In 2025, Black billionaires are leading the charge in reshaping industries, driving innovation, and creating lasting legacies across the globe. These remarkable individuals come from diverse backgrounds, including energy, technology, entertainment, and finance. Bizmart List takes a comprehensive look at the 21 wealthiest Black billionaires of 2025, shedding light on how they built their vast fortunes, their sources of wealth, and their ongoing contributions to industries worldwide.
These billionaires are not only amassing wealth—they are transforming entire sectors and inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs. Let’s explore their stories and understand the impact they continue to make in business and society.
1. Aliko Dangote – The Industrial Giant of Africa
Net Worth: $23.9 billion
Source of Wealth: Cement, Sugar, Oil
Citizenship: Nigeria
Aliko Dangote is Africa’s wealthiest Black billionaire, with a fortune built primarily from cement, sugar, and oil through his company, Dangote Group. His $23 billion Dangote Refinery, the largest single-train refinery in the world, has significantly boosted his wealth. The refinery is poised to transform the energy landscape across Africa.
Impact: Dangote’s investments have significantly contributed to industrialization in Nigeria, creating jobs and helping reduce the country’s reliance on imported refined products.
2. David Steward – IT Entrepreneur and Visionary
Net Worth: $11.4 billion
Source of Wealth: IT Services
Citizenship: United States
David Steward co-founded World Wide Technology (WWT), one of the largest Black-owned IT firms in the world. The company serves clients like Citi and Verizon, generating nearly $20 billion annually. Steward’s leadership in the IT sector has propelled WWT to become a major player in the global technology services industry.
Impact: WWT’s success shows how Black entrepreneurs can thrive in the tech space, contributing to global innovation and economic growth.
3. Robert F. Smith – Private Equity Leader
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 with over $100 billion in assets. The firm specializes in software investments, and Smith has become one of the wealthiest Black billionaires globally. Smith is also a philanthropist, particularly supporting education for African-American students.
Impact: Smith’s firm has made strategic investments in the software industry, and his philanthropy continues to support the next generation of Black leaders in education.
4. Tyler Perry – Entertainment Mogul and Filmmaker
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Source of Wealth: Movies, Television
Citizenship: United States
Tyler Perry is a pioneering figure in Hollywood, known for creating the Madea film franchise. As the owner of Tyler Perry Studios, he became the first Black person to own a major film studio. Perry’s wealth spans movies, TV productions, and real estate, with his focus on creative control and ownership of intellectual property.
Impact: Perry’s entrepreneurial model of owning his content has set new standards in Hollywood, giving Black filmmakers and creatives the opportunity to retain full control over their work.
5. Rihanna – Music and Beauty Mogul
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Source of Wealth: Music, Cosmetics (Fenty Beauty)
Citizenship: Barbados
Rihanna is a global icon whose wealth is largely tied to her inclusive cosmetics line, Fenty Beauty. The brand generated over $500 million in its first year, becoming a major player in the beauty industry. Rihanna’s business empire also spans fashion, music, and real estate.
Impact: Fenty Beauty has revolutionized the beauty industry by offering a wide range of shades, and Rihanna’s success 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. Beyond his sports career, Jordan’s wealth comes from lucrative endorsement deals with Nike, ownership of the Charlotte Hornets, and investments in real estate and other businesses.
Impact: Jordan has set a new standard for athletes, showing how their influence and brand can extend far beyond the court into profitable business ventures.
7. Strive Masiyiwa – Telecom Innovator and Philanthropist
Net Worth: $1.2 billion
Source of Wealth: Telecom
Citizenship: Zimbabwe
Strive Masiyiwa founded Econet Wireless, one of Africa’s largest telecom companies, providing mobile services and broadband across the continent. Masiyiwa has become a key figure in Africa’s digital transformation and is known for his philanthropic work in education and healthcare.
Impact: Masiyiwa’s work has connected millions to mobile networks and the internet, significantly improving digital inclusion across Africa.
8. Patrice Motsepe – Mining Magnate
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 gold, platinum, and other precious metals. Motsepe has expanded into banking, energy, and real estate, further building his fortune. He also supports social causes, including education and healthcare.
Impact: Motsepe’s leadership in the mining industry has helped grow South Africa’s economy, and his philanthropic efforts are improving lives across the continent.
9. Oprah Winfrey – Media Mogul and Entrepreneur
Net Worth: $3 billion
Source of Wealth: TV Shows, Media
Citizenship: United States
Oprah Winfrey has built a media empire that includes the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), film production, publishing, and real estate investments. Oprah is one of the most influential Black women in the world, and her philanthropy continues to make a difference in education and social justice.
Impact: Oprah’s success has opened doors for Black entrepreneurs in media and entertainment, and her philanthropic initiatives support education, women’s empowerment, and social causes.
10. Jay-Z – Hip-Hop Mogul and Business Icon
Net Worth: $2.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Music, Fashion, Investments
Citizenship: United States
Jay-Z is the first rapper to achieve billionaire status, with wealth generated from music, fashion (Rocawear), liquor (D’Usse), and real estate investments. Jay-Z has diversified his portfolio, with major stakes in brands like Armand de Brignac and Tidal, making him one of the wealthiest Black entrepreneurs.
Impact: Jay-Z’s success in music and business has set a new standard for artists, showing how they can diversify their wealth and build sustainable, long-term empires.
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’s portfolio includes energy, transportation, and utilities, making it a significant player in global infrastructure development.
Impact: Ogunlesi’s work in private equity has played a critical role in shaping the future of global infrastructure, ensuring that essential services continue to develop and grow in emerging markets.
12. Magic Johnson – Entrepreneur and Former NBA Star
Net Worth: $1.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Basketball, Investments
Citizenship: United States
Magic Johnson has built a multi-billion-dollar business empire after retiring from basketball. His investments in movie theaters, Starbucks franchises, and sports teams have created wealth and job opportunities, especially in underserved communities.
Impact: Johnson’s focus on community development through his investments has had a lasting impact on minority communities, providing access to economic opportunities that were previously unavailable.
13. Femi Otedola – Energy and Utilities 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 leading power generation companies. He has also diversified his investments into real estate and finance, further growing his wealth.
Impact: Otedola’s contributions to the energy sector are critical in addressing Nigeria’s power shortages and driving the country’s infrastructure development.
Conclusion
Bizmart List’s compilation of the top Black billionaires in 2025 showcases a diverse group of leaders who have made monumental contributions to industries ranging from entertainment and tech to energy and finance. Their success is not only about wealth accumulation—it is about breaking barriers, creating new opportunities, and making a lasting impact on the global economy.
From telecom to mining, private equity to media, these individuals are changing the way business is done, demonstrating that no industry is off-limits to Black entrepreneurs. Their stories are a powerful reminder that with determination, vision, and resilience, extraordinary wealth and influence are achievable.
Final Thoughts:
The rise of Black billionaires in 2025 reflects the growing influence and success of Black entrepreneurs across the globe. Bizmart List’s analysis provides key insights into how these leaders achieved their wealth and how their continued success is reshaping industries worldwide. Their legacies will inspire generations of entrepreneurs to come.
