Black women are breaking barriers and achieving remarkable milestones in the world of business and beyond. While there are only two Black women billionaires in the world as of 2025, many others come close, representing stunning successes in fields ranging from media and music to oil and real estate. Hereâs a look at the fascinating journeys of these influential women whoâve amassed extraordinary wealth.
1. Oprah Winfrey
Net Worth: $2.7 billion (Forbes, 2024)
Oprah Winfrey is arguably one of the most iconic women in entertainment history. Known as “The Queen of All Media,” Oprah leveraged her talk show to build a media empire. Her production company, Harpo Productions, was behind the success of not only âThe Oprah Winfrey Showâ but also significant projects like the film adaptations of The Color Purple. A savvy businesswoman, Oprah also holds stake in Weight Watchers and owns an impressive real estate portfolio, making her the richest Black woman in the world.
2. Rihanna
Net Worth: $1.4 billion (Forbes, 2024)
Rihanna started her career as a chart-topping pop star but later transitioned to dominating the business world. She skyrocketed to billionaire status through her cosmetics brand, Fenty Beauty, which disrupted the beauty industry with its inclusive range of skin tones. Additionally, her Savage X Fenty lingerie line, which hit a $1 billion valuation in 2021, continued to cement her place among the wealthiest Black women globally.
3. Sheila Johnson
Net Worth: Approx. $750 million
Sheila Johnson made history as the first Black female billionaire in the United States. Co-founder of BET (Black Entertainment Television), Johnson built her fortune by creating groundbreaking programming for Black audiences. Since then, sheâs expanded her business ventures to include the Salamander Collection, a luxury resort management company. Her work stands as a testament to her commitment to quality and innovation in the business world.
4. Folorunsho Alakija
Net Worth: $1 billion (previously, Forbes, 2020)
Though no longer a billionaire by Forbes’ standards, Folorunsho Alakija remains a force to be reckoned with in Africaâs business landscape. The Nigerian entrepreneur co-founded Famfa Oil, a major operator in Nigeriaâs oil industry. Aside from oil, she has interests in fashion, real estate, and philanthropy, supporting widows and orphans through her Rose of Sharon Foundation, demonstrating that wealth can have a global impact.
5. Janice Bryant Howroyd
Net Worth: Approx. $610 million
Janice Bryant Howroyd became the first Black woman to own a billion-dollar business, ActOne, a staffing agency spanning 19 countries. Known for her people-first approach, Janice has not only broken through barriers in the business world but also inspired women of color across the globe to think bigger and aim higher.
6. Beyoncé
Net Worth: $540 million (Forbes, 2024)
An icon in the music industry, BeyoncĂ© has translated her fame into significant business ventures, including her Ivy Park activewear line with Adidas and investments in entertainment ventures like her streaming deal with Netflix. BeyoncĂ©’s performance at Coachella even became an iconic cultural moment turned business goldmine, showing the power of marketing and reinvention.
7. Serena Williams
Net Worth: $260 million (Forbes, 2023)
The tennis legend transitioned from a celebrated sports career into an accomplished investor and entrepreneur. Serena Ventures, her investment firm, focuses on funding early-stage startups led by underrepresented founders. Additionally, endorsements and partnerships with major brands like Nike have solidified her place as one of the richest athletes of all time.
8. Patrice Motsepe (Bridgette Radebe)
Net Worth (combined, family fortune): $3.1 billion
While her own net worth is part of her familyâs wealth, Bridgette Radebe is a leading figure in mining in South Africa and an advocate for equality within the male-dominated industry. She has built her career around expanding opportunities for women across Africa and remains a significant figure of influence.
9. Ruth E. Carter
Net Worth (Approx.): $15 Million
Known predominantly for her accomplishments in costume design (Black Panther, Selma), Ruth Carter is a powerful symbol of Black excellence in Hollywood. Through licensing and partnerships, Carter has potential wealth pathways that allow her to ascend further upward across future sectors.
10. Tyra Banks
Net Worth Overlay/Aspirational Path Sign ificance: $90 Million
Supermodel, television host/producer, and businesswoman Tyra Banks has built an empire out of her career in modeling. She is the first African-American woman to appear on the cover of GQ and Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. Through savvy investments and entrepreneurship efforts, Banks continues to expand her wealth and influence in the entertainment industry. Her latest venture includes a beauty company focused on inclusivity for all skin tones.
Other notable Black women in entertainment who have made significant strides in their respective fields include Viola Davis, Ava DuVernay, Mindy Kaling, Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, Shonda Rhimes, Oprah Winfrey, and more.
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