Black people have come a long way since the dark days of slavery and colonialism. You can find them across various industries and business verticals, leading the line and setting the pace for others to follow. It is no surprise, then, that some of them are on the list of the wealthiest people in the world.
1. Aliko Dangote
Aliko Dangote is the richest black billionaire, with a net worth of $14 billion (11.5 in 2021). He is the founder of Dangote cement company, where he controls approximately 88% of the shares. Dangote has also amassed wealth from other investments in salt and sugar manufacturing companies.
2. Mike Adenuga
Following closely is another Nigerian billionaire, Mike Adenuga, who is worth $7.3 billion (6.1 in 2021). Mike is the founder of Globacom, the second largest telecom company in Nigeria. He is also a shareholder in other companies, including Equitorial Trust Bank, and has interests in oil (Conoil).
3. Robert Smith
The 1962 Denver-born Robert Smith is a black billionaire with an estimated $6.7 billion (6 in 2021). After completing his education in two different fields, Chemical Engineering for his degree and Business Administration for his master's, he worked for several businesses. Robert later decided, like most rich entrepreneurs, to start his business.
4. Abdul Samad Rabiu
Here's another black billionaire of Nigerian descent with a net worth of $6.9 billion (4.9 in 2021). Abdul is the founder of BAU, a Nigerian conglomerate whose interests have diversified since it began operations in 1988
David Steward comes in fifth on the list of black billionaires with $5.8 billion (3.7 in 2021). Despite having faced biting poverty and racial segregation at a young age, Steward grew up to become a notable person in society.
6. Patrice Motsepe