The world’s wealthiest people are often the subject of fascination and intrigue, with their vast fortunes and lavish lifestyles making headlines around the globe. While the majority of the world’s billionaires are of European or American descent, there is a growing number of wealthy individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those of African descent. In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of black billionaires, who are now making their mark in various industries around the world.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 14 richest black people in the world, their net worth, and their contributions to their respective industries.
Richest black people in the world
| Rank | Name | Net worth | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aliko Dangote | $14 billion | Nigeria |
| 2 | Mike Adenuga | $7.3 billion | Nigeria |
| 3 | Abdulsamad Rabiu | $6.9 billion | Nigeria |
| 4 | Robert F. Smith | $6.7 billion | United States |
| 5 | David Steward | $5.8 billion | United States |
| 6 | Patrice Motsepe | $3.3 billion | South Africa |
| 7 | Strive Masiyiwa | $3.3 billion | Zimbabwe |
| 8 | Oprah Winfrey | $3 billion | United States |
| 9 | Michael Jordan | $2.6 Billion | United States |
| 10 | Alex Karp | $1.7 billion | Germany |
| 11 | Michael Lee-Chin | $1.6 billion | Jamaica |
| 12 | Rihanna | $1.5 Billion | Barbados |
| 13 | Jay-Z | $1.4 Billion | United States |
| 14 | Tyler Perry | $1.4 Billion | United States |
1. Aliko Dangote
Net Worth: $14 billion
Aliko Dangote is a Nigerian businessman and entrepreneur who is widely considered one of the richest men in Africa. He is the founder and CEO of Dangote Group, a conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar, flour, and other commodities.
Dangote’s net worth is estimated to be around $14 billion, making him the richest black person in the world. He has received numerous accolades for his business acumen, including being named the Forbes Africa Person of the Year in 2014.
2. Mike Adenuga
Net Worth: $7.3 billion
Mike Adenuga is another Nigerian businessman and entrepreneur who has made a name for himself in the telecommunications industry. He is the founder of Globacom, a telecommunications company that has operations in Nigeria and other African countries.
Adenuga’s net worth is estimated to be around $7.3 billion, making him the second-richest
3. Abdulsamad Rabiu
Net Worth: $6.9 billion
Abdulsamad Rabiu is a Nigerian businessman and the founder of BUA Group, a conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar, and other commodities. He is also involved in philanthropic activities through his Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative, which focuses on education, health, and social welfare.
Rabiu’s net worth is estimated to be around $6.9 billion, making him one of the wealthiest black people in the world.
4. Robert F. Smith
Net Worth: $6.7 billion
Robert F. Smith is an American businessman and investor who is the founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm that specializes in investing in software companies. He is also known for his philanthropic work, including his donation of $34 million to pay off the student debt of the 2019 graduating class of Morehouse College.
Smith’s net worth is estimated to be around $5.2 billion, making him one of the wealthiest black people in the world.
5. David Steward
Net Worth: $5.8 billion
David Steward is an American businessman and the founder and chairman of World Wide Technology, a technology solutions provider. He is also a philanthropist, having established the David and Thelma Steward Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, and other charitable causes.
Steward’s net worth is estimated to be around $5.8 billion, making him one of the wealthiest black people in the world.
6. Patrice Motsepe
Net Worth: $3.3 billion
Patrice Motsepe is a South African businessman and the founder of African Rainbow Minerals, a mining company that has operations in South Africa and other African countries. He is also a philanthropist, having established the Motsepe Foundation, which focuses on education, health, and other social issues.
Motsepe’s net worth is estimated to be around $3.3 billion, making him one of the wealthiest black people in the world.
7. Strive Masiyiwa
Net Worth: $3 billion
Strive Masiyiwa is a Zimbabwean businessman and entrepreneur who is the founder and executive chairman of Econet Wireless, a telecommunications company with operations in several African countries. He is also involved in philanthropy through his Higherlife Foundation, which focuses on education, healthcare, and other social issues.
Masiyiwa’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 billion, making him one of the wealthiest black people in the world.
8. Oprah Winfrey
Net Worth: $2.6 Billion
Oprah Winfrey is an American media executive, actress, and philanthropist who is best known for her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show. She is also the founder of the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and has invested in several businesses, including Weight Watchers.
Winfrey’s net worth is estimated to be around $2.6 billion, making her one of the wealthiest black people in the world.
9. Michael Jordan
Net Worth: $1.7 billion
Michael Jordan is a retired American basketball player who is widely considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. He is also a successful businessman, with investments in several companies, including Nike and the Charlotte Hornets basketball team.
Jordan’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.7 billion, making him one of the wealthiest black people in the world.
10. Alex Karp
Net Worth: $1.6 billion
Alex Karp is an American businessman and the CEO of Palantir Technologies, a data analytics company that provides services to governments and other organizations. He is also involved in philanthropy, having established the Karp Foundation, which supports education and other charitable causes.
Karp’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.6 billion, making him one of the wealthiest black people in the world.
11. Michael Lee-Chin
Net Worth: $1.5 Billion
Michael Lee-Chin is a Jamaican-Canadian businessman and the founder of Portland Holdings, a financial services company. He is also a philanthropist, having established the Lee-Chin Institute at the University of Western Ontario, which focuses on promoting entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
Lee-Chin’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 billion, making him one of the wealthiest black people in the world.
12. Rihanna
Net Worth: $1.4 Billion
Rihanna is a Barbadian singer, actress, and entrepreneur who has made a name for herself in the music and fashion industries. She is the founder of Fenty Beauty, a cosmetics brand, and Savage X Fenty, a lingerie line.
Rihanna’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.4 billion, making her one of the wealthiest black people in the world.
13. Jay-Z
Net Worth: $1.4 Billion
Jay-Z is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and investor who has made a name for himself in the music and business worlds. He is the founder of Roc Nation, a music and entertainment company, and has investments in several other companies, including Uber and Ace of Spades champagne.
Jay-Z’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.4 billion, making him one of the wealthiest black people in the world.
14. Tyler Perry
Net Worth: $1.3 Billion
Tyler Perry is an American actor, writer, producer, and director who has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. He is the founder of Tyler Perry Studios, a production company that has produced several hit films and television shows.
Perry’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.3 billion, making him one of the wealthiest black people in the world.
Conclusion
These 14 individuals have not only made a name for themselves but have also contributed greatly to their respective industries, as well as their communities through philanthropy and other social initiatives. It is worth noting that although these individuals are considered some of the wealthiest black people in the world, they are still a minority in terms of representation in the global billionaire list. According to Forbes’ 2022 billionaire list, out of the 2,755 billionaires in the world, only 11 are black, with a combined net worth of $36.8 billion.
While the success of these 14 individuals is commendable and inspiring, it is important to remember that they are still a minority in terms of representation in the global billionaire list, and the wealth gap between white and black individuals is still a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Nevertheless, their success serves as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a bit of luck, anything is possible.