A woman tops Brazil’s ‘Billionaires List’ for 2023 for the first time, Forbes recently published to celebrate the magazine’s 11th anniversary.
Vicky Safra, 70, widow of late banker Joseph Safra, tops the list with an estimated net worth of R$ 87.8 billion (US$17.9 billion).
The total includes her children’s wealth, in line with Forbes USA’s new criteria.
She surpasses Eduardo Saverin and Jorge Paulo Lemann, previous list leaders. Saverin is now second, and Lemann is third.
Women now comprise 22% of Brazil’s billionaire group, a 12% rise from last year. The list has 60 women, either entrepreneurs or heirs.
Vicky Safra and Family – R$ 87.8 billion (US$17.9 billion)
Born in Greece, Vicky Safra moved to Brazil and leads a philanthropic foundation. Forbes now includes her children’s wealth in the total.
Eduardo Luiz Saverin – R$ 83.5 billion (US$17.0 billion)
The Facebook co-founder, Eduardo Saverin, is the second richest, with R$ 83.5 billion. Meta’s rising shares boosted his wealth. He lives in Singapore and runs the venture firm B Capital.
Jorge Paulo Lemann and Family – R$ 74.9 billion (US$15.3 billion)
Jorge Paulo Lemann is third with R$ 74.9 billion. Despite challenges with Lojas Americanas, his wealth remained stable. He owns stakes in AB Inbev, Kraft Heinz, and Restaurant Brands.
Brazil’s billionaire list was mostly men before. Vicky Safra’s top spot is a cultural milestone. Brazil’s economy is diverse, but wealth often stays in a few hands.
The Safra family has been a financial force for years. As Brazil wrestles with gender equality, the surge in female billionaires is timely.
The country is working to close gender gaps. The 12% rise in female billionaires marks a social and economic change. This could inspire new female entrepreneurs in Brazil.