Meet the Nigerian Billionaires Who Made Forbes’ 2024 List of 50 Wealthiest Black Americans!

Forbes has unveiled its 2024 ForbesBLK 50 list, celebrating the achievements of the wealthiest and most influential Black Americans. This year’s list places greater emphasis on leadership, innovation, and societal impact, while still recognizing economic worth.

Among the honorees are three Nigerian billionaires: Adebayo Ogunlesi, Tope Awotona, and Wemimo Abbey. These innovators have made significant contributions to their respective industries, earning them a spot on this prestigious list.

Wemimo Abbey: Co-Founder of Esusu

Wemimo Abbey is a Nigerian entrepreneur who has made a name for himself in the fintech industry. As co-founder and co-CEO of Esusu, a New York-based fintech firm, Abbey has helped thousands of Americans improve their credit histories and ratings.

Esusu’s innovative service reports rent payments to credit bureaus, allowing tenants to establish or improve their credit scores. With over 20,000 residences using Esusu’s service and 1.8 million Americans recording rent payments, Abbey’s company has made a significant impact on the financial lives of many.

Tope Awotona: Founder and CEO of Calendly

Tope Awotona is a Nigerian-born entrepreneur who has revolutionized the way we schedule meetings. As founder and CEO of Calendly, a scheduling software firm valued at $3 billion, Awotona has made a significant impact on the tech industry.

Awotona’s journey to success was not easy. After working as a salesman for several software companies and starting a few unsuccessful startups, he founded Calendly in 2013. With a valuation of $3 billion and over $350 million in funding, Calendly has become a household name in the tech industry.

Adebayo Ogunlesi: Co-Founder and Chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners

Adebayo Ogunlesi is a Nigerian native who has made a name for himself in the world of private equity. As co-founder and chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a New York-based private equity firm, Ogunlesi has led the company to become one of the largest infrastructure investors in the world.

With an estimated net worth of $1.7 billion, Ogunlesi is one of the wealthiest Black Americans on the Forbes list. His journey to success is a testament to his hard work and dedication, having worked as a clerk for Justice Thurgood Marshall and an attorney at Cravath, Swaine & Moore before becoming an investment banker at Credit Suisse.

These three Nigerian billionaires are an inspiration to entrepreneurs and business leaders around the world. Their innovative spirit, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact on society have earned them a spot on the Forbes 2024 ForbesBLK 50 list.