In 2025, Black billionaires are continuing to make monumental strides across industries, from entertainment and technology to energy and finance. These individuals have not only built substantial fortunes but have also reshaped industries, created new economic opportunities, and become symbols of inspiration for entrepreneurs worldwide. Bizmart List takes a deep dive into the top 21 Black billionaires of 2025, shedding light on how they accumulated their wealth and the ongoing legacies they are leaving behind.
From Aliko Dangote’s industrial empire to Rihanna’s groundbreaking beauty line, these Black billionaires demonstrate that vision, resilience, and innovative thinking can lead to extraordinary success. Let’s explore their remarkable stories and examine the wealth they’ve built through hard work and strategic investments.
1. Aliko Dangote – Africa’s Industrial Powerhouse
Net Worth: $23.9 billion
Source of Wealth: Cement, Sugar, Oil
Citizenship: Nigeria
Aliko Dangote remains the wealthiest Black billionaire in 2025. His fortune is largely built through Dangote Group, which operates in cement, sugar, and oil. His latest venture, the Dangote Refinery, is set to revolutionize Nigeria’s energy sector, further boosting Dangote’s fortune. The refinery is one of the largest of its kind globally, and its success is expected to cement Dangote’s legacy as one of Africa’s leading industrialists.
Impact: Dangote’s businesses have not only fueled industrialization across Africa but have created thousands of jobs and contributed significantly to the region’s economic development.
2. David Steward – Tech Entrepreneur and IT Innovator
Net Worth: $11.4 billion
Source of Wealth: IT Services
Citizenship: United States
David Steward co-founded World Wide Technology (WWT), a leading Black-owned IT services company with annual revenues approaching $20 billion. WWT provides technology solutions to major companies like Citi and Verizon, making it a powerhouse in the IT industry. Steward’s leadership and business strategy have made WWT a key player in global tech innovation.
Impact: WWT’s success highlights the importance of Black entrepreneurship in the tech sector and sets a precedent for future leaders in technology-driven industries.
3. Robert F. Smith – Private Equity Giant
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 that specializes in software investments. Smith’s firm has grown into one of the largest private equity firms in the world, managing over $100 billion in assets. He is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in supporting African-American education and promoting equality.
Impact: Smith’s success in private equity and his ongoing philanthropy are helping create opportunities for Black students and professionals, fostering social and economic change.
4. Tyler Perry – Entertainment Mogul and Filmmaker
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Source of Wealth: Movies, Television
Citizenship: United States
Tyler Perry is a pioneer in the entertainment industry, best known for creating the Madea franchise. He is also the first Black person to own a major Hollywood studio, Tyler Perry Studios. Perry’s wealth extends beyond film and television; his investments in real estate and digital streaming platforms continue to grow his empire.
Impact: Perry has redefined Hollywood by showing how Black creators can control their content and build wealth by owning their intellectual property.
5. Rihanna – Music and Beauty Mogul
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Source of Wealth: Music, Cosmetics (Fenty Beauty)
Citizenship: Barbados
Rihanna has transitioned from a global pop sensation to one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world. Fenty Beauty, her inclusive cosmetics line, was a breakthrough success, generating $500 million in its first year. Rihanna has expanded her empire into fashion, music, and real estate, solidifying her status as a self-made billionaire.
Impact: Rihanna’s success with Fenty Beauty has revolutionized the beauty industry by prioritizing inclusivity, setting new standards for cosmetics brands worldwide.
6. Michael Jordan – Basketball Legend and Investor
Net Worth: $3.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Sports, Endorsements
Citizenship: United States
Michael Jordan is one of the wealthiest athletes in the world, with his fortune derived not only from his basketball career but from smart investments and endorsement deals, particularly with Nike. His ownership stake in the Charlotte Hornets and investments in real estate have further solidified his wealth.
Impact: Jordan’s post-basketball success serves as a blueprint for athletes transitioning to business, showing how athletes can leverage their fame into long-lasting financial success.
7. Strive Masiyiwa – Telecom Pioneer and Philanthropist
Net Worth: $1.2 billion
Source of Wealth: Telecom
Citizenship: Zimbabwe
Strive Masiyiwa founded Econet Wireless, a telecom company that operates in several African countries. Econet has played a vital role in providing mobile communication and internet services across the continent, connecting millions to the digital world. Masiyiwa is also a philanthropist, with a focus on education and healthcare.
Impact: Masiyiwa’s contributions to telecom have expanded access to communication, driving economic growth and helping reduce poverty in many African nations.
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 that produces gold, platinum, and other metals. Motsepe has expanded his wealth into banking, energy, and real estate, and he is also committed to philanthropy, focusing on healthcare and education.
Impact: Motsepe’s leadership in mining and his dedication to philanthropy have helped drive economic development in South Africa while improving access to essential services.
9. Oprah Winfrey – Media Mogul and Entrepreneur
Net Worth: $3 billion
Source of Wealth: TV Shows, Media
Citizenship: United States
Oprah Winfrey built an empire in media, from her iconic talk show to the creation of the OWN Network. Oprah’s wealth extends into publishing, real estate, and strategic investments, while her philanthropic work focuses on education and social justice.
Impact: Oprah has paved the way for more Black entrepreneurs in media and entertainment, and her philanthropic efforts have had a profound impact on education and social causes.
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’s wealth has come from his success in music, fashion, and business. His ventures, including Rocawear, Armand de Brignac, and Tidal, have made him one of the wealthiest Black billionaires. Jay-Z’s investments in real estate, liquor, and other business ventures have helped diversify his wealth.
Impact: Jay-Z’s ability to turn his music career into a business empire has set a high bar for artists seeking to build wealth beyond their creative endeavors.
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’s portfolio includes energy, transportation, and utilities, and Ogunlesi’s firm has played a crucial role in developing critical infrastructure globally.
Impact: Ogunlesi’s leadership has helped shape the future of global infrastructure, enabling investments that support the world’s growing economic needs.
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 an empire through investments in movie theaters, Starbucks franchises, and sports teams. His focus on investing in minority communities has created wealth and provided job opportunities in underserved regions.
Impact: Magic Johnson’s focus on community investment has had a lasting impact, helping to create economic opportunities in areas that were traditionally underdeveloped.
13. Femi Otedola – Energy and Utilities Tycoon
Net Worth: $1.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Energy, Utilities
Citizenship: Nigeria
Femi Otedola’s wealth is built on his leadership in Nigeria’s energy sector, particularly through his company Geregu Power. Otedola’s investments also span real estate and finance, making him a key player in Nigeria’s economy.
Impact: Otedola’s contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector have been instrumental in providing power and driving economic growth across the country.
Conclusion
Bizmart List’s breakdown of the world’s top Black billionaires in 2025 highlights the incredible success of these entrepreneurs across various industries. From industrial magnates like Aliko Dangote to tech leaders like David Steward and entertainment moguls like Tyler Perry, these individuals have proven that hard work, resilience, and strategic thinking can lead to extraordinary success.
These Black billionaires are not just building wealth—they are transforming entire sectors, creating new opportunities, and reshaping the future of global business. Their stories serve as a powerful inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, showing that wealth creation is possible in any industry.
Final Thoughts:
The continued rise of Black billionaires in 2025 is a testament to the power of innovation, vision, and entrepreneurship. Bizmart List’s detailed analysis showcases how these leaders have not only created wealth but have also reshaped industries, making a lasting impact on the global economy. Their success will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs worldwide.
