Revisiting Forbes’ 2025 World’s Billionaires List.

Forbes released its annual World’s Billionaires List in April 2025, highlighting a record 3,028 billionaires with a combined net worth of $16.1 trillion.

While much attention often goes to tech founders like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, this year’s list also spotlighted some of the world’s wealthiest Black billionaires — leaders who have built legacies across business, music, sports, and culture.

Aliko Dangote

• Net worth: $23.9 billion

• Rank: #83 globally

• Industry: Cement, sugar, and Africa’s largest oil and gas refinery

• Recognition: Richest Black person in the world

Jay-Z

• Net worth: $2.5 billion

• Industry: Music, Roc Nation, liquor, art, and investments

• Recognition: World’s wealthiest musician

Rihanna

• Net worth: $1.4 billion

• Industry: Fenty Beauty, Savage X Fenty, music

• Recognition: Youngest self-made Black female billionaire

Oprah Winfrey

• Net worth: $3 billion

• Industry: Media, OWN Network, investments

• Recognition: Icon of Black media and influence

Michael Jordan

• Net worth: $3.5 billion

• Industry: NBA legacy, Nike’s Jordan Brand, investments

• Recognition: First athlete billionaire, still unmatched in sports business

LeBron James

• Net worth: $1.3 billion

• Industry: NBA, media, investments, philanthropy

• Recognition: First active NBA player to become a billionaire

All continuing to expand the reach of Black wealth globally.

This revisit is not just about celebrating wealth, but also about recognizing Black excellence, influence, and representation on a global stage.