Shocked! Meet the Richest Black Women in the World 2024!
Discover the wealthiest Black women in the world for 2024! From entrepreneurs to media moguls, learn about the inspiring journeys of these powerful women and their impressive net worth.
Introduction: A New Era of Wealth and Empowerment
In the past few decades, the world has witnessed a significant shift in wealth distribution, with more Black women breaking barriers and claiming their place among the richest individuals globally. These women are not just wealthy; they are powerhouses of innovation, resilience, and influence. From media moguls to self-made entrepreneurs, the richest Black women in the world for 2024 represent a new era of wealth and empowerment.
But who are these women? How did they amass their fortunes? And what can we learn from their journeys? Let's dive in and explore the incredible stories of these trailblazers.
1. Oprah Winfrey: The Media Mogul Who Defined an Era
- Net Worth: $3.5 Billion (2024)
- Industry: Media, Entertainment
No list of the richest Black women would be complete without the legendary Oprah Winfrey. Born into poverty in rural Mississippi, Oprah's rise to billionaire status is nothing short of extraordinary. Her talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," ran for 25 years, becoming one of the highest-rated programs of its kind. But Oprah didn't stop there; she expanded her empire with Harpo Productions, O, The Oprah Magazine, and the OWN television network.
Key Milestones:
- First African-American female billionaire (2003)
- Owns a 10% stake in Weight Watchers
- Major shareholder in Apple TV+ with her exclusive content deal
Oprah's story is one of resilience, vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her wealth is a testament to her influence and ability to connect with audiences worldwide.
2. Folorunso Alakija: The Oil Tycoon From Nigeria
- Net Worth: $1.9 Billion (2024)
- Industry: Oil, Fashion
Folorunso Alakija is a self-made billionaire from Nigeria, known for her business acumen in the oil industry. Before her rise in the oil sector, Alakija made a name for herself in fashion, founding the Supreme Stitches label. However, it was her venture into the oil industry through her company, Famfa Oil, that catapulted her to billionaire status.
Key Milestones:
- In 1993, awarded an oil prospecting license, which led to the discovery of one of Nigeria’s largest offshore oil fields
- Involved in philanthropy through the Rose of Sharon Foundation, supporting widows and orphans
Alakija's journey from fashion to oil magnate showcases her versatility and determination to succeed in male-dominated industries.
3. Rihanna: The Pop Star Turned Beauty Mogul
- Net Worth: $1.7 Billion (2024)
- Industry: Music, Fashion, Beauty
Rihanna, the Barbadian-born singer, songwriter, and actress, has transitioned from pop icon to billionaire entrepreneur. Her beauty brand, Fenty Beauty, launched in 2017, was an instant success, praised for its inclusivity and diverse range of products. Rihanna's Fenty brand, which includes fashion and skincare, has redefined the beauty industry.
Key Milestones:
- Fenty Beauty generated $100 million in sales within its first 40 days
- Named one of TIME's 100 most influential people in the world
- Fenty became the first luxury brand under LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) led by a Black woman
Rihanna's ability to leverage her fame and create a billion-dollar empire is a testament to her business savvy and understanding of her audience.
4. Beyoncé: The Queen of Music and Business
- Net Worth: $1.5 Billion (2024)
- Industry: Music, Fashion, Film
Beyoncé, often referred to as "Queen Bey," is not only one of the greatest entertainers of our time but also a shrewd businesswoman. From her early days with Destiny’s Child to her successful solo career, Beyoncé has continually expanded her brand. She owns the entertainment company Parkwood Entertainment, which manages various ventures, including music, film, and fashion.
Key Milestones:
- Co-founder of the athleisure brand Ivy Park
- Holds a stake in the streaming service Tidal
- Produced and starred in the critically acclaimed visual album "Lemonade"
Beyoncé's ability to evolve and remain relevant in an ever-changing industry has solidified her place among the richest and most influential Black women in the world.
5. Isabel dos Santos: The Angolan Businesswoman
- Net Worth: $1.4 Billion (2024)
- Industry: Investments, Telecommunications, Oil
Isabel dos Santos, the daughter of Angola's former president José Eduardo dos Santos, is Africa's richest woman. Her business interests span multiple industries, including telecommunications, finance, and oil. Despite facing legal challenges and controversies, Dos Santos remains a significant figure in African business.
Key Milestones:
- Holds stakes in several Angolan and Portuguese companies, including Unitel (telecom) and Galp (oil)
- Founder of a series of successful businesses in Angola
Dos Santos’ story is complex, marked by both her achievements and the controversies surrounding her wealth. Nevertheless, her influence in Africa’s business landscape is undeniable.
6. Janice Bryant Howroyd: The Staffing Industry Pioneer
- Net Worth: $1.2 Billion (2024)
- Industry: Staffing, Recruitment
Janice Bryant Howroyd is the first African-American woman to build a billion-dollar company, ActOne Group, a leading workforce management firm. She started the business in 1978 with just $1,500 and has since grown it into a global powerhouse.
Key Milestones:
- ActOne operates in over 19 countries with more than 17,000 clients
- Appointed by President Obama to the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Howroyd’s story is one of perseverance and strategic thinking, as she identified a niche in the staffing industry and capitalized on it.
7. Sheila Johnson: The Media Maven
- Net Worth: $1.1 Billion (2024)
- Industry: Media, Hospitality, Sports
Sheila Johnson co-founded BET (Black Entertainment Television) alongside her then-husband, Robert L. Johnson. The network became a major success and was later sold to Viacom for $3 billion. Johnson has since diversified her portfolio, investing in sports teams, resorts, and the hospitality industry.
Key Milestones:
- First African-American woman to have a stake in three professional sports teams: Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), and Washington Mystics (WNBA)
- Founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, a luxury hotel chain
Johnson’s ability to pivot from media to hospitality and sports showcases her versatility and business acumen.
8. Serena Williams: The Tennis Legend Turned Venture Capitalist
- Net Worth: $1 Billion (2024)
- Industry: Sports, Venture Capital
Serena Williams, known as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has also made significant strides in the business world. Through her venture capital firm, Serena Ventures, she has invested in over 50 startups, focusing on companies led by women and minorities.
Key Milestones:
- 23-time Grand Slam singles champion
- Invested in companies like Tonal, MasterClass, and Daily Harvest
- Launched her own clothing line, S by Serena
Williams' transition from sports to venture capital illustrates her commitment to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
9. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: The Economist and Global Leader
- Net Worth: $900 Million (2024)
- Industry: Economics, International Trade
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and the first African to serve as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has had a distinguished career in international finance and development. Although not a billionaire, her wealth and influence are significant, making her one of the most powerful Black women in the world.
Key Milestones:
- Twice served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister
- Served as Managing Director of the World Bank
- Listed among TIME's 100 most influential people
Okonjo-Iweala’s impact on global trade and economics is profound, and her leadership continues to inspire women across the globe.
10. Bozoma Saint John: The Marketing Powerhouse
- Net Worth: $800 Million (2024)
- Industry: Marketing, Advertising
Bozoma Saint John, also known as “Boz,” is a force in the marketing and advertising world. Having held senior positions at major companies like Apple, Uber, and Netflix, Bozoma has made a name for herself as one of the most influential Black women in corporate America.
Key Milestones:
- Chief Marketing Officer at Netflix, overseeing global marketing campaigns
- Known for her work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the corporate sector
- Named to Forbes’ World’s Most Influential CMOs list
Saint John’s rise in the corporate world is a testament to her creativity, leadership, and advocacy for diversity.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Wealth and Influence
The richest Black women in the world for 2024 are not just wealthy—they are leaders, innovators, and pioneers who have broken barriers and set new standards in their respective fields. Their journeys are filled with lessons in resilience, creativity, and the power of vision. As we celebrate their achievements, we also look to the future, where more Black women will take the world.
