Earlier this month, Forbes released its annual World’s Billionaires list, featuring 3,028 entrepreneurs, investors, and heirs—a jump of 247 from last year. Not only are there more billionaires, but their collective wealth has surged to $16.1 trillion, nearly $2 trillion more than in 2024.
The U.S. leads with a record 902 billionaires, followed by China (516, including Hong Kong) and India (205).
Among them, 23 are Black, making up just 0.8% of the total, but they’ve collectively earned an impressive $96.2 billion, mainly from sectors like finance, energy, and tech.
At the top of the list is Aliko Dangote, the wealthiest person in Nigeria and the founder of Dangote Group, the biggest conglomerate in West Africa. Dangote ranks as the 83rd-richest person in the world and holds the title of the richest Black person globally.
Robert F. Smith, Michael Jordan, and Jay-Z have made it to the top 10 of Forbes‘ list of Black billionaires for 2025. As the first Black owner of a $100 billion private equity firm, Smith leads the charge, while Jordan and Jay-Z continue to build their fortunes through smart business ventures, endorsements, and groundbreaking investments.
At number 3 on the list, Smith is recognized for his success with Vista Equity Partners, the largest Black-owned private equity firm in the U.S. Smith, who founded Vista in 2000, has amassed a net worth of $10.8 billion, with a significant portion of his wealth tied to his firm’s investments in software companies.
At number 7, Jordan has seen his net worth grow to $3.5 billion. The legendary basketball player, former owner of the Charlotte Hornets, and successful entrepreneur with endorsements from Nike, Hanes, and Gatorade, continues to set the standard for Black wealth in sports.
Despite selling his majority stake in the Hornets in 2023, his legacy and business ventures have firmly cemented him as one of the most influential figures in both the sports and business worlds.
Jay-Z, with a net worth of $2.5 billion, takes the number 10 spot, further solidifying his place as a mogul in the music and business industries.
The rapper-turned-businessman has built a diverse portfolio, including ventures in alcohol (D’Usse, Armand de Brignac), fashion (Rocawear), and streaming services (Tidal), making him one of the wealthiest entertainers in the world. His influence extends beyond music, as he continues to use his wealth and platform to shape industries and support social causes.
These three men are just a few of the Black billionaires who have reached past the glass ceiling, but there are more incredible stories of success.
Here’s a look at the full list of Black billionaires for 2025:
1. Aliko Dangote – $23.9 billion (Nigeria)
2. David Steward – $11.4 billion (U.S.)
3. Robert F. Smith – $10.8 billion (U.S.)
4. Alexander Karp – $8.4 billion (U.S)
5. Mike Adenuga – $6.8 billion (Nigeria)
6. Abdulsamad Rabiu – $5.1 billion (Nigeria)
7. Michael Jordan – $3.5 billion (U.S.)
8. (tie) Patrice Motsepe – $3 billion (South Africa)
8. (tie) Oprah Winfrey – $3 billion (U.S.)
10. Jay-Z – $2.5 billion (U.S.)
11. Adebayo Ogunlesi – $2.2 billion (U.S.)
12. (tie) Magic Johnson – $1.5 billion (U.S.)
12. (tie) Femi Otedola – $1.5 billion (U.S.)
14. (tie) Tope Awotona – $1.4 billion (U.S.)
14. (tie) Tyler Perry – $1.4 billion (U.S.)
14. (tie) Tiger Woods – $1.4 billion (U.S.)
14. (tie) Rihanna – $1.4 billion (U.S.)
18. (tie) Mohammed Ibrahim – $1.3 billion (UK)
18. (tie) LeBron James – $1.3 billion (U.S.)
20. Strive Masiyiwa – $1.2 billion (Zimbabwe)
21. (tie) Michael Lee-Chin – $1.1 billion (Canada)
21. (tie) Herriot Tabuteau – $1.1 billion (U.S.)
23. (tie) Sheila Johnson – $1 billion (U.S.)
