Nollywood’s leading ladies aren’t just collecting awards anymore. They’re building empires that would make Fortune 500 executives take notice. With Funke Akindele’s “Everybody Loves Jenifa” smashing through the ₦1.8 billion barrier, and Genevieve Nnaji’s strategic investments paying dividends, 2025 marks a watershed moment for wealth creation in Nigerian cinema. The top 10 richest actresses now command a combined fortune of more than $60 million. That number keeps climbing as streaming deals, box office records, and international partnerships reshape what’s possible for African entertainers.
Genevieve Nnaji remains Nollywood’s wealthiest actress, with an estimated net worth of $10-15 million. But don’t sleep on Funke Akindele, whose recent box office dominance has positioned her as a serious challenger with $7-11 million to her name. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde rounds out the top three at $7-10 million, while Mercy Johnson Okojie’s consistent output has earned her $5-9 million. The rest of the top 10 includes Rita Dominic, Ini Edo, Uche Jombo, Chioma Chukwuka, Kate Henshaw, and Chika Ike, each commanding between $2-6.7 million in personal wealth.
1. Genevieve Nnaji ($10-15 million)
At 45, Genevieve Nnaji has built wealth the old-fashioned way. She earned it through decades of strategic moves and impeccable brand management. Her fortune sits comfortably at $10-15 million, anchored by over 200 films and groundbreaking business deals that younger actresses are still trying to replicate.
The 2018 sale of “Lionheart” to Netflix remains her masterstroke. Nigeria’s first Netflix Original reportedly earned her between $3.5 and $ 3.8 million, instantly putting her in a different financial league.
Her endorsement portfolio reads like a who’s who of premium brands. She became the first African face of Lux in 2004, earning ₦20 million, a sum that actually meant something. Amstel Malta paid her around ₦40 million, while her Etisalat (now 9mobile) deal brought in approximately ₦100 million. Range Rover didn’t just pay her, they gifted her an Evoque.
Genevieve’s real estate holdings in affluent Lagos neighbourhoods provide steady appreciation, and her St. Genevieve Clothing Line (launched in 2008) continues generating income. Her Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon and Bentley Continental GT aren’t just status symbols. They’re proof that smart investing beats flashy spending every time.
2. Funke Akindele ($7-11 million)
Funke Akindele’s estimated $7-11 million net worth doesn’t tell the whole story. It’s how she earned it that’s changing Nollywood economics. Her switch from actress to the industry’s most commercially successful filmmaker happened fast, and the numbers are staggering.
“Everybody Loves Jenifa” didn’t just break records in Nigeria. It obliterated them. The December 2024 release opened with ₦45.2 million on day one, the highest debut in Nigerian cinema history. It hit ₦1 billion in just 19 days, becoming the fastest Nigerian film to reach that milestone. By March 2025, it had grossed over ₦1.8 billion, making it West Africa’s highest-grossing film of all time.
Her production company Scene One Productions has produced three of Nollywood’s four highest-grossing films ever: “Everybody Loves Jenifa” (2024), “A Tribe Called Judah” (2023, ₦1.4 billion), and “Omo Ghetto: The Saga” (2020, ₦636 million).
Her brand portfolio includes Dettol, Keystone Bank, WAW Nigeria, Molfix (where she’s the first Nigerian ambassador), and Kelloggs Nigeria. She owns a seven-bedroom mansion in Amen Estate, Lekki, valued at over ₦400 million. The Hollywood Reporter named her among the Most Influential Women in International Film 2025, recognition that opens doors to bigger opportunities.
3. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde ($7-10 million)
“Omosexy” has earned approximately $7-10 million over a 30-year career spanning more than 300 films. But in 2025, she’s making news for what happens behind the camera, not just in front of it.
Her directorial debut, “Mother’s Love,” premiered at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, marking a significant milestone in her career. The film began her transition into filmmaking, opening new revenue streams beyond traditional acting roles.
TIME Magazine named her to the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2013, the same year she became the first Nigerian celebrity to reach one million Facebook likes.
Her income streams diversify beyond acting. Endorsements with Knorr, Scanfrost, and Globacom provide stable revenue. Her reality show “Omotola: The Real Me” (2012) and two music albums show her willingness to experiment. She has served as a UN World Food Programme Ambassador since 2005.
4. Mercy Johnson Okojie ($5-9 million)
Mercy Johnson commands premium fees of ₦6 million+ ($4,000+) per movie role across her 200+ film career. Her 2020 production “The Legend of Inikpi” became Nollywood’s highest-grossing epic film. Recent projects include “Extra Mile” (2025), “Ejiro’s Wish” (2024), and “House 45” (2024).
Her endorsements include Tiger Foods Limited, Hollandia Evap Milk/Chi Limited (described as one of Nigeria’s biggest food brand deals ever), Pennek Nigeria (real estate), and Mr Chef Iodised Salt. She runs the “Mercy’s Menu” cooking show and operates the Mercy Magic weight-loss business with nationwide distributors. Her political appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor on Entertainment adds government connections to her portfolio.
5. Rita Dominic ($3.5-6 million)
At 50, Rita Dominic has built her fortune through strategic business moves alongside her acting career. She co-founded The Audrey Silva Company (TASC) with director Mildred Okwo in 2010 to produce high-quality African content. She was appointed to oversee the Miss Nigeria Pageant through TASC, while Rita Dominic Productions continues to develop projects.
Endorsement partnerships include LG Electronics (2021), GetFit Company (2021), Keystone Bank (multi-million naira deal), BK Unique Hair, GLO, and Zaron Cosmetics. She serves as IATF Goodwill Ambassador for Afreximbank. Her 2025 release “Baby Farm” addresses infant trafficking, demonstrating her continued commitment to meaningful storytelling.
6. Ini Edo ($3.5-6 million)
Ini Edo’s 20+ year career spanning 200+ films has positioned her strategically in the streaming era. Her Netflix appearances include “Shanty Town” (2023) and “Young, Famous & African” Season 3 (2025), which have expanded her international profile. She has held the position of Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Culture and Tourism since 2016.
Her decade-long GLO endorsement remains her most significant brand partnership, alongside deals with Noble Hair, Slim Tea, and Mr Taxi. Business ventures include her beauty line “Beauty Secrets of April” (launched 2021). She serves as UN-Habitat Youth Envoy (since 2014) and founded GEMS Africa NGO, focused on women’s empowerment.
The Remaining Top 10
Uche Jombo ($3.5-6.7 million) operates as an actress, producer, and director, with notable films including “Visa to Hell” and “Girls in the Hood.” Her Globacom ambassadorship and ownership of a production company diversify her income streams.
Chioma Chukwuka ($2-5.7 million) has built wealth through 350+ films over 20+ years. Her 2007 AMAA Best Actress win for “Sins of the Flesh” established her critical credentials. Current endorsements include Erisco Foods (since 2018), Globacom, Omo Detergent, and Harpic. She launched “Masterclass With Chioma” mentorship platform in 2019.
Kate Henshaw ($4-5.5 million) combines award-winning acting with brand ambassadorships, including Samsung. Her fitness advocacy and international appeal contribute to sustained income.
Chika Ike ($4-6.2 million) has appeared in over 100 films while building a boutique and real estate empire. Her role as a UN Ambassador adds to her profile.