Three Nigerians Make ForbesBLK 50 Wealthiest Black Americans List

Three Nigerians have been named in the 2024 ForbesBLK 50 list of wealthiest and most influential Black Americans. Adebayo Ogunlesi, Tope Awotona, and Wemimo Abbey were recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to business, technology, and financial inclusion.

Adebayo Ogunlesi, with a net worth of $1.7 billion, emerged as a leader in global infrastructure investment. As the chairman and co-founder of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Ogunlesi spearheaded a landmark acquisition by BlackRock in 2024 valued at $12.5 billion, solidifying his position as a trailblazer in private equity.

Tope Awotona, the visionary founder and CEO of Calendly, earned his place on the list with a net worth of $1.4 billion. Awotona’s innovative scheduling platform has revolutionized efficiency in managing appointments, making it a staple in workplaces across the globe.

Wemimo Abbey, the youngest Nigerian honoree at just 32 years old, co-founded Esusu, a fintech company addressing financial inclusion. Esusu reports rent payments to credit bureaus, helping millions of renters build credit. The platform is currently utilized by over 20,000 properties and has benefited 1.8 million Americans.

Forbes emphasized the importance of their achievements, highlighting that these individuals exemplify the potential for success through legitimate means. Their inclusion on the list also underscores the prominence of individuals from the Yoruba ethnic group in global business and innovation.