20 richest black billionaires in the world in 2025

In its 2025 edition, Forbes ranked 3,028 billionaires worldwide, collectively holding a staggering $16.1 trillion in wealth. However, only 23 Black billionaires made the list, representing just 0.8% of the global elite, with a combined net worth of $96.2 billion.

These Black billionaires have carved out their fortunes through industries such as finance, energy, technology, sports, and entertainment. Their journeys reflect extraordinary innovation, perseverance, and strategic brilliance.

Below are 20 of the wealthiest Black billionaires in the world in 2025, according to Forbes, highlighting their net worth, business ventures, and impact:

20. Strive Masiyiwa – $1.2 Billion (Zimbabwe)

Founder of Econet Group, Masiyiwa's telecoms empire spans multiple continents. His philanthropic efforts support education and healthcare in Africa.

Background: Born in Zimbabwe in 1961, Masiyiwa studied electrical engineering in the UK and worked for various companies before founding Econet in 1993.

Telecoms Vision: Econet Group operates telecommunications services across Africa, with subsidiaries in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, and other countries. The company has been instrumental in expanding mobile connectivity across the continent.

19. LeBron James – $1.3 Billion (USA)

The first active NBA player to reach billionaire status, James earns from endorsements, production company SpringHill, and investments.

Background: Born in Akron, Ohio, in 1984, James entered the NBA directly from high school and has since won four NBA championships with three different teams.

Business Portfolio: Beyond his NBA salary, James earns from his lifetime Nike deal, SpringHill Entertainment (production company), and investments in Blaze Pizza, Liverpool FC, and various start-ups.

18. Mohammed Ibrahim – $1.3 Billion (UK/Sudan)

Founder of Celtel, sold for $3.4 billion, Ibrahim now focuses on good governance in Africa via the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

Background: Born in Sudan in 1946, Ibrahim studied electrical engineering in the UK and worked for British Telecom and Motorola before founding Celtel in 1998.

Telecoms Pioneer: Celtel became one of Africa's largest mobile phone networks, operating in 15 African countries before being sold to Zain Group for $3.4 billion in 2005.

17. Michael Lee-Chin – $1.4 Billion (Canada/Jamaica)

Lee-Chin made his wealth through National Commercial Bank Jamaica and investment firm AIC Limited.

Background: Born in Jamaica in 1951, Lee-Chin immigrated to Canada, where he worked as a bouncer, road crew member, and bus driver while studying economics at McMaster University.

Banking Empire: National Commercial Bank Jamaica is the country's largest bank, serving over 1.5 million customers. Under Lee-Chin's leadership, the bank has expanded throughout the Caribbean.

16. Herriot Tabuteau – $1.4 Billion (USA/Haiti)

Founder of Axsome Therapeutics, a biotech firm focused on mental health, Tabuteau is a newcomer to the billionaire list.

Background: Born in Haiti, Tabuteau is a physician-entrepreneur with expertise in neurology and psychiatry. He moved to the United States for medical training and career opportunities.

Biotech Innovation: Axsome Therapeutics focuses on developing treatments for central nervous system disorders, including depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer's disease. The company has several promising drugs in clinical trials.

15. Rihanna – $1.4 Billion (Barbados)

The music icon-turned-mogul built her fortune through Fenty Beauty, Savage X Fenty, and lucrative brand partnerships.

Background: Born Robyn Fenty in Barbados in 1988, Rihanna became a global music superstar with over 250 million records sold worldwide and nine Grammy Awards.

Beauty Revolution: Fenty Beauty, launched in 2017, revolutionised the cosmetics industry with its 40-shade foundation range, filling a gap for people of colour that major brands had ignored for decades.

14. Sheila Johnson – $1.4 Billion (USA)

A new entrant in 2025, Johnson co-founded BET and owns luxury resorts and sports teams. She's the first Black woman billionaire in hospitality.

Background: Born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, in 1949, Johnson co-founded BET with her then-husband Robert Johnson in 1980. She's a trained violinist and former music teacher.

Hospitality Empire: Johnson owns luxury resorts including Salamander Resort & Spa in Virginia and Innisbrook Resort in Florida. Her hospitality portfolio focuses on luxury experiences and wellness.

Sports Investment: She has ownership stakes in the Washington Mystics (WNBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), and Washington Wizards (NBA), making her one of the few women to own multiple professional sports teams.

13. Magic Johnson – $1.5 Billion (USA)

Beyond basketball, Johnson holds a 60% stake in Equitrust and ownership in teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Sparks.

Background: Born in Lansing, Michigan, in 1959, Johnson led the Lakers to five NBA championships before retiring due to an HIV diagnosis. He's since become a successful businessman and HIV advocate.

Investment Strategy: Johnson focuses on businesses that serve underserved communities, bringing cinemas, restaurants, and other services to urban areas previously overlooked by major corporations.

12. Femi Otedola – $1.7 Billion (Nigeria)

Otedola's investments in Geregu Power and past ventures like Forte Oil have cemented his place among Africa's business elite.

Background: Born in Lagos in 1962, Otedola comes from a political family—his father was a former Lagos State governor. He studied at Obafemi Awolowo University before entering business.

Energy Focus: After selling Forte Oil, Otedola acquired Geregu Power, one of Nigeria's largest electricity generation companies. He's investing heavily in expanding Nigeria's power generation capacity.

11. Jay-Z – $2.5 Billion (USA)

Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z made his fortune from Roc Nation, Armand de Brignac champagne, and other business ventures, redefining the boundaries of culture and commerce.

Background: Born Shawn Carter in Brooklyn in 1969, Jay-Z grew up in the Marcy Houses housing project. He started selling records from his car boot before founding Roc-A-Fella Records.

Entertainment Empire: Roc Nation, founded in 2008, is a full-service entertainment company representing artists and athletes and producing content. The company manages the careers of top-tier talent across music, sport, and entertainment.

10. Oprah Winfrey – $3 Billion (USA)

The only woman in the top 10, Winfrey built her empire through media, with significant investments in real estate and Weight Watchers.

Background: Born in rural Mississippi in 1954, Winfrey overcame poverty and trauma to become one of the world's most influential media personalities. She started in radio before moving to television.

Media Legacy: "The Oprah Winfrey Show" ran for 25 years and reached 44 million viewers in the U.S. alone. She owns the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and has produced numerous successful television shows and films.

9. Patrice Motsepe – $3 Billion (South Africa)

Founder of African Rainbow Minerals, Motsepe is the first Black African to make Forbes' billionaires list (2008). He also owns digital bank TymeBank.

Background: Born in Soweto in 1962, Motsepe studied law at the University of the Witwatersrand and worked as a lawyer before entering the mining industry in the 1990s.

8. Michael Jordan – $3.5 Billion (USA)

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