It is no longer news that Nigerians are always shinning on the global stage across different spheres and industries. Recently, Forbes released its 2024 ForbesBLK 50 list, showing the wealthiest and most influential Black individuals who are shaping industries and communities around the globe. 

This year, three Nigerians, Adebayo Ogunlesi, Tope Awotona, and Wemimo Abbey, earned well-deserved spots on the prestigious list.

What sets this year’s list apart is its focus not only on financial success but also on innovation, societal impact, and leadership. These three Nigerians have made significant contributions in their respective fields, cementing their place as global changemakers.

Adebayo Ogunlesi – The infrastructure pioneer

A name is synonymous with excellence in global infrastructure investment, Adebayo Ogunlesi with a net worth of $1.7 billion has redefined how large-scale infrastructure projects are funded and managed. 

Ogunlesi is the chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a private equity firm that became even more prominent when BlackRock acquired it in 2024 for $12.5 billion.

Born in Nigeria and educated as a lawyer at Harvard, Ogunlesi’s career includes over two decades at Credit Suisse, where he held key leadership roles. 

In 2006, he took the leap to launch GIP, which has since played a major role in reshaping infrastructure investments worldwide. From airports to energy, his work touches critical sectors that impact millions of lives. Ogunlesi’s journey exemplifies leadership and innovation in finance, earning him a well-deserved spot on Forbes’ 2024 ForbesBLK 50 list.

Tope Awotona – Revolutionizing scheduling

The founder of Calendly, Tope Awotona turned a simple frustration into a billion-dollar idea. Born in Lagos and later moving to Atlanta, Awotona started Calendly in 2013 after struggling with the hassle of scheduling meetings. The result? A platform that millions of users now rely on for seamless scheduling.

Awotona’s net worth stands at $1.4 billion, and his company hit a $3 billion valuation in 2021 after raising $350 million in funding. What makes his story stand out is his resilience. After facing early entrepreneurial challenges, Awotona refused to give up, eventually creating a product that transformed how people manage their time.

From a personal struggle to global success, Awotona’s journey inspires innovation and perseverance.

Wemimo Abbey – Driving financial inclusion

At just 32 years old, Wemimo Abbey is making waves as the youngest Nigerian on the ForbesBLK 50 list. He co-founded Esusu, a fintech company focused on financial inclusion. Esusu helps renters improve their credit scores by reporting rent payments to credit bureaus—a simple idea with a profound impact.

Since its founding, Esusu has partnered with over 20,000 properties and benefited 1.8 million Americans. The company reached a $1 billion valuation in 2022 after securing $130 million in funding. Abbey, who grew up in Lagos, brings a unique blend of business acumen and a passion for social impact to his work.

By leveraging technology to solve real-world problems, Abbey is paving the way for a more inclusive financial future.