In a world where over 3,000 billionaires control immense wealth, only a tiny fraction—just 0.8%—are Black, according to the 2025 Forbes World’s Billionaires List. That’s 23 individuals out of 3,028. Despite the small number, the achievements of this group are anything but minor.
Together, these 23 Black billionaires have accumulated a combined fortune of $96.2 billion, with significant stakes in sectors like finance, technology, and energy.
Among them, six trailblazers from Nigeria continue to shape global industries and push boundaries, earning their place among the world’s financial elite.
Let’s take a closer look at who they are—and how they got there.
1. Aliko Dangote – Africa’s Titan of Industry
Net Worth: $23.9 billion
Global Rank: #1 among Black billionaires
If there’s a name synonymous with African wealth, it’s Aliko Dangote. As chairman of Dangote Group, his wealth saw a massive jump thanks to the long-anticipated Dangote Refinery, which began operations in early 2024.
The refinery’s launch alone boosted his net worth by $10.5 billion over the past year, cementing his dominance not just in Nigeria, but globally. His influence spans cement, sugar, and now petroleum—a trifecta that continues to power his empire.
2. Mike Adenuga – The Telecom Mogul
Net Worth: $6.8 billion
Global Rank: #5 among Black billionaires
Second among Nigerian billionaires is Mike Adenuga, the reclusive powerhouse behind Globacom, one of Nigeria’s top telecom providers. Known for staying out of the limelight, Adenuga’s wealth speaks volumes—ranking him just behind global Black heavyweights like Robert F. Smith and David Steward.
His interests also include stakes in oil exploration and banking, making him one of Nigeria’s most diversified billionaires.
3. Abdulsamad Rabiu – Cement and Sugar Tycoon
Net Worth: $5.1 billion
Global Rank: #6 among Black billionaires
At number three from Nigeria is Abdulsamad Rabiu, the driving force behind BUA Group. His conglomerate covers everything from cement production to sugar refining, with a footprint that extends across Africa.
Rabiu’s steady climb up Forbes’ rankings reflects his low-key yet strategic approach to business, constantly expanding his portfolio in high-demand industries.
4. Adebayo Ogunlesi – The Global Dealmaker
Net Worth: $2.2 billion
Global Rank: #11 among Black billionaires
Adebayo Ogunlesi, an international finance expert, made headlines when his firm, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), was acquired by BlackRock in October 2024 for a whopping $12.5 billion in cash and stock.
While the bulk of that figure went to shareholders, Ogunlesi’s personal fortune stands at a solid $2.2 billion. As CEO of GIP, he built a portfolio that included major airports, energy assets, and infrastructure projects across the globe—earning him a well-deserved spot on the list.
5. Femi Otedola – From Commodities to Power
Net Worth: $1.5 billion
Global Rank: #12 among Black billionaires
Femi Otedola, the chairman of Geregu Power, has reinvented himself more than once. After initially building his fortune in commodities and Forte Oil, Otedola made a bold move—he sold off his stakes and dived headfirst into the energy sector.
Today, Geregu Power isn’t just a rising force in Nigeria’s electricity market; it also enjoys backing from heavyweight investors like the State Grid Corporation of China and the Nigerian government.
6. Tope Awotona – Tech Visionary Behind Calendly
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Global Rank: #14 among Black billionaires
Rounding out the list is Tope Awotona, a name familiar in Silicon Valley circles. In 2013, Awotona launched Calendly, a smart scheduling platform that’s become a staple tool for teams worldwide.
By 2021, investors valued the startup at $3 billion, and Awotona has since turned his initial vision into a billion-dollar personal fortune. His rise is proof that tech innovation from African founders can achieve global impact.
From refineries to tech startups, Nigerian billionaires are making their mark on the world stage—often against the odds. What connects them isn’t just their wealth, but their influence, innovation, and ability to adapt across industries and borders.
As wealth inequality and representation continue to be hot-button issues globally, these six Nigerians stand as proof that Black excellence in business isn’t just alive—it’s thriving.