Two Nigerian Visionaries Shine on Forbes’ 2025 List of America’s Wealthiest Immigrants

RYNI Media: By Omotayo Stephen .O
15 July 2025

In a testament to global ambition and entrepreneurial brilliance, two Nigerian-born innovators, Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi and Tope Awotona, have secured their places on Forbes’ 2025 list of America’s richest immigrants. The annual list, featuring 125 immigrant billionaires from 41 countries, showcases the pivotal role of immigrants in shaping the U.S. economic landscape, particularly in sectors like technology, finance, and innovation.

It’s a seismic moment not just for Nigeria, but for the entire African continent. For the first time, two Nigerian visionaries have climbed into the billionaire ranks of the world’s most competitive economy — a feat born not of inheritance, but of tenacity, daring innovation, and pure willpower.

At 77th position, Ogunlesi is no stranger to global influence. A Yale- and Harvard-trained legal and financial mastermind, he chairs Global Infrastructure Partners, a firm that controls billions in airport, energy, and transport investments. With a personal fortune estimated at $2.4 billion, the business mogul from Sagamu has shaped mega-deals in US — all while keeping his roots firmly Nigerian.

Meanwhile, Tope Awotona, the tech disruptor behind the scheduling giant Calendly, lands at 106th position with a net worth of $1.4 billion. A one-man startup army who emptied his savings to build Calendly, Awotona’s journey from the streets of Lagos to the innovation labs of Atlanta is now the blueprint for immigrant excellence in global SaaS powerhouse used by millions.

Their rise is part of a larger phenomenon: immigrants now make up 14% of America’s billionaires — but command a staggering 18% of its total billionaire wealth, according to Forbes. And it’s not just about money. This list celebrates resilience, vision, and the global citizen who builds across borders.

At the summit remains South African-born Elon Musk, whose $393.1 billion empire spans Tesla, SpaceX, and AI. Yet beyond Musk’s shadow, the emergence of Ogunlesi and Awotona signals a new dawn for African entrepreneurial influence — one that’s no longer defined by extraction or aid, but by technology, finance, and boardroom leadership.

Other notable African-born figures include Egypt’s Haim Saban ($3.1 billion), Morocco’s Marc Lasry ($1.9 billion), and Bharat Desai from Kenya ($1.6 billion).

Forbes notes that 93 percent of the immigrant billionaires are self-made, a figure that speaks volumes about the grit and resilience driving this elite group. The rise from 92 immigrant billionaires in 2022 to 115 in 2025 signals a growing “immigrant mindset” fueled by innovation, adaptability and relentless pursuit of opportunity, qualities well embodied by Ogunleai and Awotona on the world stage.

This year’s rankings don’t just spotlight wealth — they spotlight visionaries who dared to dream across oceans and borders. And as Ogunlesi and Awotona rise, they not only carry the torch for Nigeria — they illuminate a path for the next generation of global changemakers.

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