15 of Richest Black Billionaires in the World in 2023

Black billionaires are some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world, creating wealth and opportunity for people from all walks of life. These influential individuals have made their fortunes through various industries, ranging from fashion to media and technology.

Some of these billionaires have become well-known philanthropists and agents of change in the business world, helping to create jobs and opportunities for people from underprivileged backgrounds.

In this article, we are going to take a look at several of the world’s richest black billionaires, how they made their money and where they rank on the net worth list.

List of the 15 Richest Black Billions and Where They Rank

Each of the black billionaires listed below are clear examples of how hard work and dedication to their craft can lead to success and financial freedom. Most have had humble beginnings, but through sheer determination and focus they have become some of the most successful black businessmen in the world. Their stories are an inspiration for anyone who is looking to achieve great things in life.

Aliko Dangote Net Worth - $13.5 Billion

Aliko Dangote Net Worth – $13.5 Billion

Aliko Dangote, worth an estimated $13.5 billion, is the wealthiest black billionaire in the world. He made his fortune by investing in sugar, flour and cement production and making shrewd investments in real estate, oil and gas. His company, Dangote Group, is also active in telecommunications, transportation and banking.

Robert Smith Net Worth - $8 Billion

Robert Smith Net Worth – $8 Billion

Robert Smith, worth an estimated $8 billion, is a technology investor and philanthropist. Smith made his fortune through private equity investments in technology companies such as Vista Equity Partners. He also founded the venture capital fund RLJ Equity Partners to invest in businesses focused on creating educational opportunities for African Americans.

Abdul Samad Rabiu Net Worth - $7.6 Billion

Abdul Samad Rabiu Net Worth – $7.6 Billion

Abdul Samad Rabiu is worth an estimated $7.6 billion and is a Nigerian businessman who made his fortune through investments in cement production, real estate and banking. He owns BUA Group, an international conglomerate with interests in sugar refining, flour milling and pasta manufacturing.

David Steward Net Worth - $6 Billion

David Steward Net Worth – $6 Billion

David Steward, with an estimated net worth of $6 billion, is an entrepreneur who founded World Wide Technology, a Fortune 500 IT services provider. His company has provided products and services to large corporations including Boeing, Microsoft and Walmart. In addition to his business success, Steward is known for his charitable works; he co-founded the Urban League of Metropolitan St Louis and sits on several boards dedicated to helping underserved communities.

Mike Adenuga Net Worth - $5.7 Billion

Mike Adenuga Net Worth – $5.7 Billion

Mike Adenuga is worth an estimated $5.7 billion dollars and ranks second amongst black billionaires worldwide; he created his wealth primarily through investments in oil exploration and telecoms businesses. Adenuga’s publicly-traded energy firm Conoil Producing produces more than 20000 barrels of crude each day while Globacom is one of Nigeria’s leading mobile phone companies.

Oprah Winfrey Net Worth - $2.7 Billion

Oprah Winfrey Net Worth – $2.7 Billion

Oprah Winfrey, worth an estimated $2.7 billion, is a renowned media mogul and philanthropist whose success has spanned multiple industries including television, films and magazines. She founded the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) which broadcasts programs to millions of viewers worldwide.

Patrice Motsepe Net Worth - $3.2 Billion

Patrice Motsepe Net Worth – $3.2 Billion

Patrice Motsepe is worth an estimated $3.2 billion and is a South African mining magnate who made his fortune by investing in gold, platinum and ferrous metals mining. He is the founder of African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) which owns gold, base metal, platinum and iron ore operations throughout Africa.

Strive Masiyiwa Net Worth – $1.9 Billion

Strive Masiyiwa’s net worth is estimated at $1.9 billion; he is a Zimbabwean entrepreneur who made his fortune by investing in telecoms businesses such as Econet Wireless. Masiyiwa also founded the Higherlife Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping African children access quality education.

Michael Jordan Net Worth - $1.6 Billion

Michael Jordan Net Worth – $1.6 Billion

Michael Jordan is one of the world’s most recognizable athletes and has a net worth of $1.6 billion; he earned much of his fortune through endorsements from Nike and other major brands as well as his ownership stake in NBA franchise Charlotte Hornets.

Michael Lee-Chin Net Worth - $1.6 Billion

Michael Lee-Chin Net Worth – $1.6 Billion

Michael Lee-Chin is one of the wealthiest black billionaires in the world, with an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion. He made his fortune through investments in financial services and real estate businesses such as AIC Limited, Portland Holdings Inc., Grand Bahama Port Authority Ltd., and National Commercial Bank Jamaica Ltd. He is also the founder of Mandeville Private Client Inc., a boutique wealth management firm based in Canada.

Rihanna Net Worth - $1.4 Billion

Rihanna Net Worth – $1.4 Billion

Rihanna has become one of the richest black billionaires globally, with a net worth of around $1.4 billion. She made her money from her highly successful music career, which began when she signed to Jay-Z’s Def Jam Recordings at the age of 16. Since then she has released hit singles and albums, as well as launching successful makeup, skincare and lingerie lines.

Tope Awotona Net Worth - $1.4 Billion

Tope Awotona Net Worth – $1.4 Billion

Tope Awotona is worth an estimated $1.4 billion and is the founder of cloud computing company CapLinked, a secure platform that helps businesses manage complex transactions online. He also founded one of Africa’s first Internet Service Providers and has invested in several other tech startups.

Jay-Z Net Worth - $1.3 Billion

Jay-Z Net Worth – $1.3 Billion

Jay-Z is one of the most iconic hip hop artists in history and he has amassed a net worth of $1.3 billion. He founded Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995 and his numerous business ventures have included the record label, music streaming service Tidal, an endorsement deal with Budweiser and investments in companies such as Uber and Armand de Brignac champagne. He also owns a stake in the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets basketball team. His hard work over the years means that he is now one of the world’s wealthiest black billionaires.

Tyler Perry Net Worth - $1 Billion

Tyler Perry Net Worth – $1 Billion

Tyler Perry is worth an estimated $1 billion; he created his fortune primarily through the production of films, television shows, plays and books which have been seen by millions of people worldwide. He is also the founder of Tyler Perry Studios which produces films and TV shows for network television as well as streaming services like Netflix.

LeBron James Net Worth - $1 Billion

LeBron James Net Worth – $1 Billion

LeBron James is another example of a black billionaire with an impressive net worth of $1 billion. He started playing basketball professionally at the age of 18 and earned multiple MVP awards during his NBA career. Off court he has invested heavily in many businesses including Blaze Pizza chain, signed lucrative endorsements deals with brands such as Coca-Cola, Nike and Beats By Dr Dre. These investments have helped him reach the status of a billionaire.

Black Billionaire FAQ

How many black billionaires are in the world today?

There are currently more than 3,100 billionaires in the world, but there are only 15 that are Black. Of those listed, the majority (and richest) of them are from Nigeria.

How many black billionaires are in the United States?

There are currently seven black billionaires in the United States. Such names include Rihanna, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Jay-Z and Tope Awotona.

Black Billionaires and Business Owners in the World Today

These remarkable individuals each have achieved incredible financial success, proving that hard work and dedication can lead to astounding levels of wealth and success. Their stories are inspiring examples of how anyone can achieve their dreams with a combination of passion, vision and commitment.

No matter what industry they work in, these black billionaires are proof that dreams do come true! And if you’d like to see more articles like this one, check out our lists of wealthy models, and rich TikTokers.