In the latest Forbes list for 2023, a formidable lineup of influential figures has emerged as the richest black individuals globally.
This prestigious roster includes renowned names such as Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Jay-Z, and Rihanna, underscoring their remarkable achievements in business, music, and entrepreneurship.
This recognition highlights their immense impact on both their respective industries and the global economic landscape.
See full list…
1. Aliko Dangote ($10.8 billion)
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, tops the list.
2. Robert F. Smith ($8 B)
Smith founded private equity firm Vista Equity Partners in 2000.
3. David Steward ($7.6 B)
Founder and chairman of IT provider World Wide Technology.
4. Abdulsamad Rabiu ($5.6 B)
Founder of BUA Group, a Nigerian conglomerate active in cement production, sugar refining and real estate.
5.Mike Adenuga ($3.6 B)
Adenuga built his fortune in telecom and oil production; Glo and Conoil.
6. Jay-Z ($2.5 B) His music catalogue, sale of Ace of Spades and Cognac boosted his earnings.
7. Oprah Winfrey ($2.5 B)
Profits from her TV show of 25 years combined with profits from films make up her estimates.
8. PATRICE MOTSEPE ($2.3 B)
The founder and chairman of African Rainbow Minerals, became a billionaire in 2008 – the first black African on the Forbes list.
9. Michael Jordan ($2 B)
The NBA legend has earned $1.8 billion (pre-tax) from Nike, Hanes and Gatorade.
10. STRIVE MASIYIWA, ($1.8 B)
Owner of mobile phone network Econet Wireless, which was launched in Zimbabwe, his country of birth in 1998.
11. Alexander Karp ($1.8 B)
CEO of data mining firm Palantir Technologies, which received early backing from CIA investment arm In-Q-Tel.
12. Rihanna ($1.4 B)
The singer is a billionaire thanks to the success of cosmetics line Fenty Beauty.
13. Michael Lee-Chin ($1.4 B)
Lee-Chin made a fortune investing in financial companies like National Commercial Bank Jamaica and AIC Limited.
14. MOHAMMED IBRAHIM ($1.2 B) Ibrahim founded Celtel International in 1998, one of the first mobile phone companies serving Africa and the Middle East.
15. Tiger Woods ($1.1 B)
Woods has earned roughly $1.8 billion during his pro golf career, including a PGA Tour-record $121 million in prize money.
16. LeBron James ($1 B)
The first active NBA player to become a billionaire, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $1 billion in June.
17. Tyler Perry ($1B
Perry’s wealth comes from being a producer and from a library dating back to the early 1990s.
