In its 2025 version, Forbes ranked 3,028 billionaires worldwide, collectively holding a staggering $16.1 trillion in wealth. Nonetheless, solely 23 Black billionaires made the record, representing simply 0.8% of the worldwide elite, with a mixed web price of $96.2 billion.
These Black billionaires have carved out their fortunes via industries corresponding to finance, vitality, know-how, sports activities, and leisure. Their journeys replicate extraordinary innovation, perseverance, and strategic brilliance.
Beneath are 20 of the wealthiest Black billionaires on this planet in 2025, based on Forbes, highlighting their web price, enterprise ventures, and influence:
20. Try Masiyiwa – $1.2 Billion (Zimbabwe)
Founding father of Econet Group, Masiyiwa’s telecoms empire spans a number of continents. His philanthropic efforts help schooling and healthcare in Africa.
Background: Born in Zimbabwe in 1961, Masiyiwa studied electrical engineering within the UK and labored for numerous firms earlier than founding Econet in 1993.
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Telecoms Imaginative and prescient: Econet Group operates telecommunications providers throughout Africa, with subsidiaries in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, and different international locations. The corporate has been instrumental in increasing cellular connectivity throughout the continent.
19. LeBron James – $1.3 Billion (USA)
The primary energetic NBA participant to succeed in billionaire standing, James earns from endorsements, manufacturing firm SpringHill, and investments.
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Background: Born in Akron, Ohio, in 1984, James entered the NBA instantly from highschool and has since received 4 NBA championships with three completely different groups.
Enterprise Portfolio: Past his NBA wage, James earns from his lifetime Nike deal, SpringHill Leisure (manufacturing firm), and investments in Blaze Pizza, Liverpool FC, and numerous start-ups.
18. Mohammed Ibrahim – $1.3 Billion (UK/Sudan)
Founding father of Celtel, bought for $3.4 billion, Ibrahim now focuses on good governance in Africa by way of the Mo Ibrahim Basis.
Background: Born in Sudan in 1946, Ibrahim studied electrical engineering within the UK and labored for British Telecom and Motorola earlier than founding Celtel in 1998.
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Telecoms Pioneer: Celtel grew to become considered one of Africa’s largest cell phone networks, working in 15 African international locations earlier than being bought to Zain Group for $3.4 billion in 2005.
17. Michael Lee-Chin – $1.4 Billion (Canada/Jamaica)
Lee-Chin made his wealth via Nationwide Business Financial institution Jamaica and funding agency AIC Restricted.
Background: Born in Jamaica in 1951, Lee-Chin immigrated to Canada, the place he labored as a bouncer, street crew member, and bus driver whereas finding out economics at McMaster College.
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Banking Empire: Nationwide Business Financial institution Jamaica is the nation’s largest financial institution, serving over 1.5 million clients. Beneath Lee-Chin’s management, the financial institution has expanded all through the Caribbean.
16. Herriot Tabuteau – $1.4 Billion (USA/Haiti)
Founding father of Axsome Therapeutics, a biotech agency targeted on psychological well being, Tabuteau is a newcomer to the billionaire record.
Background: Born in Haiti, Tabuteau is a physician-entrepreneur with experience in neurology and psychiatry. He moved to the USA for medical coaching and profession alternatives.
Biotech Innovation: Axsome Therapeutics focuses on creating remedies for central nervous system problems, together with melancholy, nervousness, and Alzheimer’s illness. The corporate has a number of promising medicine in medical trials.
15. Rihanna – $1.4 Billion (Barbados)
The music icon-turned-mogul constructed her fortune via Fenty Magnificence, Savage X Fenty, and profitable model partnerships.
Background: Born Robyn Fenty in Barbados in 1988, Rihanna grew to become a world music celebrity with over 250 million information bought worldwide and 9 Grammy Awards.
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Magnificence Revolution: Fenty Magnificence, launched in 2017, revolutionised the cosmetics business with its 40-shade basis vary, filling a spot for individuals of color that main manufacturers had ignored for many years.
14. Sheila Johnson – $1.4 Billion (USA)
A brand new entrant in 2025, Johnson co-founded BET and owns luxurious resorts and sports activities groups. She’s the primary Black lady billionaire in hospitality.
Background: Born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, in 1949, Johnson co-founded BET along with her then-husband Robert Johnson in 1980. She’s a skilled violinist and former music instructor.
Hospitality Empire: Johnson owns luxurious resorts together with Salamander Resort & Spa in Virginia and Innisbrook Resort in Florida. Her hospitality portfolio focuses on luxurious experiences and wellness.
Sports activities Funding: She has possession stakes within the Washington Mystics (WNBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), and Washington Wizards (NBA), making her one of many few girls to personal a number of skilled sports activities groups.
13. Magic Johnson – $1.5 Billion (USA)
Past basketball, Johnson holds a 60% stake in Equitrust and possession in groups just like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Sparks.
Background: Born in Lansing, Michigan, in 1959, Johnson led the Lakers to 5 NBA championships earlier than retiring as a consequence of an HIV analysis. He is since change into a profitable businessman and HIV advocate.
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Funding Technique: Johnson focuses on companies that serve underserved communities, bringing cinemas, eating places, and different providers to city areas beforehand missed by main firms.
12. Femi Otedola – $1.7 Billion (Nigeria)
Otedola’s investments in Geregu Energy and previous ventures like Forte Oil have cemented his place amongst Africa’s enterprise elite.
Background: Born in Lagos in 1962, Otedola comes from a political household—his father was a former Lagos State governor. He studied at Obafemi Awolowo College earlier than coming into enterprise.
Vitality Focus: After promoting Forte Oil, Otedola acquired Geregu Energy, considered one of Nigeria’s largest electrical energy technology firms. He is investing closely in increasing Nigeria’s energy technology capability.
