Black women are powerful and a force to be reckoned with. With growing amounts of money and influence, they have been able to fund charities that benefit themselves and their communities. While many black women have made their fortunes in corporate America and beyond, others have amassed huge amounts of wealth outside the standard routes. Who is the richest black woman in the world?
The wealthiest black women in the world are influential in the political, media, business, and sports arenas. In an era where inequality is still rampant on all levels, these women are creating their pathways to success while smashing gender barriers along the way. From entertainment to entrepreneurship, their journeys inspire many and showcase resilience and determination.
As we explore the lives of these remarkable women, we will delve into how they achieved their success, the challenges they faced, and their impact on society. With their stories, we can learn valuable lessons about ambition, hard work, and giving back to the community.
Richest Black Women in the World
If you are curious about how some of these women did it, read about the richest black women who are billionaires and millionaires in their own right. The rank is based on their current net worth. They include:
- Oprah Winfrey - $3.5 billion
- Isabel dos Santos - $2 billion
- Rihanna - $1.7 billion
- Ngina Kenyatta - $1.65 billion
- Folorunsho Alakija - $1 billion
- Hajia Bola Shagaya - $959 million
- Sheila Johnson - $750 million
- Janice Bryant Howroyd - $610 million
- Beyoncé - $500 million
- Serena Williams - $250 million
1. Oprah Winfrey - $3.5 billion
Oprah Winfrey is considered one of the richest women in the world. According to Celebrity Net Worth, she has a net worth of $3.5 billion. Oprah grew up poor in Mississippi but was richly gifted with brains and beauty. In her teenage years, she worked at a local grocery store while still attending school.
| Born | 29 January 1954 |
|---|---|
| Age | 68 years (as of 2022) |
| Birthplace | Kosciusko, Mississippi, USA |
| Occupations | Media executive, TV host, producer, actress, author |
She was named Miss Black Tennessee after winning the Miss Black Tennessee beauty pageant at 17. Oprah received a full scholarship to Tennessee State University after winning an oratory contest but never graduated. Instead, she pursued her career but later completed and graduated in 1987 with a degree in communications.
2. Isabel dos Santos - $2 billion
Isabel dos Santos is among the rich black women in the world making impressive business moves. She has a net worth of $2 billion and has had a lot of success investing. Isabel is the daughter of the late former president José Eduardo dos Santos of Angola.
| Born | 20 April 1973 |
|---|---|
| Age | 49 years (as of 2022) |
| Birthplace | Baku, Azerbaijan |
| Occupation | Business person, investor |
Isabel showed interest in business from a young age, and her father encouraged her to learn more about it. She is currently controlling stakes in companies like Zap Midia Digital. However, in January 2020, Isabel was charged with money laundering and embezzlement of funds by the Angolan authorities, leading to her accounts and assets being frozen. She denied the claim.
3. Rihanna - $1.7 billion
Rihanna was born in Barbados and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. She is best known for her music career but has also ventured into fashion design. Currently, she boasts 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone and is an international pop superstar with a $1.7 billion net worth.
| Born | 20 February 1988 |
|---|---|
| Age | 34 years (as of 2022) |
| Birthplace | Saint Michael, Barbados |
| Occupation | Actor, songwriter, model, fashion designer |
In addition to being one of the most powerful women, she is also an ambassador of Dior and launched a new lingerie line with the lingerie brand Savage X Fenty. Rihanna’s journey emphasizes the importance of diversifying one’s career and continually seeking new opportunities.
4. Ngina Kenyatta - $1.65 billion
Ngina is a Kenyan entrepreneur whose net worth is $1.65 billion. She is the former First Lady of Kenya, widow of the late president Jomo Kenyatta. Her investment company has holdings in sugar, tourism, and textile manufacturing.
| Born | 24 June 1933 |
|---|---|
| Age | 89 years (as of 2022) |
| Birthplace | Kiambu County, Kenya |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
Ngina's journey illustrates how legacy and influence can create opportunities for continued success in business. Her son, Uhuru Kenyatta, became President of Kenya in 2012, showcasing the power of family and connection in achieving success.
5. Folorunsho Alakija - $1 billion
Folorunsho Alakija, a Nigerian-born businesswoman, grew up during a time of government turmoil and runaway inflation. She pursued secretarial studies at Pitman's Central College, London, and became one of the wealthiest women in Africa, with a net worth of $1 billion.
| Born | 15 July 1951 |
|---|---|
| Age | 71 years (as of 2022) |
| Birthplace | Ikorodu, Nigeria |
| Occupation | Businessperson |
Her experience and passion for fashion led her to take a chance in the fashion industry in 1993. She started her label Supreme Stitches, which she later named The Rose Of Sharon House of Fashion. Her journey highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in pursuing one's dreams.
6. Hajia Bola Shagaya - $959 million
Dr. Hajia Bola Shagaya is a Nigerian entrepreneur with a net worth of $959 million. She is the CEO and founder of Bolmus Group International and has been recognized by Forbes as one of The 50 Most Powerful Women in Africa.
| Born | 10 October 1959 |
|---|---|
| Age | 63 years (as of 2022) |
| Birthplace | Ilorin, Nigeria |
| Occupation | Businessperson |
Shagaya started her career at the Central Bank of Nigeria before founding the Bolmus group, which imported and distributed photographic materials. Her journey emphasizes the importance of education and dedication in achieving success.
7. Sheila Johnson - $750 million
Sheila C. Johnson is an American businesswoman and philanthropist who has amassed a fortune of $750 million. She co-founded Black Entertainment Television (BET), turning it into America's largest African
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