The Richest Black People in the World (2025 Edition): Top 10 Billionaires Transforming Global Wealth

In 2025, the global financial landscape continues to evolve, with wealth concentration expanding into more diverse regions and communities. A powerful example of this transformation lies in the growing number of billionaires of African descent. These individuals are not just wealthy—they are pioneers, investors, innovators, and philanthropists reshaping industries from technology to entertainment.

This article takes an in-depth look at the richest Black people in the world today. As of the latest Forbes data, only 23 Black billionaires are on the global list of over 3,000 ultra-wealthy individuals. Together, they command a combined net worth exceeding $96 billion—a powerful statement of economic progress and influence.

Let’s dive into the stories of the top 10 richest Black individuals who are making history with their financial success.

1. Aliko Dangote – $23.9 Billion (Nigeria)

Industry: Manufacturing, Cement, Oil

Aliko Dangote is indisputably the richest Black man in the world in 2025. He is the founder and CEO of the Dangote Group, a sprawling Nigerian industrial conglomerate operating across cement, sugar, salt, and most notably—oil refining.

In 2024, the long-anticipated Dangote Refinery finally launched operations. The refinery, capable of processing 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, is now Africa’s largest and has significantly boosted his fortune by over $10 billion in a single year. This leap in valuation helped Dangote maintain his top spot on the richest Black list for over a decade.

His continued investments in African infrastructure and energy place him not only as a titan of industry but also as a catalyst for regional economic development.

2. David Steward – $11.4 Billion (USA)

Industry: Technology, IT Services

David Steward is the second richest Black person globally and the wealthiest Black American. He built his empire from the ground up, founding World Wide Technology (WWT) in 1990 with a modest budget. Today, WWT is an IT services powerhouse generating over $20 billion in annual revenue and employing nearly 10,000 people.

Born in the segregated South during the Jim Crow era, Steward's journey is one of resilience and vision. Despite limited access to capital and opportunity, he grew his company into a global force that provides solutions to governments and Fortune 100 companies alike.

His story exemplifies the potential for richest Black entrepreneurs to thrive even in historically exclusionary sectors like tech.

3. Robert F. Smith – $10.8 Billion (USA)

Industry: Private Equity, Software

Robert F. Smith is the founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm that specializes in software investments. With over $100 billion in assets under management, Vista is one of the most successful Black-owned financial firms in the world.

Smith first made national headlines in 2019 when he paid off the student loan debt of Morehouse College’s graduating class. Since then, his wealth has continued to grow, cementing his place among the richest Black billionaires in America and globally.

His focus on technology-driven businesses has allowed him to remain resilient in both bullish and bearish markets.

4. Alexander Karp – $8.4 Billion (USA)

Industry: Technology, Big Data

Alexander Karp is the CEO and co-founder of Palantir Technologies, a big data analytics firm that services government agencies and Fortune 500 companies. With clients like the CIA and U.S. Department of Defense, Palantir plays a critical role in global cybersecurity and intelligence.

Although often seen as a controversial figure due to Palantir’s work with law enforcement and military bodies, Karp’s visionary leadership has helped him become one of the richest Black tech leaders globally. Palantir’s continued growth in AI-driven security systems ensures his net worth remains on an upward trajectory.

5. Mike Adenuga – $6.8 Billion (Nigeria)

Industry: Telecommunications, Oil

Mike Adenuga, Nigeria’s second-richest man, is best known for founding Globacom, the country's second-largest telecom operator. His company has over 60 million subscribers and plays a vital role in connecting millions of Africans.

In addition to telecom, Adenuga owns Conoil Producing, one of the few Nigerian companies with oil exploration licenses. His ability to operate in two of Africa’s most lucrative industries has helped secure his place among the richest Black individuals.

His business acumen and risk-taking strategy have been instrumental in shaping West Africa’s telecom and energy sectors.

6. Abdulsamad Rabiu – $5.1 Billion (Nigeria)

Industry: Manufacturing, Infrastructure

Abdulsamad Rabiu is the founder of BUA Group, a diversified Nigerian conglomerate involved in cement, sugar, and infrastructure. His company has quickly risen to become one of Nigeria's largest employers and producers of essential goods.

As a philanthropist, Rabiu has committed hundreds of millions of dollars toward healthcare and education across West Africa. His dual role as a business mogul and community leader strengthens his position among the richest Black billionaires shaping Africa's future.

7. Michael Jordan – $3.5 Billion (USA)

Industry: Sports, Branding, Equity Deals

Basketball legend Michael Jordan continues to grow his fortune off the court. While his NBA earnings totaled under $100 million, Jordan’s endorsements—especially with Nike’s Air Jordan line—generate billions annually.

In 2023, Jordan sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, boosting his wealth substantially. From strategic investments in DraftKings to NASCAR and tequila brands, Jordan’s portfolio is as diverse as it is profitable.

He remains a global symbol of excellence and one of the richest Black athletes turned business moguls.

8. Patrice Motsepe – $3 Billion (South Africa)

Industry: Mining, Banking

Patrice Motsepe made history in 2008 as the first Black African to appear on Forbes’ billionaire list. He is the founder of African Rainbow Minerals, a company with interests in gold, platinum, and ferrous metals.

In 2019, he also launched TymeBank, South Africa’s first fully digital bank, which now serves over 7 million customers. Motsepe’s role in expanding access to finance and employment opportunities earns him a lasting place among the richest Black business leaders worldwide.

He also serves as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), showing his influence extends far beyond boardrooms.

9. Oprah Winfrey – $3 Billion (USA)

Industry: Media, Publishing, Investments

Oprah Winfrey is a self-made media mogul who built her empire from her iconic daytime talk show. Today, she owns production companies, streaming deals, and shares in WeightWatchers and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Her influence has redefined how media content is created and consumed, especially for underrepresented voices. From her book club to her philanthropic foundations, Oprah uses her wealth to inspire and uplift.

As one of the few women among the richest Black billionaires, she is both a trailblazer and a symbol of cultural transformation.

10. Jay-Z – $2.5 Billion (USA)

Industry: Music, Entertainment, Spirits, Venture Capital

Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter is not just a rapper; he’s a business empire. From founding Roc Nation to owning stakes in liquor brands like Armand de Brignac and D’Ussé, Jay-Z has consistently expanded his reach into multi-billion-dollar industries.

His partnerships with brands like Puma, Square (now Block), and LVMH reveal a calculated strategy to scale and diversify his holdings. Jay-Z’s rise to the richest Black musician in history reflects a sharp eye for value and cultural capital.

Why the “Richest Black” List Matters in 2025

Tracking the richest Black individuals is about more than wealth—it's about representation, empowerment, and economic equity. These billionaires have transcended traditional barriers in business, proving that excellence and innovation can emerge from every corner of the world.

Their presence also challenges outdated stereotypes about wealth distribution and showcases how Black excellence can thrive globally. From Africa to America, these visionaries are shaping the future of finance, technology, media, and industry.

Final Thoughts

The stories of the richest Black billionaires in 2025 serve as powerful reminders that barriers can be broken and legacies built. Their success underscores a broader movement toward inclusive capitalism, where talent and determination—not just heritage or privilege—determine financial outcomes.

Whether through tech, oil, or media, these ten individuals are reshaping what it means to be Black and wealthy in the modern world.

As global economies continue to shift and diversify, we can expect even more names to rise on the richest Black list in the coming years.