Forbes Unveils 2024 Forbesblk 50: Celebrating Black Excellence And Global Impact
Forbes Highlights Pioneers Driving Progress Across Industries
Forbes has announced its 2024 ForbesBLK 50 list, a prestigious compilation of the 50 most affluent and impactful Black Americans excelling across diverse industries. This annual list not only recognises wealth but also applauds achievements in innovation, leadership, and societal contributions, offering a panoramic view of Black excellence in action.
This year’s honourees hail from sectors such as technology, finance, media, and philanthropy, embodying resilience, ingenuity, and a commitment to fostering positive change within their communities and industries. The list also emphasises the global influence of African-born professionals, underlining their transformative contributions to the world.
Among the celebrated individuals are cultural icons and industry leaders such as Dr Dre, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Beyonce, and Jay-Z, each driving progress and inspiring millions through their diverse accomplishments. Additionally, the list serves as a testament to the power of diversity and the pivotal role of leadership in advancing innovation and societal development.
Spotlight on African-Born Innovators
This year’s ForbesBLK 50 also recognises the remarkable achievements of African-born professionals who have made significant impacts on global industries. Notable names include:
1. Adebayo Ogunlesi
Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and co-founder of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), stands out as a visionary leader in infrastructure investments. In 2024, GIP was acquired by BlackRock for $12.5 billion in cash and shares, with Ogunlesi retaining his leadership role. His net worth is estimated at $1.7 billion.
Educated at Oxford University and Harvard, where he earned a Juris Doctor and MBA, Ogunlesi began his career clerking for Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall before transitioning to roles at Cravath, Swaine & Moore and Credit Suisse. In 2006, he co-founded GIP, which has since emerged as a powerhouse in global infrastructure development.
2. Tope Awotona
Tope Awotona, founder and CEO of Calendly, revolutionised scheduling with his innovative software. Born in Lagos and raised in Atlanta, Awotona’s entrepreneurial journey began with a bold decision to invest his 401(k) savings in his vision. Despite early challenges, Calendly’s success soared, achieving a valuation of $3 billion by 2021.
With a net worth of $1.4 billion, Awotona exemplifies resilience and strategic thinking. His journey—from failed startups to leading a tech giant—inspires budding entrepreneurs worldwide.
3. Wemimo Abbey
At just 32, Wemimo Abbey is the youngest Nigerian on the ForbesBLK 50 list. As co-founder and co-CEO of Esusu, a fintech company enhancing renters’ credit histories, Abbey is a beacon of social innovation. Esusu’s services, now available in over 20,000 U.S. properties, have impacted 1.8 million renters, promoting financial inclusion and empowerment.
Abbey’s journey from Lagos to global recognition is a story of determination. His mother’s sacrifice to fund his education fueled his drive to create change through technology, with Esusu reaching a $1 billion valuation in 2022.
A Celebration of Excellence
The 2024 ForbesBLK 50 list stands as a powerful reminder of the influence and achievements of Black professionals globally. By spotlighting these trailblazers, Forbes inspires future generations to dream big, innovate boldly, and lead with purpose.