LAGOS, Nigeria — Aliko Dangote, the industrial titan behind the Dangote Group, has once again been ranked the richest Black billionaire in the world by Forbes in its highly anticipated 2025 listing, with an estimated net worth of $23.9 billion
Dangote’s resurgence to the top spot marks a triumphant comeback. In previous years, he had briefly been eclipsed by other Black billionaires such as David Steward. However, his wealth received a dramatic boost following the long-awaited launch of the Dangote Refinery in early 2024, which contributed approximately $10.5 billion to his fortune in just one year .
The Top 10 Richest Black Billionaires Globally (2025)
Based on Forbes’ latest data, here’s how the top 10 ranks:
- Aliko Dangote – $23.9 B (Nigeria) – Cement, sugar, refining
- David Steward – $11.4 B (USA) – IT services via World Wide Technology
- Robert F. Smith – $10.8 B (USA) – Private equity through Vista Equity Partners
- Alexander Karp – $8.4 B (USA) – CEO of Palantir Technologies
- Mike Adenuga – $6.8 B (Nigeria) – Telecom and oil (Glo, Conoil)
- Abdulsamad Rabiu – $5.1 B (Nigeria) – Cement and sugar with BUA Group
- Michael Jordan – $3.5 B (USA) – Business ventures and sports investments
8 (tie). Patrice Motsepe – $3 B (South Africa) – Mining, banking
8 (tie). Oprah Winfrey – $3 B (USA) – Media and entertainment empire - Jay-Z – $2.5 B (USA) – Music mogul and entrepreneur
Broader Context:
- Record Reach: Forbes highlights that only 23 Black billionaires are on its 2025 list, out of over 3,028 billionaires worldwide—making up just 0.8% of the total, yet collectively controlling $96.2 billion in wealth .
- Diversification of Wealth: The top tier spans industries from infrastructure and manufacturing in Africa to tech, entertainment, and finance in the United States. New faces like Alexander Karp and long-standing icons like Oprah Winfrey emphasize the expanding scope of Black economic influence .
Why It Matters:
Dangote’s return to the summit underscores the transformative economic impact of industrial development in Africa. The Dangote Refinery, now functional, showcases how major infrastructure can not only drive business growth but also reshape global wealth standings.
Simultaneously, the growing diversity of industries—from tech to entertainment to biotech—reflects changing narratives around Black wealth: it’s not confined to traditional sectors but spanning innovation, culture, and enterprise.
In brief: Congratulations to Aliko Dangote on reclaiming the top position among Black billionaires for 2025—with a soaring net worth of $23.9 billion driven largely by the Dangote Refinery’s success. His achievement not only cements his legacy but also symbolizes the evolving landscape of Black wealth and entrepreneurship worldwide.
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