In 2025, Black billionaires continue to rise as transformative leaders in various industries. These individuals have created wealth through innovation, strategic investments, and unwavering determination. Bizmart List provides a detailed look into the top 21 Black billionaires this year, showcasing how they amassed their fortunes and the profound impact they’ve made on the global economy.
From industrial giants like Aliko Dangote to entertainment moguls like Rihanna, these entrepreneurs have broken barriers, disrupted industries, and set new standards of success. Their stories are inspiring, offering valuable lessons for future generations of Black entrepreneurs. Let’s dive into the journeys of these remarkable individuals.
1. Aliko Dangote – The Industrial Powerhouse
Net Worth: $23.9 billion
Source of Wealth: Cement, Sugar, Oil
Citizenship: Nigeria
Aliko Dangote remains the wealthiest Black billionaire in the world. The founder of Dangote Group, his fortune is built on industries such as cement, sugar, and oil. The opening of the Dangote Refinery, the world’s largest single-train refinery, has dramatically increased his wealth. The refinery is expected to reshape Nigeria’s energy landscape and is one of Africa’s most ambitious industrial projects.
Impact: Dangote’s empire has fueled economic growth in Nigeria and Africa, creating jobs and supporting the continent’s industrial development.
2. David Steward – Tech Entrepreneur and IT 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 provides cutting-edge technology solutions to major Fortune 500 companies, generating nearly $20 billion annually. Steward’s leadership has helped WWT become a global player in IT services, particularly in cloud computing and technology solutions.
Impact: WWT’s success exemplifies how Black entrepreneurs can lead the way in technology, providing innovative solutions and fostering global 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 and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm focused on software investments. Smith’s firm manages more than $100 billion in assets, making it one of the largest private equity firms in the world. In addition to his business success, Smith is a philanthropist, with millions donated to support African-American education and social justice causes.
Impact: Smith’s influence in private equity and his philanthropic efforts have created opportunities for African-American students and helped reshape the tech landscape.
4. Tyler Perry – Entertainment Mogul and Filmmaker
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Source of Wealth: Movies, Television
Citizenship: United States
Tyler Perry revolutionized the entertainment industry with his creation of the Madea film franchise. He is also the first Black person to own a major Hollywood studio, Tyler Perry Studios. Perry’s wealth spans film, television, and real estate, and he has become a symbol of independent Black filmmaking.
Impact: Perry’s success has empowered Black filmmakers by demonstrating the power of ownership and creative control, transforming Hollywood in the process.
5. Rihanna – Music Icon and Beauty Mogul
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Source of Wealth: Music, Cosmetics (Fenty Beauty)
Citizenship: Barbados
Rihanna’s rise to billionaire status is primarily attributed to her inclusive cosmetics line, Fenty Beauty. The brand’s success has disrupted the beauty industry by offering products that cater to all skin tones. In addition to beauty, Rihanna has also made major investments in fashion, music, and real estate, solidifying her as a true mogul.
Impact: Fenty Beauty’s success has set new standards for inclusivity in the beauty industry, pushing other brands to follow suit and recognize the diversity of consumers.
6. Michael Jordan – Basketball Legend and Investor
Net Worth: $3.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Sports, Endorsements
Citizenship: United States
Michael Jordan is known for his unparalleled basketball career, but his wealth extends far beyond sports. Through strategic investments in Nike, his stake in the Charlotte Hornets, and various other ventures, Jordan has amassed a fortune worth billions. His global brand continues to thrive, bolstered by lucrative endorsements.
Impact: Jordan’s business success has redefined what’s possible for athletes after their playing careers, setting a model for building wealth and influence beyond sports.
7. Strive Masiyiwa – Telecom Innovator and Philanthropist
Net Worth: $1.2 billion
Source of Wealth: Telecom
Citizenship: Zimbabwe
Strive Masiyiwa is the founder of Econet Wireless, a telecom company that operates in several African countries. Econet has expanded mobile services and internet access across Africa, helping to connect millions of people to the digital world. Masiyiwa is also deeply involved in philanthropy, supporting education and healthcare initiatives.
Impact: Masiyiwa’s telecom ventures have been crucial in bridging the digital divide in Africa, making significant contributions to economic development on the continent.
8. Patrice Motsepe – Mining Mogul
Net Worth: $3 billion
Source of Wealth: Mining
Citizenship: South Africa
Patrice Motsepe is the founder of African Rainbow Minerals, a mining company with operations in gold, platinum, and other precious metals. Motsepe has expanded his wealth into banking, energy, and real estate. His philanthropic work focuses on alleviating poverty and improving healthcare and education across Africa.
Impact: Motsepe has played a key role in South Africa’s mining industry, and his charitable contributions have positively impacted the social and economic development of 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 an iconic media empire, from her long-running talk show to the launch of the OWN Network. Oprah is one of the most powerful women in the world, with her wealth extending into publishing, real estate, and strategic investments. She is also a philanthropist, particularly in the areas of education and women’s empowerment.
Impact: Oprah’s influence in media has transformed the landscape of television, paving the way for greater representation of Black people in entertainment.
10. Jay-Z – Hip-Hop Mogul and Business Tycoon
Net Worth: $2.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Music, Fashion, Business
Citizenship: United States
Jay-Z is the first rapper to reach billionaire status. His wealth stems from multiple business ventures, including his fashion brand Rocawear, his liquor brand D’Usse, and his streaming platform Tidal. Jay-Z has expanded his business portfolio to include real estate, art, and other lucrative investments.
Impact: Jay-Z has demonstrated that artists can build long-term wealth by diversifying their income streams and investing in industries outside of music.
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 focused on infrastructure investments. GIP has invested in energy, transportation, and utilities, and Ogunlesi has helped drive global infrastructure development.
Impact: Ogunlesi’s leadership has helped GIP grow into a major force in global infrastructure, investing in key sectors that shape the future of the world’s economies.
12. Magic Johnson – Entrepreneur and Former NBA Star
Net Worth: $1.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Basketball, Investments
Citizenship: United States
Magic Johnson has transitioned from NBA legend to successful businessman, with investments in movie theaters, Starbucks franchises, and sports teams. Johnson’s investment strategy focuses on minority-owned businesses, helping to create jobs and opportunities in underserved communities.
Impact: Magic Johnson’s focus on community investment has had a lasting impact on Black-owned businesses, providing wealth-building opportunities in areas that need it most.
13. Femi Otedola – Energy and Utilities Tycoon
Net Worth: $1.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Energy, Utilities
Citizenship: Nigeria
Femi Otedola is a leading figure in Nigeria’s energy sector. His company, Geregu Power, is one of Nigeria’s largest power generation firms. Otedola has diversified his wealth into real estate and finance, strengthening his influence in Nigeria’s economy.
Impact: Otedola’s contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector are critical to the country’s economic development, helping to address power shortages and create a more sustainable energy future.
Conclusion
Bizmart List’s compilation of the top Black billionaires of 2025 reveals how these individuals have built extraordinary wealth and reshaped industries across the globe. Their stories highlight the power of entrepreneurship, perseverance, and vision in achieving success. From industrial giants to entertainment moguls, these billionaires are leading the way in business and setting new standards for future generations of entrepreneurs.
Their legacies will continue to inspire change, drive innovation, and create opportunities for Black communities worldwide.
Final Thoughts:
The success of Black billionaires in 2025 is a testament to the growing power of Black entrepreneurs across industries. Bizmart List’s in-depth analysis reveals how these leaders have built empires and made significant contributions to the global economy. Their stories of resilience, innovation, and strategic thinking offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
