Table of Contents
Key Points
- Black billionaires' collective net worth nears $100 billion, with AI, energy, and infrastructure fueling a $3.5 billion wealth increase since April.
- Aliko Dangote tops the list with $23.4 billion, bolstered by oil refinery exports reshaping Nigeria’s energy landscape.
- Alex Karp emerges as America’s richest Black billionaire, with Palantir’s AI expansion lifting his fortune to $12.1 billion.
The number of Black billionaires in the world stands at 23 as of July 2025, according to data tracked by Billionaires.Africa using Forbes’ real-time billionaires list. While the overall number remains the same, the landscape has shifted noticeably. Some names have climbed the ranks with rising fortunes; others have slipped, reflecting the volatility of sectors like tech, energy, private equity, and commodities where many of these fortunes are made, and sometimes lost.
Together, these 23 individuals are now approaching a combined net worth of $100 billion, following a $3.5 billion increase in their cumulative wealth between April 1 and July 7. That gain has been fueled in large part by renewed interest in artificial intelligence, energy, and digital infrastructure, sectors where several of these billionaires are deeply invested.
Aliko Dangote remains the richest Black person in the world, with a net worth of $23.4 billion. His Lagos-based industrial empire continues to anchor Africa’s largest economy. Dangote’s oil refinery—Africa’s largest—has begun partial operations, and at full capacity it could process 650,000 barrels a day, a development already reshaping Nigeria’s energy balance and reducing dependence on imported fuel.
In the U.S., a new name has taken center stage: Alex Karp. The co-founder and CEO of Palantir now ranks as the second-richest Black billionaire globally and the richest in America, with a net worth of $12.1 billion. Palantir’s continued growth, thanks to the rising demand for AI-powered data solutions in both government and corporate sectors, has pushed Karp past more established names like David Steward and Robert F. Smith.
Steward, with a net worth of $11.4 billion, has built World Wide Technology into a global tech powerhouse, providing IT infrastructure to Fortune 100 companies and government agencies alike. Smith, the founder of Vista Equity Partners, remains one of the most influential private equity executives in the world, with $10.8 billion to his name.
Back in Nigeria, telecom and oil magnate Mike Adenuga holds $6.2 billion in assets, thanks to stakes in Globacom and Conoil. Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder of BUA Group, remains a key player in cement, sugar, and infrastructure, while South Africa’s Patrice Motsepe, Africa’s first Black billionaire, continues to play a visible role in mining, fintech, sports, and philanthropy.
This list reflects not only the wealth of these individuals but the industries driving it. From AI and infrastructure to raw materials and retail, these billionaires are spread across continents, but many share common themes: a deep engagement with economic development, a focus on legacy-building, and increasing influence in global markets.
One notable absence from the ranking is Mohammed Al-Amoudi, the Ethiopia-born, Saudi-based businessman whose wealth—estimated at $7.38 billion by Bloomberg—is significant but not listed on Forbes' real-time tracker, and therefore excluded from this compilation.
Below is the full list of the world’s 23 Black billionaires as of July 2025, ranked by net worth and based on publicly available information.
- Aliko Dangote
Net Worth: $23.4 billion | Age: 68 | Rank: 89 | Country: Nigeria
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, remains firmly atop the list. From cement to sugar to fertilizer, and now oil refining, his influence runs deep in Nigeria’s economy and beyond. He owns 86 percent of Dangote Cement, the continent’s largest cement producer, and is now preparing to list Dangote Fertilizer Limited on the Nigerian Exchange. The offering could value the business at over $3 billion, a move expected to unlock fresh capital while positioning Nigeria as a stronger player in global agricultural supply chains. But it’s his refinery that’s become the headline story. After more than a decade of construction, his $23 billion Dangote Refinery began operations in 2024 and is steadily ramping up. By early 2025, it was producing 500,000 barrels per day and is expected to reach full capacity of 650,000 barrels, a scale that places it among the world’s top ten refineries. The plant is already reshaping global energy flows, with jet fuel exports to the U.S. and aviation fuel to Saudi Arabia. In another milestone, Dangote is preparing to ship 90,000 metric tons of gasoline to Asia, Nigeria’s first fuel export to that region. For a country long dependent on imported fuel, it’s a historic reversal.
- Alex Karp
Net Worth: $12.1 billion | Age: 57 | Rank: 216 | Country: United States
Second only to Dangote on this list, Palantir Technologies CEO Alex Karp has built a fortune by straddling the worlds of government contracts and artificial intelligence. Quiet and often deliberately reclusive, Karp’s rise hasn’t been the typical Silicon Valley success story. But it’s been just as impactful. Co-founding Palantir in 2003, Karp helped steer the company from niche counterterrorism software into a public-facing AI powerhouse. Palantir’s shift toward enterprise AI, especially with its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP), has helped propel its market cap to more than $330 billion. Karp’s personal stake is now worth nearly $8 billion, and he holds billions more in liquid assets. He recently sold $50 million worth of shares, underscoring just how financially nimble he’s become. The son of a Black father and Jewish mother, Karp now holds the distinction of being the wealthiest Black person in America.
- David Steward
Net Worth: $11.4 billion | Age: 74 | Rank: 234 | Country: United States
From humble beginnings in Missouri to leading one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the U.S., David Steward’s story is one of grit and perseverance. He co-founded World Wide Technology (WWT) in 1990, investing $250,000 of his own money and pushing through years without pay. At one point, his car was repossessed from the company’s parking lot. That same company now generates around $20 billion in annual revenue, providing cloud, cybersecurity, and IT consulting services to Fortune 500 clients and government agencies. Steward owns 59 percent of WWT, giving him a net worth of $11.4 billion. His journey from poverty to tech titan is a reminder that success isn’t always fast—but when it comes, it can be transformative.
- Robert F. Smith
Net Worth: $10.8 billion | Age: 62 | Rank: 258 | Country: United States
A quiet titan in private equity, Robert F. Smith has built Vista Equity Partners into one of the world’s most powerful software-focused investment firms. Since its founding, Vista has backed more than 85 enterprise software companies and completed over 600 transactions. In 2024 alone, the firm invested $6.5 billion and returned $2.6 billion to investors. Smith is deeply involved in operations and remains focused on long-term value creation. Recent highlights include a $2 billion acquisition of Acumatica and an investment in Amtech Software. With over $100 billion in assets under management, Vista continues to expand, alongside Smith’s fortune.
- Mike Adenuga
Net Worth: $6.2 billion | Age: 72 | Rank: 579 | Country: Nigeria
Nigerian businessman Mike Adenuga, one of Africa’s richest men, continues to leave a visible mark in both telecommunications and energy. His telecom company, Globacom, expanded its reach in June 2025 by bringing mobile connectivity to Kura, a rural community near Abuja. The rollout—done in partnership with Chinese tech firm Huawei—connected about 12,000 residents who had previously been without mobile access. It’s one of several moves Glo has made to deepen its footprint. Earlier in the year, the company opened a new Gloworld store in Maiduguri, a city in Nigeria’s northeast that’s long dealt with security and infrastructure issues. In a broader push to support digital growth, Glo also launched its first digital innovation hub in Lagos and has plans to establish similar centers in Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Abuja by mid-2025. These hubs are designed to help young Nigerian entrepreneurs break into tech, while also creating jobs and supporting local innovation. Outside telecoms, Adenuga remains active in Nigeria’s oil sector. His company, Conoil Producing, introduced a new crude grade—the Obodo blend—in April 2025. The medium-sweet crude is the result of drilling activity in OML 150, operated in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. Continental Oil & Gas Limited, part of Adenuga’s Conoil group, manages that block and five others in the Niger Delta.
- Abdul Samad Rabiu
Net Worth: $5.4 billion | Age: 64 | Rank: 707 | Country: Nigeria
Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder of BUA Group, has spent the last few years steadily expanding his company’s footprint across multiple sectors, from cement to sugar, ports to food processing. Since 2023, BUA has committed over $1 billion in new investments, reflecting confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction and policies supportive of private sector growth. One of the company’s recent moves was the donation of a multi-purpose facility to the North-West Development Commission in Kano, underscoring BUA’s presence in regional development. The group also deepened its role in food security by partnering with Turkish firm Agrimac Makina to install high-capacity wheat handling equipment. The new system, capable of moving 2 million metric tonnes annually, connects BUA Ports directly to its Flour & Pasta Mills in Port Harcourt, streamlining supply chains and reducing dependence on imports. That same city is also seeing BUA invest heavily in infrastructure. The group has committed more than $65 million to rebuild Terminal B at the Rivers Port Complex. The privately funded project is expected to be completed by early 2026 and is set to boost port activity and logistics in southern Nigeria.
- Michael Jordan
Net Worth: $3.5 billion | Age: 62 | Rank: 1,106 | Country: United States
Michael Jordan’s story as one of the greatest athletes of all time is well known, but his financial story is equally impressive. His estimated net worth of $3.5 billion comes from a mix of sports, entertainment, and smart investments. In 2023, Jordan sold his controlling stake in the Charlotte Hornets for $3 billion, roughly 17 times what he paid for the franchise in 2010. The move marked the end of his run as principal owner but added a massive cash injection to his portfolio. Jordan still holds a minority stake in the NBA team and has other interests too—like a stake in DraftKings, the sports betting firm, and co-ownership of 23XI Racing, a NASCAR team he founded with Joe Gibbs and Denny Hamlin. Off the track and court, Jordan continues to find opportunities that build long-term value, staying active as a business figure even as he steps back from day-to-day team ownership.
- Patrice Motsepe
Net Worth: $3.4 billion | Age: 63 | Rank: 1,151 | Country: South Africa
South African mining tycoon Patrice Motsepe has seen a rise in his net worth in 2025, largely driven by gains in the stock market. His indirect 11.8 percent stake in Harmony Gold—which operates mines in South Africa, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, has climbed significantly in value following a 55 percent surge in the company’s stock price on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. That single stake is now worth about $1.1 billion. He’s also a major shareholder in African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), which has seen its valuation grow past $2.2 billion after a 14 percent stock increase. Motsepe owns nearly 46 percent of the company, giving him another billion-dollar anchor in his portfolio. Away from mining, he’s been building out a broader investment platform. Through African Rainbow Capital, he has backed firms in finance, clean energy, and tech. One of the most promising is Tyme Group, a digital banking startup based in Singapore with a growing footprint in Africa and Southeast Asia. After a major Series D round in late 2024 that brought in $250 million, Tyme’s valuation jumped to $1.5 billion—lifting the value of Motsepe’s 40 percent stake to around $600 million.
- Oprah Winfrey
Net Worth: $3.1 billion | Age: 71 | Rank: 1,234 | Country: United States
Oprah Winfrey’s rise from local talk show host to media powerhouse is well documented, but her wealth continues to grow thanks to a mix of savvy deals and long-term planning. Her estimated $3.1 billion fortune is rooted in the success of Harpo Productions, which brought us movies like The Color Purple and Beloved, and in her 25-year tenure on The Oprah Winfrey Show, which transformed daytime TV. She launched the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) in 2011 and later sold most of her stake to Warner Bros. Discovery in 2020. Beyond media, Winfrey has invested heavily in real estate, with holdings in California and more than 2,100 acres in Hawaii. Her Hawaii estate, which she aims to preserve as a natural sanctuary, reflects her commitment to environmental sustainability. “She just wants to protect it forever,” said Bob Greene, her property manager. Winfrey’s financial instincts remain sharp. She made headlines for investing in Dr. Barbara Sturm’s skincare line in 2023 and netted $6.6 million from selling her Montecito estate. Her net worth has grown by $500 million since 2023, showing that her business influence remains strong long after her show left the air.
- Jay-Z
Net Worth: $2.5 billion | Age: 55 | Rank: 1,503 | Country: United States
Jay-Z has built his empire piece by piece, starting with music, then branching out into fashion, sports, and high-end spirits. His decision to launch Roc-A-Fella Records in 1994 after being turned down by record labels paved the way for a legendary music career. He’s since sold over 140 million records and won 25 Grammys. But his real wealth came from outside the studio. He sold Rocawear, his fashion brand, for $204 million, and his 40/40 Club chain brought luxury to the sports bar scene. Roc Nation, his entertainment and sports agency, manages top-tier talent across music and athletics. In 2015, Jay-Z acquired Aspiro and rebranded it as Tidal, promoting it as an artist-first streaming service. Yet, the biggest moves came from liquor. He sold 50% of Armand de Brignac champagne to LVMH in 2021 for $300 million, and in 2023, sold half of his stake in D’Usse Cognac to Bacardi in a deal worth $750 million. His latest moves are in venture capital. Through Marcy Venture Partners—now merged with Pendulum to form MarcyPen Capital—he’s backing consumer brands and startups, managing over $1 billion in assets. Even after selling his stake in the Brooklyn Nets, his sports footprint continues through Roc Nation Sports, representing athletes across the NBA, NFL, and more.
- Adebayo Ogunlesi
Net Worth: $2.5 billion | Age: 71 | Rank: 1,554 | Country: Nigeria/United States
Adebayo Ogunlesi has built a global legacy that bridges finance, infrastructure, and corporate governance. As co-founder of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), he helped steer the firm into the top tier of global asset management, with more than $100 billion under its control. In January 2024, he closed a landmark $12.5 billion deal that brought GIP under the BlackRock umbrella, an agreement that included $3 billion in cash and 12 million BlackRock shares valued at $9.5 billion. The move solidified Ogunlesi’s position in global finance and lifted his net worth above the $2 billion mark. Today, Forbes estimates his wealth at $2.4 billion, driven largely by his nearly 1.83 million shares in BlackRock and over $600 million in cash holdings. Beyond finance, Ogunlesi also sits on the board of OpenAI, joining the artificial intelligence firm behind ChatGPT earlier this year, a move that underscores the breadth of his influence across business and technology.
- Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Net Worth: $2.5 billion | Age: 65 | Rank: 2,379 | Country: United States
Magic Johnson has long been known for his brilliance on the basketball court, but his success in business has become just as legendary. After retiring from the NBA, Johnson channeled his fame and drive into investments that now span sports, media, food, and health. He holds stakes in three of Los Angeles’ major sports franchises, including the Dodgers and LAFC, and has also invested in fast food chains, gyms, and beverage distribution. Years before athletes-turned-entrepreneurs became common, Johnson was building businesses in neighborhoods that were often overlooked. He’s open about lessons learned along the way. One of his biggest regrets? Passing on an early offer from Nike. “My family didn’t come from money,” he once said. “So I passed on the stocks. Can you imagine? 45 years, $5 billion that stock would have been worth today.” Despite that missed chance, Johnson’s wealth today tells the story of a man who kept showing up and finding ways to win, even when the game changed.
- Femi Otedola
Net Worth: $1.5 billion | Age: 62 | Rank: 2,397 | Country: Nigeria
At just 46 years old, Femi Otedola entered the billionaire club early, and years later, he’s still expanding his reach. Today, as chairman of Geregu Power and FirstHoldco, the parent company of First Bank of Nigeria, he oversees two pillars of Nigeria’s economy: energy and banking. Under his leadership, Geregu’s profits jumped from $15.8 million in 2023 to $26.8 million in 2024. The company was also recognized for its corporate governance, winning “Most Compliant Listed Company of the Year.” At FirstHoldco, the numbers are even more telling: over $2 billion in gross earnings and $17.46 billion in assets. But Otedola’s work goes beyond the balance sheet. In 2024, the company broke ground on a new 44-story headquarters in Lagos’ Eko Atlantic City, a move that signals ambition and permanence. Even with homes in Monte Carlo, Dubai, London, and Lagos, Otedola remains grounded in purpose. His $14-million gift to Save the Children UK in 2019, the largest donation ever by a Nigerian, speaks volumes.
- Tyler Perry
Net Worth: $1.4 billion | Age: 55 | Rank: 2,519 | Country: United States
Tyler Perry’s journey from stage playwright to billionaire studio owner is one of persistence, vision, and total creative control. The “Madea” franchise brought him household fame, but it’s the business behind the scenes—owning his content and studio—that built his fortune. With 22 films, over 1,200 TV episodes, and a massive 330-acre studio in Atlanta, Perry has created one of Hollywood’s most powerful independent production empires. His $1.4 billion net worth continues to grow thanks to long-term deals with Netflix, Amazon, and BET. In April 2024, he extended his BET contract, ensuring the continuation of ten existing shows and launching a new crime drama for 2025. He also signed a four-film deal with Amazon Studios in 2022 and another with Netflix in 2023. Perry may not chase blockbusters like his Hollywood peers, but his ownership-first strategy keeps paying off—on his own terms.
- Tope Awotona
Net Worth: $1.4 billion | Age: 44 | Rank: 2,534 | Country: Nigeria/United States
Tope Awotona didn’t plan to launch one of the most widely used scheduling platforms in the world, it grew out of frustration. After trying and failing with several ventures, he bet everything on a solution to a personal pain point: coordinating meetings. That bet became Calendly, now valued at $3 billion. Awotona invested his life savings of $200,000 into building the software, which reached profitability in 2016 and secured $350 million in funding during a recent round. His majority stake is now worth an estimated $1.4 billion. But his success is about more than just valuation. Awotona has become a vocal advocate for inclusion in tech, using his platform to push for more representation of underrepresented groups in the industry. His story isn’t just about building a product, it’s about solving a problem and creating space for others to do the same.
- Tiger Woods
Net Worth: $1.3 billion | Age: 49 | Rank: 2,583 | Country: United States
Tiger Woods became a billionaire by doing more than winning tournaments. Yes, his Nike deal, worth hundreds of millions over nearly three decades, was a cornerstone. But since stepping back from competitive golf, Woods has leaned into business, building a brand that lives beyond the fairway. After ending his long partnership with Nike in late 2023, he introduced “Sun Day Red,” a new apparel line featuring a tiger emblem made of 15 stripes to honor his major wins. His TGR Ventures has taken off too, investing in tech, hospitality, and high-end mini-golf concepts. In October 2023, he teamed up with Justin Timberlake to open a second T-Squared Social, a luxury sports bar-meets-entertainment hub. “TGR is my chapter two,” he said. “My way of building a legacy that’s about more than birdies and bogeys.”
- Mohammed Ibrahim
Net Worth: $1.3 billion | Age: 79 | Rank: 2,658 | Country: Sudan/United Kindom
Mo Ibrahim made his first fortune bringing mobile phone networks to Africa. After founding Celtel in 1998, he sold the company in 2005 for $3.4 billion, walking away with $1.4 billion. But that was only the beginning. Through his investment firm, Satya Capital, Ibrahim has backed African ventures in sectors like fintech, including Cellulant, which raised $47.5 million in a recent round. He’s also turned to philanthropy, establishing the Mo Ibrahim Foundation to promote good governance across the continent. He’s received awards for this work, but Ibrahim’s focus has remained clear: if Africa is to thrive, leadership and accountability must be at the center. His net worth now sits at $1.3 billion, but he measures his impact in different terms.
- Strive Masiyiwa
Net Worth: $1.2 billion | Age: 64 | Rank: 2,688 | Country: Zimbabwe
Strive Masiyiwa has long been one of Africa’s most influential business figures, starting with his founding of Econet in 1998. What began as a telecom upstart is now a multinational group operating across more than 20 countries. He still holds a 38 percent stake in Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and owns a third of EcoCash, the country’s top mobile money platform. But Masiyiwa’s interests today go far beyond telecom. Through his pan-African firm Cassava Technologies, he’s pivoting into sectors like fintech, energy, and AI. One of his most notable moves this year is the launch of Africa’s first AI factory, built in partnership with NVIDIA. The facility is designed to bring high-performance computing power to governments, researchers, and businesses while keeping data sovereignty in African hands. The rollout is already underway, starting in South Africa, with plans to integrate NVIDIA’s software to support local innovation in health, infrastructure, and education. Masiyiwa’s work today reflects a shift toward helping Africa build the digital tools it needs to compete globally.
- LeBron James
Net Worth: $1.2 billion | Age: 40 | Rank: 2,766 | Country: United States
LeBron James isn’t just redefining basketball greatness, he’s also reshaping what it means to be a business-savvy athlete. The first active NBA player to become a billionaire, James has spent years quietly building a sprawling portfolio. He holds stakes in Fenway Sports Group, Blaze Pizza, SpringHill Entertainment, and even Liverpool FC. His ability to negotiate smart equity deals, from Beats by Dre to his long-standing relationship with Nike, has helped him build real financial weight. More recently, he’s turned his attention to team ownership, exploring opportunities in the WNBA and joining a reported $7 billion bid for an NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas. While he’s still on the court, it’s clear that James is preparing for life well beyond it, with one foot in sports, and the other in high-stakes boardrooms.
- Michael Lee-Chin
Net Worth: $1.1 billion | Age: 74 | Rank: 2,913 | Country: Jamaica/Canada
Michael Lee-Chin made his name—and much of his fortune—in the financial world. After acquiring AIC Limited in 1987 with under $1 million in assets, he grew it into a $10 billion firm before selling it to Manulife in 2009. Today, the bulk of his wealth comes from a 60 percent stake in National Commercial Bank Jamaica. But recent years have seen him reshuffle his portfolio. He’s sold off his yacht (the AHPO, for $362 million), his TV network (CVM Television), and a prized beach property in Jamaica. His luxurious estate in the Cayman Islands is also up for sale. While his net worth has declined from a previous peak of $2 billion, Lee-Chin remains firmly in the billionaire bracket. Now, his focus has shifted toward long-term bets in sustainable energy—particularly Canada’s nuclear sector. He’s backing small modular reactors and hydrogen energy projects, while also expanding into healthcare, underscoring a deeper interest in sectors that promise both impact and longevity.
- Sheila Johnson
Net Worth: $1.1 billion | Age: 76 | Rank: 2,919 | Country: United States
Sheila Johnson became the first Black woman billionaire after co-founding BET, which she and then-husband Robert Johnson sold to Viacom for $3 billion in 2001. Since then, she’s steadily built an entirely new business chapter on her own terms. Through the Salamander Collection, her luxury hospitality group, she now runs high-end resorts in Washington, D.C., Charleston, and Jamaica. In 2024, her company partnered with Aspen Meadows Resort in Colorado, broadening its national reach. She also holds ownership stakes in major sports teams, including the WNBA’s Washington Mystics and the NBA’s Washington Wizards. Earlier this year, Johnson sold a longtime property, the Market Salamander building in Virginia, for $2.23 million, but retained the brand rights. That decision reflects how she’s managing her brand with precision, keeping legacy intact while adapting to a shifting real estate and hospitality market.
- Rihanna
Net Worth: $1 billion | Age: 37 | Rank: 3,000 | Country: Barbados/United States
Rihanna's transformation from a global music icon to a business mogul is among the most talked-about success stories in recent years. Co-owning Fenty Beauty with LVMH, she turned the brand into a $550 million revenue machine by 2020. She also owns a significant share of Savage X Fenty, which reached a $1 billion valuation in 2021. But Rihanna’s business ventures don’t stop there—she also has equity in music-streaming service Tidal and runs Roraj Trade LLC, which holds her trademarks across beauty, fashion, and now haircare. In 2024, she launched Fenty Hair, entering a booming global market expected to grow by nearly $20 billion in five years. That same year, she revived her partnership with Puma, debuting a new line of Avanti sneakers. Rihanna also owns a $14 million New York penthouse and a multi-million-dollar home in London, underscoring the global reach of her brand. Her ability to evolve—whether through music, fashion, or entrepreneurship—keeps her influence not just alive, but expanding.
- Herriot Tabuteau
Net Worth: $1 billion | Age: 55 | Rank: 3,415 | Country: United States
Herriot Tabuteau may not be a household name, but in biotech and Wall Street circles, he’s known as a major player. A trained physician turned entrepreneur, Tabuteau is the founder and CEO of Axsome Therapeutics, a firm focused on treatments for brain disorders. He started the company in 2012 and took it public just three years later. Today, he owns 15 percent of Axsome. Before launching the company, he worked in healthcare finance, including a stint at the hedge fund Healthco/S.A.C. Capital. He holds over 200 patents, and his research has earned multiple Breakthrough Therapy designations from the FDA. Tabuteau’s mix of scientific expertise and business strategy has put him in a rare category, someone who understands both the lab and the market.
