Dangote, Adenuga, Ogunlesi, 3 Other Nigerians Among 0.8% of the World’s Black Billionaires – Forbes
Despite the growing number of billionaires worldwide, Black billionaires remain a rare group, constituting just 0.8% of the world’s wealthiest individuals, according to the 2025 Forbes World’s Billionaires list.
Out of the 3,028 billionaires globally, only 23 are Black, with their combined wealth totaling $96.2 billion. The list, which highlights business magnates from industries like finance, energy, and technology, draws attention to the persistent wealth gap in global economics.
“These 23 are a wealthy and impressive bunch,” the report notes, emphasizing how Black billionaires have amassed their fortunes across diverse sectors despite facing systemic economic challenges.
Among these 23 Black billionaires, six are Nigerians, demonstrating the country’s prominent role in Africa’s business and investment landscape.
Topping the list of Nigerian billionaires is Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group. With a net worth of $23.9 billion, Dangote remains Africa’s richest person and leads the Black billionaires list. His fortune saw a surge of $10.5 billion in the past year, largely due to the operational launch of the Dangote Refinery in early 2024.
Mike Adenuga, Founder of Globacom, ranks fifth among Black billionaires with a net worth of $6.8 billion, derived from telecommunications, oil, and real estate investments.
Abdulsamad Rabiu, founder of BUA Group, comes in sixth with a net worth of $5.1 billion, earned through cement, sugar, and other industries.
Adebayo Ogunlesi, CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), ranks 11th with a net worth of $2.2 billion. His fortune increased following BlackRock’s $12.5 billion acquisition of GIP in October 2024.
Femi Otedola, chairman of Geregu Power, follows in 12th place with a net worth of $1.5 billion. Otedola built his wealth in commodities before shifting focus to Nigeria’s energy sector.
The final Nigerian on the 2025 World’s Black Billionaires list is Tope Awotona, founder of Calendly, who ranks 14th with a net worth of $1.4 billion. His scheduling software startup, launched in 2013, was valued at $3 billion by private investors in 2021.
