Top 10 Richest Black Women in the World 2024

Throughout history, black billionaires have captured the attention of people all around the world, but unfortunately, we tend to only celebrate the achievements of men. However, it’s important to recognize that black women have also made significant strides in the world.

Despite facing countless obstacles and societal barriers, a group of remarkable women have defied the odds, proving that their race, gender, and background have no hold over what they can achieve. You can also read about, the Top 10 Richest Black Man in the World 2024.

Join us as we take a look at the top 10 richest black women in the world. In no particular order, these are the richest black women in the world.

Richest Black Woman in the World 

1. Oprah Winfrey
2. Beyoncé 
3. Folorunsho Alakija
4. Ngina Kenyatta 
5. Sheila Johnson 
6. Bola Shagaya 
7. Wendy Applebaum 
8. Rihanna
9. Stella Okoli
10. Janice Bryant Howroyd

10 Richest Black Woman in the World 2024

Here, we’ll take a look at the 10 richest black women in the world. These women have achieved impressive success, not just in terms of money, but also as role models who inspire and motivate future generations of black women.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Gail Winfrey is currently the richest black woman in the world. According to Forbes, her net worth is $2.8 billion. Winfrey is an American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and philanthropist.

Winfrey is a self-made billionaire. At the age of 17, Winfrey got her first media job, working part-time at a local radio station. Her big break came when she landed a role as a news anchor, where her natural charisma and empathy captivated audiences.

Winfrey became a millionaire at the age of 32 when her talk show received national syndication. Soon after, she launched “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which became a cultural phenomenon, reaching millions of viewers worldwide.

As a savvy businesswoman, Winfrey negotiated ownership rights to the television program and started her own production company, making her the first Black American woman to own her own production company. Oprah’s eponymous talk show ran for 25 seasons and only ended because she wanted it to. Along the way, the show won 47 Daytime Emmys while producing countless iconic interview moments.

Oprah is considered a role model to many black girls because, despite her tough childhood, she continues to inspire millions to live their best lives.

Beyoncé 

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles Carter is recognized as one of the most influential black women in the world. While her marriage to billionaire rapper Jay Z contributes to her wealth, the majority stems from her highly successful music careers.

She gained fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, one of the top-selling girl groups ever.

Beyoncé ranks among the highest-paid celebrities globally, earning up to $80 million in a touring year. In 2019, she made history as the first black woman to headline Coachella, with her performance becoming the most-streamed Coachella video on YouTube. Additionally, she holds the record for the most Grammy awards won by a black female artist.

Her “Renaissance World Tour” in 2023 grossed an impressive $579 million in ticket sales, with a total of 2.7 million tickets sold across 39 cities and 56 dates, resulting in a $100 million profit. This followed the success of her 2022 album “Renaissance,” which sold one million copies.

With a net worth of $800 million as of 2024, Beyoncé ranks as the second wealthiest female black musician.

Folorunsho Alakija

Folorunso Alakija, a distinguished Nigerian entrepreneur, oil magnate, philanthropist, and fashion enthusiast, ranks among top 10 wealthiest women in the world. As of 20234, her net worth is estimated to have surpassed $1 billion.

In 1976, she married Modupe Alakija, with whom she has four children. Alakija is the founder and principal owner of Famfa Oil Limited, a Nigerian oil exploration company holding a significant interest in one of Nigeria’s most profitable oil fields.

Her journey to success began in the early 1970s at the International Merchant Bank of Nigeria. After a 12-year banking career, she pursued fashion design studies at the American College in London and the Central School of Fashion. Returning to Nigeria, she established Supreme Stitches, later rebranded as The Rose of Sharon House of Fashion in 1996.

Her fashion enterprise brought her into contact with elite clientele, including the wife of former Nigerian president Ibrahim Babangida. Alakija’s accomplishments have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Forbes’ most influential women globally.

Ngina Kenyatta 

Ngina Kenyatta, born Mama Ngina Kenyatta on June 24, 1933, is a prominent figure in Kenya, known for her significant role as the widow of the first President of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta. 

Beyond her role as the nation’s First Lady, she has made notable contributions across various sectors. Engaging prominently in business, particularly in agriculture, she possesses extensive land holdings. Her family’s involvement in large-scale farming has solidified her stature within Kenya’s agricultural sphere.

Mama Ngina Kenyatta and her family hold interests in several key enterprises in Kenya, including Brookside Dairies, the country’s largest dairy company, Mediamax, a media conglomerate, Heritage Hotels, Commercial Bank of Africa, and extensive prime land holdings.

Sheila Johnson 

Sheila Johnson is a prominent figure in business, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, boasting an estimated net worth of around $820 million, placing her among the wealthiest women globally. In 1979, she partnered with her former husband, Robert L. Johnson, and others to co-found Black Entertainment Television (BET), marking the company as the first black-owned entity to be publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Johnson’s ownership stake in BET significantly contributed to her initial wealth accumulation.

Following her departure from BET, Johnson shifted her focus to the hospitality sector. She established Salamander Hotels & Resorts, where she currently serves as the CEO. This luxury hotel company operates properties in Florida, Virginia, and South Carolina, leveraging her expertise in hospitality management to further enhance her financial standing.

Additionally, Johnson played a pivotal role in the founding of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, where she served as president and managing partner from 1997 to 2005.

Bola Shagaya 

Hajia Muinat Bola Shagaya, a Nigerian-born business magnate, fashion enthusiast, and influential figure in politics, has achieved remarkable success, amassing an impressive fortune estimated at around $950 million.

As the founder and CEO of Bolmus Group International, Shagaya oversees a diverse conglomerate with investments in sectors such as oil, real estate, and various other industries.

Having built a multifaceted portfolio that includes ventures in real estate, oil, banking, and photography, Shagaya has made significant contributions across various sectors. Her career commenced in the banking industry, initially at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). However, driven by her entrepreneurial drive, she ventured into the importation and exportation of photographic materials, expanding her interests and horizons.

Shagaya has demonstrated a keen eye for real estate investments, both domestically and internationally. She is involved in owning and developing various properties, ranging from residential estates to commercial buildings.

Wendy Applebaum 

Wendy Appelbaum, a notable South African entrepreneur and philanthropist, has left a significant mark on both the business and social fronts. Born on October 10, 1962, in Johannesburg, South Africa, she is celebrated for her entrepreneurial drive and commitment to various philanthropic endeavors.

As the daughter of billionaire businessman Donald Gordon, Wendy Appelbaum has not only inherited wealth but has also established herself as a powerful and independent force in the business world.

She previously served as the vice chairman of Women’s Investment Portfolio Limited, a firm predominantly led by women. Additionally, she ventured into the wine industry by investing in DeMorgenzon, a vineyard located in the Stellenbosch wine region.

Appelbaum’s influence on the South African business landscape and her advocacy for meaningful social change underscore her multifaceted contributions to society.

Rihanna

Robyn Rihanna Fenty, a Barbadian singer, actress, and entrepreneur, is recognized as the richest female artist worldwide, boasting a net worth of $1.4 billion.

She is also one of the most successful and influential musicians in history, with 673 awards to her name. For decades, her distinctive vocal style and captivating performances have endeared her to fans worldwide, solidifying her status as the second best-selling female music artist of all time.

In addition to her music career, Rihanna has made waves in the beauty industry with the launch of Fenty Beauty in 2017. The brand’s inclusive range of makeup products disrupted industry norms and generated over $550 million in its inaugural year. Similarly, her lingerie line, Savage X Fenty, introduced in 2018, has earned acclaim for its size inclusivity and bold designs, contributing significantly to her wealth through sales and partnerships.

Stella Okoli

Dr Stella Okoli, a distinguished Nigerian pharmacist and entrepreneur, is recognized for her significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry.

As of 2024, her net worth is estimated to be $800 million, positioning her as one of the wealthiest women in Africa.

Dr. Okoli serves as the founder and CEO of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a prominent pharmaceutical company in Nigeria. Under her guidance, Emzor has flourished into one of the country’s largest and most esteemed pharmaceutical enterprises. The company manufactures a diverse array of pharmaceutical products, encompassing over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and medical consumables.

Janice Bryant Howroyd

Janice Bryant Howroyd, an accomplished entrepreneur, businesswoman, author, and mentor, holds the distinction of being the first Black woman to lead a company with a valuation surpassing $1 billion.

Her journey began in 1978 when she founded Act 1 Group, an employment agency headquartered in Beverly Hills. From its humble beginnings in a small office, Act 1 Group has evolved into a multifaceted enterprise, offering a wide range of consulting and business services.

Conclusion 

These ten wealthiest black women are globally recognized for their unwavering commitment to excellence. From influential figures in entertainment to powerful leaders in business, these women have demonstrated that regardless of race, one can accomplish anything with determination.

We hope you have learnt a thing or two from these great women. If they can do it, so can you!

Also, check: Top 10 Richest Women in Africa 2024