Richest People
Richest Black Women in the World 2024 – Forbes Top 10
Peeking through the list of the top 10 richest black women in 2024, our jaws dropped at their net worth — and yours probably will too.
Although the list of the world’s richest people is still largely dominated by men, it is interesting to look at the net worth of some of the richest women in 2024.
Even more intriguing is the rise of the richest black women, who not only face the gender wealth gap but also the racial wealth gap. Today, more than ever, black women are breaking through barriers and shattering glass ceilings to become some of the wealthiest individuals in the world.
While some of these remarkable women may have inherited their fortunes from their families or spouses, their inclusion in the list of the world’s richest black women speaks volumes about their astute investments and exceptional ability to expand their wealth.
Peeking through Forbes’ list of richest black women in 2024, our jaws dropped at their net worth — and yours probably will too.
Let’s not keep you waiting. Here is a list of the top 10 richest black women in the world and how they got their wealth.
1. Oprah Winfrey
- Net Worth: $2.8 Billion
Oprah Gail Winfrey is currently the richest black woman in the world with a net worth of $2.8 billion, according to Forbes. She is an American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and philanthropist.
She is a self-made billionaire; born in rural poverty and raised by a mother dependent on government welfare payments in a poor urban neighborhood.
Winfrey became a millionaire at the age of 32 when her talk show received national syndication. She 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.
Of course, her wealth shot up as a consequence. In 2003, Oprah Winfrey hit the $1 billion mark, making her the world’s first black female billionaire.
She was nominated for an Academy Award in her first movie, The Color Purple. According to Women of the Hall, Winfrey was once television’s highest-paid entertainer as the successful host of a syndicated television talk show that reached 15 million people a day.
Oprah Winfrey is considered a role model to many individuals because of her tough childhood, wonderful charity work, her schools, and her true relationships with her fans. Oprah stands out among many people in her ability to feel others’ pain and help those people get through their troubling times.
2. Isabel Dos Santos
- Net Worth: $2 Billion
Richest Businesswoman in Africa
Isabel Dos Santos is a businesswoman from Angola, and the eldest child of former Angolan President, José Eduardo dos Santos, who governed the nation for nearly four decades (1979 to 2017).
Throughout her career, Santos has built an impressive and diverse investment portfolio, which includes a notable 25% stake in Unitel, a prominent Angolan mobile phone company, as well as a 25% ownership in Banco BIC SA, a prominent Angolan bank.
Beyond these ventures, she also possesses substantial investments in Nos SGPS, a major Portuguese cable TV provider, and holds a stake of just under 20% in Banco BPI, one of the largest publicly traded banks in Angola. Her business interests extend to holdings in various companies within Portugal and Angola.
However, despite her substantial success, Dos Santos has faced a series of investigations and allegations, particularly concerning fraud and corruption. These controversies have had significant ramifications, leading to her removal from Forbes’ list of Africa’s richest women in January 2021.
The freezing of her assets in Angola, Portugal, and the Netherlands, coupled with a debt of $340 million owed to the Portuguese company PT Ventures, have contributed to the challenges she currently faces.
While Dos Santos’ wealth and accomplishments were once highly regarded, her current legal and financial troubles have brought her under scrutiny and cast shadows over her previously celebrated status.
3. Rihanna
- Net Worth: $1.4 Billion
Rihanna is the richest female musician in the world.
Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian singer, actress, fashion designer, and businesswoman. She is the third richest black woman and the world’s richest female artist with a net worth of $1.4 billion.
According to Forbes, the majority of Rihanna’s wealth originates from her makeup line, Fenty Beauty rather than her music. Another business venture that has helped her amass so much wealth is X Fenty, a lingerie line she co-owns.
4. Ngina Kenyatta
- Net Worth: $1 Billion
Ngina Kenyatta, affectionately known as Mama Ngina, holds a significant stake in nearly half of all multinational corporations operating in her home country of Kenya.
As the former First Lady of Kenya and the widow of the esteemed Jomo Kenyatta, the nation’s first president, Ngina Kenyatta holds a prominent position in Kenyan society. She is also the proud mother of the current President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ngina Kenyatta’s wealth is derived from various lucrative ventures, including real estate, farming, banking, and manufacturing. Her business acumen and success have garnered attention, leading Forbes to recognize her as one of the female millionaires to watch out for in Africa back in 2012.
With an estimated net worth of US$1 billion, Ngina Kenyatta ranks 4th among the richest black women in the world in 2024.
5. Folorunsho Alakija
- Net Worth: $1 Billion
The Richest Woman in Nigeria
Folorunsho Alakija is a prominent Nigerian billionaire, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Her diverse wealth is primarily sourced from thriving ventures in the fashion, oil, real estate, and printing industries.
Shortly after completing her fashion design course at the American College and the Central School of Fashion in London, Alakija established her own fashion house, Supreme Stitches, within the confines of a modest three-bedroom apartment in Surulere, Lagos.
Remarkably, within a short span of a year, Alakija’s exceptional talent propelled her to become one of Nigeria’s premier designers, and she gained recognition for celebrating Nigerian culture through her clothing creations. Her clientele even included the wife of former Nigerian president Ibrahim Babangida, further solidifying her esteemed reputation.
As of 2024, Folorunsho Alakija’s net worth stands at an astounding $1 billion, positioning her as the wealthiest woman in Nigeria and one of the richest black women globally.
6. Hajia Bola Shagaya
- Net Worth: $950 Million
Second Richest Woman in Nigeria – Hajia Bola Shagaya
Hajia Muinat Bola Shagaya is a Nigerian-born International Business tycoon, fashion enthusiast, and political icon.
Her career started off in the banking sector, where she worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). However, her entrepreneurial spirit soon led her to venture into the importation and exportation of photographic materials, diversifying her interests and expanding her horizons.
Bola Shagaya holds prominent roles, including being a valued member of the board of Unity Bank and serving as the Managing Director of Practoil. Her active involvement in various industries also extends to her patronage of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria and her real estate endeavours.
As of 2024, Bola Shagaya’s exceptional achievements have amassed her a staggering net worth estimated at US$950 million, solidifying her status as one of the world’s wealthiest black women.
7. Sheila Crump Johnson
- Net Worth: $840 Million
Sheila Crump Johnson is an American businesswoman, co-founder of BET, CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, and the first African American woman to attain a net worth of at least one billion US dollars. In 2021, she was listed on Forbes as one of America’s Self-Made Women.
In 1979, Sheila Crump Johnson co-founded the cable TV channel Black Entertainment Network with her then-husband, Robert. Viacom bought it for $3 billion in 2001. After her divorce in 2002, she sold off her shares and has since invested in hotels in Florida and Virginia, planes, real estate, and horses.
As a cultural liaison to the Middle East for the U.S. Information Agency, she helped establish the National Music Conservatory of Jordan. In 1980 Johnson co-founded Black Entertainment Television, the first station focused on the needs, interests, and culture of African Americans.
8. Beyoncé
- Net Worth: $800 Million
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles Carter is undeniably one of the most prominent and affluent black women globally. Despite her marriage to billionaire Jay Z, the majority of her wealth comes from her illustrious music career and her successful clothing company, Ivy Park.
The American singer, songwriter, and actress started off performing in singing and dancing competitions as a child. She rose to fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time.
Beyoncé was the first black woman to headline the music festival, Coachella. Her electrifying performance at the event became the most-streamed Coachella video on YouTube ever.
Admittedly, Beyoncé is rated as one of the biggest and most successful female musicians in the world. She is filled with unique talent which has been the source of her performance and prolificacy in her musical career.
As of 2024, Beyoncé has accumulated a remarkable net worth of $800 million, positioning her as the second richest female black musician.
READ: How Beyonce Became Grammy Most Awarded Female Artist Of All Time
9. Janice Bryant Howroyd
- Net Worth: $600 Million
Janice Bryant Howroyd is the founder and CEO of ActOne, a provider of workforce solutions. According to Forbes, she opened the business in Los Angeles in 1978 with $1,500 including a $900 loan from her mother; the company now generates annual revenue of about $1 billion.
10. Wendy Appelbaum
- Net Worth: $259 Million
Wendy Appelbaum is a South African business leader, philanthropist, and one of the richest and most powerful women in Africa.
Her journey to success began by working in her father’s company, the Liberty Group, where she eventually rose to become a director at the Liberty Group Investors. During her tenure, she became one of the company’s largest individual shareholders.
After a successful career in the financial sector, Wendy Appelbaum made a significant decision to sell her shares and, in 2003, opened the wine farm with her husband.
With her remarkable achievements and diverse business interests, Wendy Appelbaum has not only earned the title of the richest woman in South Africa but also stands among the wealthiest women in the entire African continent.
Top 10 Richest Black Women in the World 2024
The table below highlights the names, net worth, and sources of wealth of the wealthiest black women in the world for the year 2024:
| Rank | Names | Net Worth | Nationality | Source of Wealth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oprah Winfrey | $2.8 Billion | American | TV shows |
| 2 | Isabel Dos Santos | $2 Billion | Angolan | Investor, Businesswoman |
| 3 | Rihanna | $1.4 Billion | Barbadian | Music, Cosmetics |
| 4 | Ngina Kenyatta | $1 Billion | Kenyan | Real estate, farming, banking, and manufacturing |
| 5 | Folorunsho Alakija | $1 Billion | Nigerian | Oil Business |
| 6 | Hajia Bola Shagaya | $950 Million | Nigerian | Real Estate, Oil and Gas, Banking, and photography. |
| 7 | Sheila Crump Johnson | $840 Million | American | BET, Sports franchise, Investments |
| 8 | Beyoncé | $800 Million | American | Music, and Fashion |
| 9 | Janice Bryant Howroyd | $600 Million | American | Staffing, and Real Estate |
| 10 | Wendy Appelbaum | $259 Million | South African | Inherited |
Conclusion
The extraordinary journeys of these top 10 richest black women serve as shining beacons of inspiration and empowerment. Against the backdrop of a world where men have historically dominated wealth and success, these women have shattered barriers and defied the odds to rise to the pinnacle of financial prosperity.
From business tycoons, and fashion icons to political figures, each of these remarkable women’s journeys is a testament to the transformative power of ambition and hard work. Their legacy will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come.