The world’s Black female billionaires in 2025

Key Points

• The number of Black women on Forbes’ billionaire list increased to three in 2025, marking a slow but significant shift in representation.
• The three Black female billionaires hold a combined $5.4 billion, significantly trailing the $91 billion net worth of their 20 Black male counterparts.
•  Oprah Winfrey remains the richest Black woman at $3 billion, followed by Rihanna and Sheila Johnson, highlighting diverse success across media, fashion, and hospitality.

The global billionaire scene reached new heights in 2025, with a record 3,028 individuals making Forbes’ prestigious annual list, an increase of 247 people from the previous year. Collectively, their wealth soared to a remarkable $16.1 trillion, a $2 trillion leap in just one year. Among these numbers, however, only three are Black women, an increase from two the previous year, all of whom are based in the United States. While these numbers may seem small, they reflect an important shift, albeit gradual, toward more representation for Black women in the ranks of global wealth.

Together, these three Black women have a combined net worth of $5.4 billion, which stands in sharp contrast to the $91 billion held by their 20 male counterparts. This gap highlights just how rare it is for Black women to reach the billion-dollar mark, but their presence is undeniably growing. The return of Sheila Johnson, the first Black woman to become a billionaire, to the list is a clear sign of this growing influence, offering a glimpse into the expanding role of Black women in business. While figures like Nigeria’s richest woman, Folorunsho Alakija, and Angola’s Isabel Dos Santos—whose wealth has been overshadowed by corruption allegations—are missing, the success of these three women speaks volumes about their resilience and the increasing visibility of Black women in business.

Leading this list is Oprah Winfrey, who holds onto her title as the wealthiest Black woman in the world. Close behind her is pop icon and cosmetics mogul Rihanna, whose empire continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, and Sheila Johnson, a business leader whose return to the list further cements her legacy. These women are more than financial icons—they are leaders reshaping industries, from media and fashion to cosmetics and beyond.

Billionaires.Africa’s feature on the Black female billionaires of 2025 delves into their journeys, shedding light on how they built their wealth, their empires, and their latest ventures. Their stories are more than just about financial success; they reflect a cultural shift as these women break barriers in sectors once reserved for others. As their influence continues to grow, they are paving the way for future generations of women to dream bigger and achieve more.

1. Oprah Winfrey

Net Worth: $3 billion | Age: 71| Country: United States

Oprah Winfrey is known for building a media empire, most notably through her 25-year run as the host of The Oprah Winfrey Show, which played a pivotal role in her ascent to a $3 billion net worth. She further solidified her wealth with Harpo Productions, the company behind films like The Color Purple, Beloved, and Selma. In 2011, she launched the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), later selling most of her stake to Warner Bros. Discovery in 2020. Beyond her media ventures, Winfrey has made significant investments in real estate, owning properties in California and over 2,100 acres in Hawaii. Her Hawaii estate is a testament to her commitment to conservation; she intends to preserve the land for future generations, with plans to plant native species and restore the watershed. As her property manager Bob Greene puts it, “She just wants to protect it forever.” Winfrey’s investment acumen continues to shine, with strategic moves like her 2023 investment in Dr. Barbara Sturm’s skincare line. She also made a profitable $6.6 million from selling her Montecito estate, further solidifying her financial position. Winfrey’s net worth has grown by $500 million since 2023, reflecting both her business savvy and her long-standing ability to navigate different industries.

2. Rihanna 

Net Worth: $1.4 billion | Age: 37| Country: Barbados/United States

Rihanna’s transformation from a global music icon to a business mogul has been nothing short of impressive. Co-owning Fenty Beauty with luxury powerhouse LVMH, Rihanna has built a brand that generated over $550 million in revenue by 2020. Additionally, she holds a 28% stake in Savage X Fenty, a lingerie line that was valued at $1 billion in 2021. But Rihanna’s ventures don’t stop at beauty and fashion. She also holds an investment stake in the music streaming service Tidal and owns Roraj Trade LLC, the holding company for her Fenty trademarks. Her real estate portfolio includes a $14 million penthouse in Manhattan and a West London residence valued at $8.6 million. In 2024, Rihanna expanded her business empire with the launch of Fenty Hair, a new line targeting the booming hair care market, which is projected to grow by $19.6 billion from 2022 to 2027. Her ability to spot opportunities in lucrative markets continues to drive her success. In 2023, Rihanna revived her collaboration with German sportswear giant Puma, releasing a new Avanti sneaker line. The return to Puma highlights her enduring influence, blending her fashion-forward approach with the brand’s athletic heritage. Her ability to evolve and adapt in both her music and business ventures underscores her status as one of the world’s wealthiest women.

3. Sheila Johnson

Net Worth: $1 billion | Age: 76 | Country: U.S.

Sheila Johnson made history as the first Black female billionaire, co-founding Black Entertainment Television (BET) in 1979 alongside her then-husband Robert Johnson. They sold the network to Viacom for $3 billion in 2001, which set the stage for her diverse business ventures. Following her divorce, Johnson built a new empire, spanning hospitality, real estate, and sports. As the founder of the Salamander Collection, a luxury hospitality firm, she has expanded her brand with resorts in Washington, D.C., Charleston, and Jamaica. She also owns stakes in several professional sports teams through Monumental Sports & Entertainment, including the WNBA’s Washington Mystics and the NBA’s Washington Wizards. In 2024, Salamander Collection made headlines with a new partnership with Aspen Meadows Resort, solidifying its place in the luxury hospitality space. Johnson’s real estate activities continue to evolve; earlier this year, she sold the Market Salamander building in Middleburg for $2.23 million, marking the end of a 20-year chapter. However, she retained the intellectual property rights, ensuring that the Market Salamander brand remains intact. These moves reflect a broader transformation in her portfolio as she navigates the changing landscape of hospitality and real estate.