The world's richest Black people of 2023

From visionary entrepreneurs who have harnessed the potential of diverse industries to legendary figures who have left an indelible mark on the world stage, this listicle unveils the remarkable sources of wealth that have propelled these individuals to achieve unparalleled success.

1. Aliko Dangote ($10.8 billion):

Alhaji Aliko Dangote BI Africa

Source of wealth - Cement, Sugar, Flour, and Salt manufacturing; Founder and Chairman of Dangote Group, Africa's largest conglomerate.

2. Robert F. Smith ($8 billion):

Robert F. Smith.Amy Harris/Invision/AP Business Insider USA

Source of wealth - Technology investment; Founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, specialising in software and technology investments.

3. David Steward ($7.6 billion):

David Steward [Bloomberg] Pulse Nigeria

Source of wealth - Information technology; Co-founder and Chairman of World Wide Technology, a leading technology service provider.

4. Abdulsamad Rabiu ($5.6 billion):

Abdulsamad Rabiu is BUA founder (Forbes) Abdulsamad Rabiu is BUA founder (Forbes) Pulse Nigeria

Source of wealth - Cement, Sugar, and Real estate; Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, a diversified conglomerate in Africa.

5. Mike Adenuga ($3.6 billion):

Mike Adenuga Google

Source of wealth - Telecoms, Oil, and Real estate; Founder of Globacom, Nigeria's second-largest telecom operator, and Conoil, a major oil exploration company.

6. Jay-Z ($2.5 billion):

In 2023, Jay-Z's net worth hit $2.5 billion. In less than four years, Forbes bumped up the mogul's net worth to $2.5 billion thanks to his liquor businesses, music catalog, and fine art collection. Business Insider USA

Source of wealth - Music, Entertainment, Investments; Renowned rapper, entrepreneur, and co-owner of various companies, including Roc Nation and Tidal.

7. Oprah Winfrey ($2.5 billion):

Oprah Winfrey Rodale

Source of wealth - Media, Television, Entertainment; Talk show host, media mogul, and founder of OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network).

8. Patrice Motsepe ($2.3 billion):

South African businessman Patrice Motspe was elected Confederation of African Football (CAF) president last March for a four-year term. AFP

Source of wealth - Mining, Investments; Founder and Chairman of African Rainbow Minerals, a mining company, and owner of diverse investments.

9. Michael Jordan ($2 billion):

Michael Jordan The basketball legend was born on February 17. Business Insider USA

Source of wealth - Basketball, Branding, Investments; Legendary NBA player and successful entrepreneur through his brand, Jordan Brand.

10. Strive Masiyiwa ($1.8 billion):

Strive Masiwiya, CEO of Econet Wireless ece-auto-gen

Source of wealth - Telecommunications, Investments; Founder of Econet Group, a leading telecom and technology group in Africa.

11. Alexander Karp ($1.8 billion):

Alexander Karp, CEO of Palantir, wrote that incorporating AI into defense is key.Scott Olson/Getty Images Business Insider USA

Source of wealth - Technology; Co-founder and CEO of Palantir Technologies, a data analytics and software company.

12. Rihanna ($1.4 billion):

Rihanna attends the 2023 Golden Globes.Christopher Polk/NBC via Getty Images Business Insider USA

Source of wealth - Music, Fashion, Cosmetics; International pop star, founder of Fenty Beauty, and successful fashion entrepreneur.

13. Michael Lee-Chin ($1.4 billion):

Michael Lee-Chin [Globe and Mail] Pulse Nigeria

Source of wealth - Investments, Financial services; Chairman and CEO of Portland Holdings, with investments in various sectors.

14. Mohammed Ibrahim ($1.2 billion):

Mohammed Ibrahim [Buzz] Pulse Nigeria

Source of wealth - Telecommunications, Investments; Founder of Celtel, a mobile telecom company, and active in various philanthropic efforts.

15. Tiger Woods ($1.1 billion):

Tiger Woods.Andrew Redington/Getty Images Business Insider USA

Source of wealth - Golf, Endorsements; Renowned professional golfer with numerous victories and lucrative endorsement deals.

16. LeBron James ($1 billion):

LeBron James AFP

Source of wealth - Basketball, Investments; NBA superstar, entrepreneur, and co-founder of SpringHill Company, a media production company.

17. Tyler Perry ($1 billion):

Tyler PerryGilbert Flores / Variety via Getty Images Business Insider USA

Source of wealth - Entertainment, Film, Television; Successful actor, playwright, and filmmaker known for his Madea series and ownership of Tyler Perry Studios.