Dangote is currently the richest Black person in the world according to The Black Wall Street Times.
In a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and hard work, the global landscape of wealth continues to evolve, welcoming individuals who have shattered ceilings and paved the way for a new era of prosperity.
From visionary entrepreneurs who have harnessed the potential of diverse industries to legendary figures who have left an indelible mark on the world stage, this listicle unveils the remarkable sources of wealth that have propelled these individuals to achieve unparalleled success.
1. Aliko Dangote ($10.8 billion):
Alhaji Aliko Dangote
Source of wealth – Cement, Sugar, Flour, and Salt manufacturing; Founder and Chairman of Dangote Group, Africa’s largest conglomerate.
2. Robert F. Smith ($8 billion):
Robert F. Smith.Amy Harris/Invision/AP
Source of wealth – Technology investment; Founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, specialising in software and technology investments.
3. David Steward ($7.6 billion):
David Steward [Bloomberg]
Source of wealth – Information technology; Co-founder and Chairman of World Wide Technology, a leading technology service provider.
4. Abdulsamad Rabiu ($5.6 billion):
Abdulsamad Rabiu is BUA founder (Forbes)
Source of wealth – Cement, Sugar, and Real estate; Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, a diversified conglomerate in Africa.
5. Mike Adenuga ($3.6 billion):
Mike Adenuga
Source of wealth – Telecoms, Oil, and Real estate; Founder of Globacom, Nigeria’s second-largest telecom operator, and Conoil, a major oil exploration company.
6. Jay-Z ($2.5 billion):
In 2023, Jay-Z’s net worth hit $2.5 billion.
Source of wealth – Music, Entertainment, Investments; Renowned rapper, entrepreneur, and co-owner of various companies, including Roc Nation and Tidal.
7. Oprah Winfrey ($2.5 billion):
Oprah Winfrey
Source of wealth – Media, Television, Entertainment; Talk show host, media mogul, and founder of OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network).
8. Patrice Motsepe ($2.3 billion):
South African businessman Patrice Motspe was elected Confederation of African Football (CAF) president last March for a four-year term.
Source of wealth – Mining, Investments; Founder and Chairman of African Rainbow Minerals, a mining company, and owner of diverse investments.
9. Michael Jordan ($2 billion):
Michael Jordan
Source of wealth – Basketball, Branding, Investments; Legendary NBA player and successful entrepreneur through his brand, Jordan Brand.
10. Strive Masiyiwa ($1.8 billion):
Strive Masiwiya, CEO of Econet Wireless
Source of wealth – Telecommunications, Investments; Founder of Econet Group, a leading telecom and technology group in Africa.
11. Alexander Karp ($1.8 billion):
Alexander Karp, CEO of Palantir, wrote that incorporating AI into defense is key.Scott Olson/Getty Images
Source of wealth – Technology; Co-founder and CEO of Palantir Technologies, a data analytics and software company.
12. Rihanna ($1.4 billion):
Rihanna attends the 2023 Golden Globes.Christopher Polk/NBC via Getty Images
Source of wealth – Music, Fashion, Cosmetics; International pop star, founder of Fenty Beauty, and successful fashion entrepreneur.
13. Michael Lee-Chin ($1.4 billion):
Michael Lee-Chin [Globe and Mail]
Source of wealth – Investments, Financial services; Chairman and CEO of Portland Holdings, with investments in various sectors.
14. Mohammed Ibrahim ($1.2 billion):
Mohammed Ibrahim [Buzz]
Source of wealth – Telecommunications, Investments; Founder of Celtel, a mobile telecom company, and active in various philanthropic efforts.
15. Tiger Woods ($1.1 billion):
Tiger Woods.Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Source of wealth – Golf, Endorsements; Renowned professional golfer with numerous victories and lucrative endorsement deals.
16. LeBron James ($1 billion):
LeBron James
Source of wealth – Basketball, Investments; NBA superstar, entrepreneur, and co-founder of SpringHill Company, a media production company.
17. Tyler Perry ($1 billion):
Tyler PerryGilbert Flores / Variety via Getty Images
Source of wealth – Entertainment, Film, Television; Successful actor, playwright, and filmmaker known for his Madea series and ownership of Tyler Perry Studios.
