List of Top 10 Richest Women in the World in 2024, Their Ages and Sources of Wealth
- The Forbes World Billionaires list now includes 369 women out of 2,781 billionaires, up from 337 in 2023, raising their share from 12.8% to 13.3%
- This year's list features 46 new women, including pop star Taylor Swift, who earned an estimated $190 million after-tax from her Eras Tour
- Nine out of the ten richest women inherited their fortunes from family members, highlighting the ongoing trend of wealth transfer through inheritance
Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology and the Stock Market.
The number of women in the Forbes' World Billionaires list has grown to 369 out of 2,781 billionaires, or 13.3%, up from 337 in 2023, when women accounted for 12.8% of the list.
Source: UGC
According to the latest Forbes World Billionaires list, 46 new women have joined the ranks in 2024, with their wealth primarily acquired through stock market gains or inheritance.
A standout among the newcomers is pop icon Taylor Swift, who amassed an estimated $190 million after taxes from her Eras Tour, although she did not make it into the top 10.
The list reveals that nine out of the ten wealthiest women inherited their fortunes from family members, whether fathers, husbands, or, in one case, a mother.
The only exception in the top 10 is MacKenzie Scott, an American author and philanthropist, who gained her wealth through her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Top 10 richest women in the world
These are the ten richest women in the world based on the recent Forbes' World Billionaires list.
10. Abigail Johnson
Abigail, 62, succeeded her father, Edward "Ned" Johnson III, in 2022, leading the company to unprecedented success.
Her grandpa founded Fidelity Investments in 1946, which manages $4.9 trillion. She owns 28.5% of the company, making her one of the wealthiest and most influential women in finance. She is worth $29 billion.
9. Gina Rinehart
Mining and agricultural company Hancock Prospecting Group is chaired by $30.8 billion Gina Rinehart, 70.
She bought the company from her father, Lang Hancock, in 1992. After a 14% increase from March 2023, she is Australia's wealthiest.
Her leadership has helped the company flourish, particularly in the iron ore industry, which has increased her wealth.
8. Miriam Adelson & family
Miriam Adelson, 78, has $32 billion. After her husband, Sheldon Adelson, died in 2021, she bought over 50% of Las Vegas Sands.
Miriam, a talented doctor, has donated over $1 billion to medical research and drug development, showing her commitment to charity and medical science.
7. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, 79, is a maritime industry leader with dual citizenship in Switzerland and Italy. She has a $33.1 billion net worth. She started MSC in 1970 with her spouse, Gianluigi Aponte.
Each owns 50% of MSC, the world's largest shipping line. In addition to her executive function, Aponte-Diamant designs the interiors of MSC Cruises' ships, demonstrating her engagement in the firm.
The pair borrowed a $200,000 loan to buy their first ship, starting their massive business empire.
6. Savitri Jindal Family
The richest woman in India is 74-year-old Savitri Jindal, valued at $33.5 billion. She chairs the Jindal Group, which operates in steel, power, cement, and infrastructure.
Jindal inherited her money and position after her husband, Om Prakash Jindal, died in a 2005 helicopter mishap.
Savitri Jindal rose from the 12th richest lady in 2023 to her current level because of soaring share values.
5. MacKenzie Scott
At 53, MacKenzie Scott is a wealthy philanthropist worth $35.6 billion. After her 2019 divorce from Jeff Bezos, she gained 4% of Amazon's shares and pledged to donate most of her wealth.
In March, Scott gave $640 million to 361 organisations after a competitive funding application procedure. Her charitable contributions totalled $17.3 billion, including several no-strings-attached gifts that surprise beneficiaries.
4. Jacqueline Mars
Jacqueline Mars, worth $38.5 billion, is a confectionary and pet food industry leader.
She co-owns Mars Inc. with her brother John Mars and the daughters of her late brother Forrest Jr. at 84.
Famous brands include M&Ms, Snickers, Ben's Original, and Pedigree dog food from the global leader.
Frank C. Mars, Jacqueline's grandfather, started Mars Inc. in 1911 by selling buttercream sweets from his kitchen.
3. Julia Koch and family
The 61-year-old American Julia Koch has a net worth of $64.3 billion. Her husband, David Koch, died in 2019.
Julia moved from second to third place among the world's richest women this year. She and her three children received 42% of Koch Industries.
The conglomerate's businesses include oil refining, medical technology, and paper.
2. Alice Walton
Alice Walton, the richest woman in America, has a net worth of $72.3 billion.
She has gained an additional $15.6 billion this year thanks to a remarkable 34% surge in Walmart's share price over the past 12 months.
As the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, who passed away in 1992, Alice has taken a different path from her brothers.
She has never served on Walmart's board, choosing instead to dedicate herself to the arts industry.
1. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers & family
For the fourth year in a row, 70-year-old Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is the world's richest woman with $99.5 billion.
The granddaughter of L'Oréal's founder and heir to the family's great fortune, her approximately 35% stake in the cosmetics business makes up most of her riches.
Bettencourt Meyers acquired her vast fortune from her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, who died in 2017. In 2018, she joined Forbes' billionaires list with $42.2 billion.
| No | Name | Net worth |
| 10 | Abigail Johnson | $29 billion |
| 9 | Gina Rinehart | $30.8 billion |
| 8 | Miriam Adelson & family | $32 billion |
| 7 | Rafaela Aponte-Diamant | $33.1 billion |
| 6 | Savitri Jindal Family | $33.5 billion |
| 5 | MacKenzie Scott | $35.6 billion |
| 4 | Jacqueline Mars | $38.5 billion |
| 3 | Julia Koch and family | $64.3 billion |
| 2 | Alice Walton | $72.3 billion |
| 1 | Francoise Bettencourt Meyers | $99.5 billion |
Richest women on Nigeria's stock exchange
In related news, Legit.ng reported that seven Nigerian women are among the investors who have seen their fortunes rise thanks to NGX's positive performance
They are the wealthiest women on the NGX owing to the valuation of their shareholdings in various companies.
These women include Awelu Elumelu, Abolanle Matel Okoh, Ifeoma Esiri, Adaora Umeoji, Olufunmilola Ayebae, Joy Teluwo, and Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
Victor Enengedi (Business HOD) Victor Enengedi is a trained journalist with over a decade of experience in both print and online media platforms. He holds a degree in History and Diplomatic Studies from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State. An AFP-certified journalist, he functions as the Head of the Business Desk at Legit. He has also worked as Head of Editorial Operations at Nairametrics. He can be reached via victor.enengedi@corp.legit.ng and +2348063274521.
James Ojo (Copyeditor) James Ojo is a copy editor at Legit.ng. He is an award-winning journalist with a speciality in investigative journalism. He is a fellow of Nigeria Health Watch Prevent Epidemics Journalism Fellowship (2023), WSCIJ Collaborative Media Project (2022), ICIR Health Reporting (2022), YouthHubAfrica’s Basic Education Media Fellowship (2022), Countering the Fake News Epidemic (MacArthur Foundation) 2021, and Tiger Eye Foundation Fellowship. Email: james.ojo@corp.legit.ng
