In 2025, Black billionaires are not just accumulating wealth—they are reshaping industries, innovating across sectors, and building lasting legacies. These influential individuals have proven that success comes in many forms, whether through industrial growth, groundbreaking technology, entertainment, or smart investments. Bizmart List highlights the top 21 Black billionaires of 2025, showcasing their incredible journeys to success and the impactful businesses they have created.
From Aliko Dangote’s massive cement empire to Rihanna’s cosmetic revolution, these individuals have shown the world that with hard work, vision, and perseverance, you can break barriers and build global empires. Let’s explore the stories of these powerful Black billionaires who continue to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
1. Aliko Dangote – Africa’s Industrial Titan
Net Worth: $23.9 billion
Source of Wealth: Cement, Sugar, Oil
Citizenship: Nigeria
Aliko Dangote is Africa’s wealthiest individual, holding the number-one spot on Bizmart List in 2025. The founder and chairman of Dangote Group, Dangote has amassed a fortune through industries like cement, sugar, and oil. His $23 billion Dangote Refinery, the world’s largest single-train refinery, is a game-changer for Nigeria’s energy sector, further solidifying his place as one of the wealthiest industrialists globally.
Impact: Dangote’s business empire has driven significant growth across Nigeria and Africa, creating jobs and making Africa a key player in the global industrial landscape.
2. David Steward – Tech 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 globally. The company generates nearly $20 billion in annual revenue and provides IT solutions to major clients, including Citi and Verizon. Steward’s leadership in the IT sector has helped WWT grow into a powerhouse that competes with the world’s largest tech companies.
Impact: WWT’s success demonstrates how Black entrepreneurs can thrive in the tech industry, making a significant impact on global business and innovation.
3. Robert F. Smith – Private Equity Leader
Net Worth: $10.8 billion
Source of Wealth: Private Equity
Citizenship: United States
Robert F. Smith founded Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm that manages over $100 billion in assets. The firm specializes in investing in software companies, and its success has contributed greatly to Smith’s fortune. Smith is also a philanthropist, focusing on supporting African-American education through various initiatives.
Impact: Smith’s role in transforming the private equity sector and his philanthropy have helped provide education and opportunities 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’s journey from playwright to billionaire is an inspiring success story. As the owner of Tyler Perry Studios, Perry made history as the first Black person to own a major Hollywood studio. His success spans film, TV, streaming, and real estate, with his iconic Madea franchise driving much of his fortune.
Impact: Perry has reshaped Hollywood by becoming a studio owner and creator, proving that independent Black filmmakers can control their own content and build lasting wealth.
5. Rihanna – Beauty Mogul and Music Icon
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Source of Wealth: Music, Cosmetics (Fenty Beauty)
Citizenship: Barbados
Rihanna’s rise to billionaire status is largely due to the success of her inclusive beauty line, Fenty Beauty. The cosmetics brand, which generated over $500 million in its first year, has revolutionized the beauty industry by offering products that cater to all skin tones. Rihanna’s business empire extends to fashion, entertainment, and real estate.
Impact: Fenty Beauty has set new standards for diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry, reshaping consumer expectations and influencing global trends.
6. Michael Jordan – Basketball Legend and Investor
Net Worth: $3.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Sports, Endorsements
Citizenship: United States
Michael Jordan is not just a basketball legend; he’s a savvy investor and businessman. Jordan’s wealth comes from lucrative endorsement deals, including with Nike, and his ownership of the Charlotte Hornets. His investments in real estate and other ventures have further expanded his fortune.
Impact: Jordan’s ability to transition from a sports icon to a business mogul has set a precedent for athletes seeking to build long-lasting wealth beyond their athletic careers.
7. Strive Masiyiwa – Telecom Magnate 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 across Africa. Econet has revolutionized mobile communication and internet access across the continent, connecting millions to the digital world. Masiyiwa is also a philanthropist, focused on education and healthcare initiatives.
Impact: Masiyiwa’s work has dramatically improved access to communication and internet services in Africa, contributing to economic growth and social development.
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 company that operates in the mining sector, including gold and platinum production. Motsepe has expanded his wealth into banking, energy, and real estate. His philanthropic efforts focus on healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation across Africa.
Impact: Motsepe has played a key role in shaping South Africa’s mining industry and has used his wealth to improve access to essential services for millions.
9. Oprah Winfrey – Media Mogul and Entrepreneur
Net Worth: $3 billion
Source of Wealth: TV Shows, Media
Citizenship: United States
Oprah Winfrey is a household name and one of the most influential media moguls in history. From her iconic talk show to the launch of OWN Network, Oprah has built an empire in media. Her wealth also comes from strategic investments in companies like Weight Watchers and her involvement in real estate.
Impact: Oprah’s success has created opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in the media industry and her philanthropy has had a profound impact on education and social justice.
10. Jay-Z – Hip-Hop Mogul and Business Tycoon
Net Worth: $2.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Music, Fashion, Investments
Citizenship: United States
Jay-Z is the first rapper to reach billionaire status. He has leveraged his success in music into lucrative investments in fashion (Rocawear), liquor (D’Usse), and real estate. His diverse business ventures have helped him become one of the wealthiest Black billionaires globally.
Impact: Jay-Z’s ability to diversify his wealth into different industries has set a model for other artists who wish to build wealth and influence beyond their music careers.
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 leading private equity firm focused on infrastructure investments. GIP’s portfolio includes energy, transportation, and utilities, and Ogunlesi has overseen major infrastructure projects globally.
Impact: Ogunlesi’s leadership in infrastructure investment has helped shape the future of global infrastructure, contributing to economic development and sustainability.
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 star to business mogul, with investments in movie theaters, Starbucks franchises, and sports teams. His focus on investing in minority communities has helped create jobs and provide economic opportunities in underserved areas.
Impact: Magic Johnson’s investments have had a lasting impact on Black communities, creating wealth and opportunity where it was once lacking.
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, particularly through his company Geregu Power, one of Nigeria’s largest power generation companies. Otedola’s investments span real estate and finance, making him one of Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals.
Impact: Otedola’s contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector have been critical in meeting the country’s growing energy demands and supporting infrastructure development.
Conclusion
The Bizmart List’s exploration of the top Black billionaires in 2025 reveals how these extraordinary individuals have shaped industries, transformed economies, and left lasting legacies. From technology and entertainment to energy and telecom, these Black billionaires have proven that wealth creation is possible in any sector. Their stories are a source of inspiration for entrepreneurs everywhere, showing that vision, determination, and strategic thinking can lead to extraordinary success.
As these billionaires continue to grow their wealth and influence, they will inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to break barriers, pursue their dreams, and create their own legacies.
Final Thoughts:
Black billionaires in 2025 are not just breaking records—they are redefining success across industries. Bizmart List’s analysis offers a closer look at how these individuals built their wealth and the impact they continue to have on the global economy. Their stories provide invaluable lessons in entrepreneurship, showing how anyone can build lasting wealth by leveraging opportunities and taking bold steps toward success.