For the first time, a woman has reached the top of the global billionaire rankings.
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the French businesswoman and L’Oréal heiress, is now the wealthiest woman in the world, with an estimated net worth of $99.5 billion.
Despite this milestone, there is no verified report of any individual, male or female, surpassing the trillion-dollar mark in net worth. Bettencourt Meyers’ wealth comes primarily from her family’s controlling stake in L’Oréal, the global beauty giant, which has seen steady growth in recent years.
Meanwhile, Africa’s richest person, Aliko Dangote, has experienced a significant rise in wealth. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $28.3 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This increase is largely attributed to the expansion of his business empire, particularly in cement production and the launch of the Dangote Refinery.
The Dangote Group, a major player in African industry, continues to grow, reinforcing Dangote’s financial success. His investments in manufacturing and infrastructure have positioned him as a key figure in the continent’s economic development.
While Bettencourt Meyers now leads as the richest woman globally, the claim that anyone has surpassed a trillion-dollar fortune remains unverified. Meanwhile, Dangote’s rising wealth strengthens his status as Africa’s top billionaire, reflecting the continued growth of his business ventures.