Top 10 Black billionaires globally:

1. Aliko Dangote

Net worth: $23.9 billion

The Nigerian business magnate is the richest Black person in the world. His fortune, built with the Dangote Group, which has holdings in cement and sugar, received a significant boost in 2024 from the opening of his massive oil refinery in Nigeria.

2. Alexander Karp

Net worth: $14.3 billion

The American co-founder and CEO of software firm Palantir Technologies saw his net worth increase significantly after the company’s direct public offering in 2020. His mother is African-American.

3. David Steward

Net worth: $12.4 billion

The American co-founder and chairman of IT provider World Wide Technology is the richest Black American. His company generates around $20 billion in annual revenue.

4. Robert F. Smith

Net worth: $10 billion

An American private equity investor, Smith founded Vista Equity Partners, which focuses on software companies and manages over $100 billion in assets.

5. Mike Adenuga

Net worth: $6.8 billion

This Nigerian telecom and oil tycoon is the founder of Globacom, Nigeria’s second-largest mobile phone network, and the oil exploration firm Conoil.

6. Abdulsamad Rabiu

Net worth: $5.1 billion

Another Nigerian industrialist, Rabiu is the founder of the BUA Group, which has holdings in cement production, sugar refining, and real estate.

7. Michael Jordan

Net worth: $3.8 billion

The basketball legend’s business ventures, most notably his Jordan Brand with Nike and his recent sale of the Charlotte Hornets, solidified his status as a billionaire.

8. Oprah Winfrey

Net worth: $3 billion

The media mogul has built a vast empire through her talk show, production company, and OWN television network.

9. Patrice Motsepe

Net worth: $3 billion

A South African mining magnate and founder of African Rainbow Minerals, Motsepe was the first Black African to make the Forbes billionaire list in 2008.

10. Jay-Z

Net worth: $2.5 billion

The rapper and entrepreneur has diversified his wealth through a range of successful ventures, including Roc Nation, Tidal, and stakes in alcohol brands and Uber.

Forbes’ September 2025 ranking In a September 10, 2025 update, Forbes reported the following ranking for the richest Black billionaires in America:

1. Alexander Karp – $14.3 billion

The co-founder and CEO of the software firm Palantir Technologies topped Forbes’s list of Black billionaires in September 2025 due to a significant rise in his company’s stock price.

2. David Steward – $12.4 billion

The founder and chairman of World Wide Technology (WWT), a major IT provider, was the wealthiest Black American earlier in 2025 before being surpassed by Karp.

3. Robert F. Smith – $10.8–$11 billion

Smith is the founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, the largest Black-owned private equity firm in the U.S..

4. Michael Jordan – $3.8 billion

The NBA legend’s wealth comes from his ownership stake in the Charlotte Hornets (which he recently sold), endorsements, and various investments.

5. Oprah Winfrey – $3 billion

The media mogul has amassed her fortune through her media and business empire, including her talk show, magazine, and OWN cable network.

6. Jay-Z – $2.5 billion

A rapper and entrepreneur, Jay-Z’s fortune is based on his music career, record label, and investments, including his Armand de Brignac champagne.

7. Adebayo Ogunlesi – $2.2 billion

The Nigerian-born U.S. citizen is the founding partner of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), which was acquired by BlackRock in October 2025.

8. Earvin “Magic” Johnson – $1.5–$1.6 billion

The basketball legend’s wealth stems from a variety of business investments, including his majority ownership stake in insurance firm EquiTrust.

9. Tyler Perry – $1.4 billion

An actor, writer, and media producer, Perry became a billionaire in 2020 and has since grown his fortune from his successful movie and television franchises.

10. LeBron James – $1.3 billion

The NBA star became the first active billionaire basketball player in 2022. His wealth comes from his player salary, endorsements, and business ventures.