The Top 10 Richest Black People In The World 2024

Forbes’ real-time billionaire rankings, these are the wealthiest Black individuals globally. Their investments span various industries, including telecommunications, technology, cement, media, and oil.

While they have gained significant wealth, these billionaires also hold influence in sectors that are critical to economic growth, particularly in Africa and the diaspora.

Here’s a roundup the world’s richest Black people as of October 2024.

Read: The Top 10 Richest Black People In The World 2025

David Steward

• Net Worth: $11.4 billion
• Country: USA
• Industry: Information Technology
  David Steward co-founded World Wide Technology (WWT), a provider of IT and supply chain solutions. He recently overtook Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote to claim the title of the richest Black person in the world.

Aliko Dangote

• Net Worth: $11.3 billion
• Country: Nigeria
• Industry: Cement, Sugar
  Aliko Dangote’s conglomerate is heavily invested in cement production and sugar refining. His businesses have played a significant role in Nigeria’s industrial development.

Robert F. Smith

• Net Worth: $10.8 billion
• Country: USA
• Industry: Investment
  Founder of Vista Equity Partners, Robert F. Smith’s focus is on technology-driven companies. His philanthropic work within the Black community is also notable.

Mike Adenuga

• Net Worth: $6.7 billion
• Country: Nigeria
• Industry: Telecommunications, Oil
  Mike Adenuga’s telecom company, Globacom, along with his interests in oil, have established him as a key player in West African business.

Abdulsamad Rabiu

• Net Worth: $4.8 billion
• Country: Nigeria
• Industry: Cement, Sugar
  Through his BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu is a major figure in infrastructure and industrial growth in Nigeria, particularly in the cement and sugar industries.

Michael Jordan

• Net Worth: $3.5 billion
• Country: USA
• Industry: Business, Sports
  The former basketball player has built a business empire through investments in sports franchises and endorsement deals, following his athletic career.

Oprah Winfrey

• Net Worth: $3 billion
• Country: USA
• Industry: Media, Entertainment
  Oprah Winfrey is a prominent figure in media, with her ventures spanning television, film, and publishing. Her influence remains strong in the entertainment industry.

Patrice Motsepe

• Net Worth: $3 billion
• Country: South Africa
• Industry: Mining, Investment
  Patrice Motsepe built his wealth through mining and investments. His work has contributed to financial development and job creation in South Africa.

Jay-Z

• Net Worth: $2.5 billion
• Country: USA
• Industry: Music, Business
  Jay-Z’s wealth comes from music, streaming services, and various business ventures under his Roc Nation empire, which includes sports management and entertainment.

Strive Masiyiwa

• Net Worth: $1.8 billion
• Country: Zimbabwe
• Industry: Telecommunications
  Strive Masiyiwa is the founder of Econet, a telecommunications company that has improved access to communication across Africa.

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Feature Image Credit: Getty Images