In 2025, the success of Black billionaires continues to rise across the globe, spanning industries from technology to entertainment, energy, and finance. These individuals have not only built substantial wealth but have also reshaped industries, broken barriers, and become powerful icons of entrepreneurship. Bizmart List offers an in-depth exploration of the top 21 Black billionaires of 2025, their paths to success, and the legacies they are creating across the world.
From industrialists like Aliko Dangote to beauty moguls like Rihanna, these figures exemplify the profound impact of innovation, resilience, and strategic thinking. Let’s dive into their stories and see how they’ve achieved financial greatness and changed industries in the process.
1. Aliko Dangote – Africa’s Wealthiest Industrialist
Net Worth: $23.9 billion
Source of Wealth: Cement, Sugar, Oil
Citizenship: Nigeria
Aliko Dangote is the wealthiest Black billionaire globally in 2025. The founder of Dangote Group, his fortune is primarily derived from cement production, sugar refining, and oil. His latest project, the Dangote Refinery, is the world’s largest single-train refinery, which has significantly boosted his wealth. The refinery is projected to make a substantial impact on Nigeria’s energy sector, making Dangote one of the most powerful industrialists in the world.
Impact: Dangote’s vast empire has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s industrialization, providing jobs and playing a pivotal role in the country’s economic growth.
2. David Steward – Tech Entrepreneur and IT Pioneer
Net Worth: $11.4 billion
Source of Wealth: IT Solutions
Citizenship: United States
David Steward co-founded World Wide Technology (WWT), a leading Black-owned tech firm that provides IT solutions to Fortune 500 companies. With nearly $20 billion in annual revenue, WWT has become a major player in the global tech services sector. Steward’s ability to grow WWT into an industry leader is a testament to his business acumen and strategic vision.
Impact: WWT’s impact on the tech industry has been profound, as it continues to drive innovation and serve clients worldwide.
3. Robert F. Smith – Private Equity Pioneer
Net Worth: $10.8 billion
Source of Wealth: Private Equity
Citizenship: United States
Robert F. Smith founded Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm with over $100 billion in assets under management. The firm focuses on investing in software companies, and Smith’s leadership has solidified his position as one of the wealthiest Black billionaires in the world. Smith is also known for his philanthropic contributions, particularly in supporting African-American education.
Impact: Smith’s work in private equity has reshaped the tech industry, and his philanthropy continues to support educational initiatives for underserved communities.
4. Tyler Perry – Entertainment Mogul and Filmmaker
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Source of Wealth: Movies, Television
Citizenship: United States
Tyler Perry is a force in the entertainment industry, known for his creation of the Madea franchise and his ownership of Tyler Perry Studios. He is the first Black person to own a major film studio in the U.S., and his wealth continues to grow through film, TV production, and real estate investments. Perry’s ability to retain full ownership of his content has allowed him to build a significant media empire.
Impact: Perry’s innovative approach to ownership has set new standards in Hollywood, particularly for Black filmmakers looking to control their creative work.
5. Rihanna – A Beauty Mogul and Music Icon
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Source of Wealth: Music, Cosmetics (Fenty Beauty)
Citizenship: Barbados
Rihanna’s transition from a global pop sensation to a billionaire mogul in the beauty industry is nothing short of extraordinary. Fenty Beauty, her cosmetics line, was praised for its inclusivity and broke sales records, making her one of the wealthiest self-made women in the world. Rihanna has expanded her business empire into fashion, music, and philanthropy.
Impact: Fenty Beauty’s success has revolutionized the beauty industry by prioritizing inclusivity, and Rihanna’s business savvy continues to inspire women entrepreneurs worldwide.
6. Michael Jordan – Basketball Legend and Investor
Net Worth: $3.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Sports, Endorsements
Citizenship: United States
Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, but his wealth extends far beyond the basketball court. His partnerships with Nike and ownership of the Charlotte Hornets have made him a business icon. Jordan has built an empire in fashion, sports, and investments, cementing his status as one of the richest Black billionaires in the world.
Impact: Jordan’s ability to leverage his fame and transition into successful business ventures has set a new standard for athletes looking to build wealth off the field.
7. Strive Masiyiwa – Telecom Mogul and Philanthropist
Net Worth: $1.2 billion
Source of Wealth: Telecom
Citizenship: Zimbabwe
Strive Masiyiwa is the founder of Econet Wireless, one of Africa’s largest telecom companies. Econet provides mobile services, broadband internet, and mobile banking, transforming access to communication and financial services for millions of people across Africa. Masiyiwa is also known for his philanthropy, focusing on education and healthcare.
Impact: Masiyiwa’s telecom ventures have connected millions of people to the internet and mobile services, driving economic growth and creating new opportunities in underserved regions.
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 diversified mining company with operations in gold, platinum, and other precious metals. In addition to mining, Motsepe has expanded into banking, energy, and real estate. His wealth is a result of his investments across multiple sectors, and he is also dedicated to philanthropy, supporting education and healthcare in Africa.
Impact: Motsepe’s leadership in the mining sector has helped boost the South African economy, and his charitable initiatives have made a positive impact on millions of people across the continent.
9. Oprah Winfrey – Media Mogul and Philanthropist
Net Worth: $3 billion
Source of Wealth: TV Shows, Media
Citizenship: United States
Oprah Winfrey’s name is synonymous with success. From her groundbreaking talk show to the launch of OWN Network, Oprah has built a media empire. Oprah is one of the most influential women in the world, and her wealth comes from various investments, including her stake in Weight Watchers and other business ventures. Oprah’s philanthropy focuses on education and empowering women and children.
Impact: Oprah’s media empire has changed the landscape of television and has opened doors for Black entrepreneurs in the entertainment industry.
10. Jay-Z – Hip-Hop Mogul and Entrepreneur
Net Worth: $2.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Music, Fashion, Business
Citizenship: United States
Jay-Z has gone beyond being a legendary rapper to becoming a business mogul with interests in liquor (D’Usse), fashion (Rocawear), and real estate. Jay-Z’s investments in companies like Armand de Brignac and Tidal have expanded his wealth significantly. His ability to diversify his portfolio has set a precedent for artists looking to build lasting legacies.
Impact: Jay-Z’s business ventures have demonstrated the power of investing across industries, helping to pave the way for artists to become entrepreneurs.
11. Adebayo Ogunlesi – Private Equity Leader
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 private equity firm specializing in infrastructure investments. GIP has investments in energy, transportation, and utilities, and has played a significant role in global infrastructure projects.
Impact: Ogunlesi’s leadership in infrastructure investments has helped build and shape the global economy, contributing to sustainable development worldwide.
12. Magic Johnson – Entrepreneur and Former NBA Star
Net Worth: $1.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Basketball, Investments
Citizenship: United States
Magic Johnson has become a business icon after retiring from the NBA. He has invested in a variety of industries, including movie theaters, sports teams, and franchises like Starbucks. Johnson’s focus on investing in minority communities has created new opportunities for wealth generation.
Impact: Magic Johnson’s investment strategy has made him a role model for athletes and entrepreneurs, demonstrating how to create lasting wealth beyond one’s athletic career.
13. Femi Otedola – Energy and Utilities Tycoon
Net Worth: $1.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Energy, Utilities
Citizenship: Nigeria
Femi Otedola made his fortune in energy and utilities, particularly through Geregu Power, a leading power generation company in Nigeria. Otedola’s investments also span finance and real estate, making him one of Nigeria’s wealthiest businessmen.
Impact: Otedola’s influence in Nigeria’s energy sector plays a vital role in addressing the country’s power shortages and supporting infrastructure growth.
Conclusion
Bizmart List’s deep dive into the wealthiest Black billionaires in 2025 showcases the diverse industries in which they have excelled. These entrepreneurs have not only amassed fortunes but have also created global influence, driven economic growth, and paved the way for future generations of Black entrepreneurs. From tech and media to telecom and energy, their stories serve as an inspiration for aspiring business leaders around the world.
Their continued success demonstrates that no industry is out of reach, and with vision, hard work, and strategic investments, anyone can break barriers and achieve extraordinary wealth.
Final Thoughts:
The rise of Black billionaires in 2025 reflects the growing diversity in the global economy and highlights the immense potential for entrepreneurship across various industries. Bizmart List’s analysis of these individuals offers valuable insights into their journeys, showcasing how they built their fortunes and transformed industries along the way. Their legacies will continue to inspire entrepreneurs for generations to come.