Forbes has unveiled its inaugural list of the 50 wealthiest Black Americans for 2024, highlighting three industry leaders of African origin among the honorees. The debut edition, known as the ForbesBLK50 list, aims to address the gaps in representation from the 2009 release of Forbes' initial ranking of the most influential Black Americans.

The list incorporates metrics beyond net worth to celebrate achievements and influence in the community and world at large. According to Forbes, the new ranking not only considers net worth but also incorporates metrics that celebrate the achievements of some of the wealthiest Black Americans alongside pioneering entrepreneurs, activists, and innovators.

Among the notable African Americans and specifically, three Nigerians who earned spots on the list for their remarkable contributions to their respective industries are Wemimo Abbey, Tope Awotona, and Adebayo Ogunlesi. Wemimo Abbey, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Esusu, a fintech company that helps renters build their credit by reporting rent payments to credit bureaus, has had an impressive career trajectory. Before launching Esusu, he worked as a mergers and acquisitions consultant at PwC and co-founded both a nonprofit organization and a data analytics startup.

Tope Awotona, Founder and CEO of Calendly, a scheduling software company, has transformed scheduling processes for businesses and individuals globally. Initially studying computer science at the University of Georgia, he later switched to business and management information systems. Calendly was private investors valued at $3 billion in 2021.

Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and Co-founder of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a private equity firm headquartered in New York, is a highly accomplished academic, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oxford University, as well as both a Juris Doctor and an MBA from Harvard. His net worth is estimated by Forbes to be $1.7 billion, reflecting his significant impact in the global infrastructure investment sector.

The recognition of these three Nigerian entrepreneurs on the ForbesBLK50 list is a testament to their hard work, innovative spirit, and dedication to making a positive impact in their respective industries. As the list aims to celebrate achievements and influence beyond net worth, it provides a more comprehensive picture of the wealth and influence of Black Americans.

The ForbesBLK50 list is a significant step towards addressing the gaps in representation and providing a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the achievements and influence of Black Americans. As the list continues to evolve, it is likely to have a profound impact on the way we perceive and celebrate success in the Black community.

In conclusion, the inaugural ForbesBLK50 list is a milestone in recognizing the achievements and influence of Black Americans, and the inclusion of three Nigerian entrepreneurs is a testament to the growing global influence of African leaders in technology and innovation.