In 2025, Black billionaires continue to shape industries across the world, redefining success and proving that vision, hard work, and strategic investments can break barriers and create wealth. From business magnates in Africa to moguls in the entertainment and tech industries, these individuals have amassed incredible fortunes, leaving lasting impacts in their respective sectors. Bizmart List presents an in-depth look at the top 21 Black billionaires of 2025, delving into how they earned their wealth, their business empires, and their influence on the global economy.
Let’s take a closer look at these trailblazers who have not only built empires but have become pillars of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
1. Aliko Dangote – The Industrial Mogul of Africa
Net Worth: $23.9 billion
Source of Wealth: Cement, Sugar, Oil
Citizenship: Nigeria
Aliko Dangote remains the wealthiest Black billionaire globally in 2025. His empire, Dangote Group, spans cement, sugar, and oil. The completion of the $23 billion Dangote Refinery, the largest single-train refinery in the world, propelled his wealth. Dangote’s investments have significantly impacted Nigeria’s economy, particularly in energy and industrial sectors.
Impact: Dangote’s vision has led to job creation, economic growth, and industrialization across Africa, establishing him as a key figure in shaping the continent’s future.
2. David Steward – Tech Entrepreneur and IT Innovator
Net Worth: $11.4 billion
Source of Wealth: IT Solutions
Citizenship: United States
David Steward is the co-founder of World Wide Technology (WWT), a leading IT solutions provider with a revenue of $20 billion annually. His company serves Fortune 500 companies and government agencies, making it a powerhouse in the tech industry. Steward’s success underscores the importance of innovation and leadership in the tech sector.
Impact: WWT’s influence in the tech space has shown how Black entrepreneurs can excel in the IT services sector, making major contributions to the industry’s growth.
3. Robert F. Smith – Private Equity Pioneer
Net Worth: $10.8 billion
Source of Wealth: Private Equity
Citizenship: United States
Robert F. Smith is the founder of Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm focused on investing in software companies. Vista manages over $100 billion in assets and continues to make strategic investments in technology. Smith has also become a major philanthropist, particularly in supporting educational causes for African-American students.
Impact: Smith’s leadership in private equity has made Vista Equity Partners a key player in the software industry, and his charitable work has changed the lives of countless students.
4. Tyler Perry – Filmmaker and Entertainment Mogul
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Source of Wealth: Movies, Television
Citizenship: United States
Tyler Perry’s meteoric rise to success is a prime example of how owning content can lead to wealth. With his creation of the Madea film franchise and ownership of Tyler Perry Studios, Perry has built an entertainment empire. His studio is the first major Black-owned studio in Hollywood, and his investments in TV and real estate continue to expand his empire.
Impact: Perry has set a new standard in Hollywood, showing the power of owning one’s intellectual property and creating independent platforms for Black filmmakers.
5. Rihanna – Music and Cosmetics Mogul
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Source of Wealth: Music, Cosmetics (Fenty Beauty)
Citizenship: Barbados
Rihanna’s transformation into a beauty mogul with Fenty Beauty has reshaped the cosmetics industry, making inclusivity a priority. Her brand’s success, combined with her ventures in fashion and music, has catapulted her into billionaire status. Fenty Beauty alone made over $500 million in sales within its first year, solidifying her as one of the wealthiest self-made women in the world.
Impact: Rihanna’s success in beauty has challenged the traditional norms of the cosmetics industry, emphasizing diversity and inclusion and reshaping how beauty brands cater to diverse markets.
6. Michael Jordan – Basketball Legend and Investor
Net Worth: $3.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Sports, Endorsements
Citizenship: United States
Michael Jordan’s success extends far beyond basketball. With smart investments, including his stake in Nike and the Charlotte Hornets, Jordan has built a billion-dollar empire. His business ventures, combined with his endorsement deals, have made him one of the wealthiest athletes in history.
Impact: Jordan’s post-basketball career serves as a model for athletes who wish to leverage their fame and success into long-term business ventures.
7. Strive Masiyiwa – Telecom Pioneer and Philanthropist
Net Worth: $1.2 billion
Source of Wealth: Telecom
Citizenship: Zimbabwe
Strive Masiyiwa is the founder of Econet Wireless, a telecom company with operations across Africa. His work in expanding mobile services has connected millions of Africans to the digital world. Masiyiwa is also dedicated to philanthropy, with initiatives that support education, healthcare, and youth development.
Impact: Masiyiwa has brought telecom services to underserved regions in Africa, contributing to economic and social development through digital connectivity.
8. Patrice Motsepe – Mining Mogul and Investor
Net Worth: $3 billion
Source of Wealth: Mining
Citizenship: South Africa
Patrice Motsepe is the founder of African Rainbow Minerals, a mining company that operates in multiple sectors, including gold, platinum, and copper. He has expanded his wealth into banking, energy, and real estate. Motsepe’s philanthropic efforts focus on education and healthcare, with a focus on reducing poverty across Africa.
Impact: Motsepe’s mining empire has helped fuel Africa’s economic growth, and his charitable initiatives have positively impacted millions of people.
9. Oprah Winfrey – Media Mogul and Entrepreneur
Net Worth: $3 billion
Source of Wealth: TV Shows, Media
Citizenship: United States
Oprah Winfrey’s name is synonymous with media success. From her groundbreaking talk show to the launch of her OWN Network, Oprah has built an empire. She also made strategic investments in real estate and publishing, making her a dominant force in both media and business. Oprah’s philanthropy also plays a significant role in her legacy.
Impact: Oprah’s media empire has paved the way for greater representation of Black individuals in entertainment and has created vast opportunities for future media entrepreneurs.
10. Jay-Z – Music Mogul and Business Icon
Net Worth: $2.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Music, Fashion, Business
Citizenship: United States
Jay-Z, the first rapper to become a billionaire, has successfully turned his music career into a diverse business empire. His ventures span fashion (Rocawear), liquor (Armand de Brignac, D’Usse), and real estate. Jay-Z’s business portfolio exemplifies how artists can use their platforms to build wealth and create lasting impact.
Impact: Jay-Z’s entrepreneurial journey sets a precedent for how artists can transition into business, diversifying their income streams and building sustainable wealth.
11. Adebayo Ogunlesi – Private Equity Investor
Net Worth: $2.2 billion
Source of Wealth: Private Equity
Citizenship: United States
Adebayo Ogunlesi is the chairman and CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a leading private equity firm that focuses on infrastructure investments. GIP has investments in energy, transportation, and utilities, and Ogunlesi has played a crucial role in shaping infrastructure projects worldwide.
Impact: Ogunlesi’s firm has helped transform global infrastructure, bringing critical services and infrastructure to developing markets and creating jobs.
12. Magic Johnson – Entrepreneur and Former NBA Star
Net Worth: $1.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Basketball, Investments
Citizenship: United States
Magic Johnson’s investments in movie theaters, Starbucks, and sports teams have earned him a spot among the wealthiest Black billionaires. His focus on investing in minority communities has created wealth and opportunities in underserved regions, making him a role model for athletes-turned-investors.
Impact: Magic Johnson’s business strategy has focused on uplifting Black communities, showing how athletes can diversify their wealth and have a lasting social impact.
13. Femi Otedola – Energy Tycoon
Net Worth: $1.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Energy, Utilities
Citizenship: Nigeria
Femi Otedola’s wealth comes from his company, Geregu Power, which is one of Nigeria’s largest power generation companies. Otedola has also made substantial investments in real estate, finance, and utilities, further diversifying his wealth.
Impact: Otedola’s work in Nigeria’s energy sector is crucial for the country’s growth, ensuring that businesses and households have access to stable and reliable power.
14. Tope Awotona – Software Entrepreneur
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Source of Wealth: Software
Citizenship: United States
Tope Awotona is the founder of Calendly, a software platform that revolutionized scheduling for businesses and individuals. The company’s rapid growth and valuation at $3 billion reflect Awotona’s vision in the tech sector, creating a tool that simplifies the scheduling process worldwide.
Impact: Awotona’s innovation highlights the value of software in streamlining everyday tasks and demonstrates the potential for creating wealth through digital solutions.
Conclusion
Bizmart List’s detailed analysis of the world’s richest Black billionaires in 2025 reveals the diversity of industries in which these individuals have achieved tremendous success. From tech and entertainment to energy and private equity, these billionaires have reshaped industries, created wealth, and provided new opportunities for future entrepreneurs. Their stories are a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and hard work.
As these Black billionaires continue to grow their fortunes and influence, they will remain a source of inspiration for entrepreneurs around the world, showing that wealth can be built in any industry with the right approach and mindset.
Final Thoughts:
Black billionaires are not just amassing wealth—they are reshaping industries, fostering innovation, and driving social change globally. Bizmart List’s breakdown of their journeys provides valuable insights into how these extraordinary individuals achieved their success and the impact they continue to have on the world.