8 African-born billionaires make list of America's richest immigrants
Eight African-born billionaires are featured in Forbes' 2025 list of America's Richest Immigrants.
These individuals represent 6 African countries and include Elon Musk from South Africa as the richest global immigrant.
Immigrant billionaires constitute 14% of U.S.-based billionaires, controlling 18% of total U.S. billionaire wealth.
These African names appear in the 2025 edition of America's Richest Immigrants, a Forbes ranking that reflects not just personal wealth but also the broader influence of immigrant entrepreneurship in America.
These billionaires, originally from 41 countries, account for 14% of all U.S.-based billionaires and hold 18% of the nation's total billionaire wealth.
Forbes notes that the vast majority 93% of these individuals are self-made, with many building their fortunes in tech and finance.
One of the most notable names is Elon Musk, born in South Africa, who ranks as the richest immigrant and the richest person globally with an estimated fortune of $393.1 billion.
Musk, who moved to the U.S. via Canada as a student, built his wealth through Tesla and SpaceX.
America's richest African immigrants hail from South Africa
Below is a table highlighting African-born billionaires on Forbes' 2025 list of America's richest immigrants:
Rank Name Net Worth Industry Country of Origin
1st Elon Musk $393.1B Tesla, SpaceX South Africa
34th Patrick Soon-Shiong $5.6B Pharmaceuticals South Africa
54th Rodney Sacks & Family $3.6B Energy Drinks South Africa
61st Haim Saban $3.1B TV, Investments Egypt
77th Adebayo 'Bayo' Ogunlesi $2.4B Private Equity Nigeria
89th Marc Lasry $1.9B Hedge Funds Morocco
97th Bharat Desai $1.6B IT Consulting Kenya
106th Tope Awotona $1.4B Software Nigeria
The 2025 billionaire rankings highlight South Africa as the African country with the most representation, led by Elon Musk, whose $393.1 billion fortune places him at the top globally. He is joined by Patrick Soon-Shiong ($5.6B, pharmaceuticals) and Rodney Sacks ($3.6B, energy drinks), underscoring South Africa's strong ties to global business.
Nigeria follows with two names: Adebayo 'Bayo' Ogunlesi ($2.4B, private equity) and Tope Awotona ($1.4B, software), reflecting the country's growing presence in finance and tech.
Egypt, Morocco, and Kenya each have one representative: Haim Saban ($3.1B), Marc Lasry ($1.9B), and Bharat Desai ($1.6B), respectively. The rankings reveal a regional wealth concentration, with South Africa and Nigeria leading Africa's billionaire count.
The increase in immigrant billionaires from 92 in 2022 to 125 in 2025 marks a significant demographic shift.
Their wealth, entrepreneurial success, and deep presence in sectors like tech and finance underscore what Forbes describes as the 'immigrant mindset': a relentless drive built on resilience, appreciation for opportunity, and a unique ability to innovate from outside the conventional mold.
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