Meet The Top 10 Richest Black People in the World

Billionaires make the world go round, and Black billionaires? Well, they do it with flair, power, and a whole lot of business acumen. According to Forbes’ real-time billionaire rankings, these individuals have built colossal fortunes across various industries, including technology, cement, telecommunications, media, and oil. While their bank accounts are jaw-dropping, their influence extends far beyond their wealth. From Africa to the United States, these moguls shape industries, fund social causes, and redefine Black excellence on a global scale.

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These billionaires aren’t just stacking cash; they’re shaping industries, economies, and opportunities for others. Whether through tech, telecom, sports, or investment, their success stories prove that Black excellence knows no limits. As the global economy shifts and new players emerge, one thing is clear—the list of richest Black billionaires will keep evolving. Who knows? The next big name might just be someone reading this article. So, who’s making it rain at the very top? Let’s dive into the 10 richest Black people in the world as of October 2024.

1. David Steward – The Silent Tech Tycoon

Net Worth: $11.4 billion Country: USA Industry: Information Technology David Steward isn’t one for the spotlight, but his money does all the talking. As the co-founder of World Wide Technology (WWT), he has built a powerhouse IT firm that serves massive corporations, including Fortune 500 companies. In a surprising turn of events, Steward has overtaken Aliko Dangote to become the wealthiest Black person on the planet. Who knew software solutions could be more lucrative than cement?

2. Aliko Dangote – The Cement King of Africa

Net Worth: $11.3 billion Country: Nigeria Industry: Cement, Sugar Aliko Dangote has long been Africa’s richest man, and even though he slipped to second place, he remains a financial giant. His Dangote Group dominates cement and sugar production, essential industries fueling Africa’s infrastructure and development. With expansion plans for Dangote Refinery, this man isn’t backing down anytime soon.

3. Robert F. Smith – The Billionaire Investor Who Paid It Forward

Net Worth: $10.8 billion Country: USA Industry: Investment Robert F. Smith made headlines in 2019 when he wiped out student loan debt for Morehouse College graduates. But beyond his philanthropy, he’s the brain behind Vista Equity Partners, a firm specializing in software investments. Tech and investment? The man cracked the wealth code.

4. Mike Adenuga – The Telecom and Oil Powerhouse

Net Worth: $6.7 billion Country: Nigeria Industry: Telecommunications, Oil If you’ve made a phone call in West Africa, chances are Mike Adenuga’s Globacom made it possible. The Nigerian billionaire built a telecom empire while also raking in billions from oil through Conoil Producing. Between communication and crude, Adenuga knows how to cash in.

5. Abdulsamad Rabiu – The Infrastructure Mogul

Net Worth: $4.8 billion Country: Nigeria Industry: Cement, Sugar Nigeria’s industrialization owes a lot to Abdulsamad Rabiu. Through his BUA Group, he’s pushing cement and sugar production to new heights. If there’s one thing Rabiu understands, it’s that Africa needs to build—both physically and economically.

6. Michael Jordan – From Dunking to Dollars

Net Worth: $3.5 billion Country: USA Industry: Business, Sports “Air Jordan” isn’t just a shoe; it’s a multi-billion-dollar legacy. Michael Jordan may have been basketball royalty, but his post-retirement investments—Charlotte Hornets stake, Nike royalties, and lucrative endorsements—have solidified his billionaire status. From slam dunks to stock options, MJ stays winning.

7. Oprah Winfrey – The Queen of Media

Net Worth: $3 billion Country: USA Industry: Media, Entertainment Is there anyone more legendary in media than Oprah? From The Oprah Winfrey Show to OWN Network and film productions, she has built a media empire that transcends generations. Whether she’s interviewing royalty or funding schools in Africa, Oprah’s impact is global.

8. Patrice Motsepe – South Africa’s Mining Magnate

Net Worth: $3 billion Country: South Africa Industry: Mining, Investment Patrice Motsepe dug deep—literally—to build his fortune. Through African Rainbow Minerals, he struck gold (and other minerals), making him one of Africa’s wealthiest men. A key investor and philanthropist, he’s dedicated to uplifting African economies.

9. Jay-Z – Hip-Hop’s First Billionaire

Net Worth: $2.5 billion Country: USA Industry: Music, Business Jay-Z once said, “I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man.” And he meant it. From music and Tidal streaming services to Roc Nation’s sports management and liquor brands (Ace of Spades, D’USSÉ), Hov turned hip-hop into a financial empire.

10. Strive Masiyiwa – The Telecom Visionary

Net Worth: $1.8 billion Country: Zimbabwe Industry: Telecommunications Strive Masiyiwa saw the future of communication and built Econet, a leading telecom company in Africa. Thanks to him, millions in Africa have access to mobile networks and financial services, making him a true game-changer in connectivity.

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