4 billion. His company, which went public in 2020, serves major U.S. government clients including the FBI and the Department of Defense.
Nigeria is prominently represented, with four billionaires making the list: Dangote, Mike Adenuga ($6.8 billion), Abdulsamad Rabiu ($5.1 billion), and Femi Otedola ($1.5 billion). Other notable African figures include Patrice Motsepe from South Africa and Strive Masiyiwa from Zimbabwe.
In entertainment and sports, basketball legends Michael Jordan ($3.5 billion), LeBron James ($1.3 billion), and Magic Johnson ($1.5 billion) continue to thrive through strategic investments. Music mogul Jay-Z and pop icon Rihanna each made the list, with fortunes of $2.5 billion and $1.4 billion respectively, the latter driven largely by her successful cosmetics brand, Fenty Beauty.
Media powerhouse Oprah Winfrey maintains her billionaire status with $3 billion, thanks to her diverse portfolio in television, film, and ownership in BET+.
Newcomers to the list include Herriot Tabuteau, founder of Axsome Therapeutics, and Sheila Johnson, co-founder of BET and now a luxury hotel magnate with ownership in several U.S. sports franchises.
This year’s list not only highlights individual financial success but also marks the growing global influence of Black entrepreneurs and investors, many of whom continue to invest heavily in philanthropy, innovation, and economic empowerment.
With rising representation and a widening range of industries, Black billionaires are not just making history—they’re shaping the future of global business.
