When it comes to Nollywood royalty, Genevieve Nnaji wears the crown. With a career spanning over two decades, she remains the highest-paid and richest female actress in Nigeria as of 2025, with an estimated net worth of $8 million to $15 million.
From her early days in Ijele and Sharon Stone to producing critically acclaimed works like Lionheart (Netflix’s first Nigerian original), Genevieve has transcended borders, winning hearts both locally and globally.
💰 Top 5 Richest Female Nollywood Stars in 2025
| 🎭 Actress | 💵 Net Worth | 🔥 Career Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Genevieve Nnaji | $8M–$15M | Lionheart, Netflix deal, endorsements, producer |
| Funke Akindele | $5M–$7.5M | Omo Ghetto, A Tribe Called Judah, filmmaker |
| Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde | $4M–$7M | Last Flight to Abuja, TIME100 honoree |
| Rita Dominic | $4M–$6M | The Meeting, multiple brand endorsements |
| Mercy Johnson-Okojie | $3.5M–$5M | Consistent box office hits, entrepreneur |
🌱 Rising Stars to Watch Before 2025 Ends
As the spotlight shines on the veterans, a new wave of talented Nigerian actresses is stepping up ready to carry the torch. Here are three rising stars expected to break into Genevieve-level global recognition by the end of 2025:
1. Temi Otedola
- 🎬 Notable Films: Citation (Netflix), The Man for the Job
- 🌍 International Presence: Featured in Netflix’s global catalog
- 🧠 Why She Stands Out: Daughter of billionaire Femi Otedola, Temi blends elegance, acting talent, and a keen business sense. Her debut in Citation earned critical acclaim, and she’s already branching into fashion and international modeling.
2. Genoveva Umeh
- 🎬 Notable Films: Blood Sisters, Far From Home (Netflix series)
- 🌍 International Presence: Global Netflix exposure with Nollywood’s top thrillers
- 🧠 Why She Stands Out: UK-trained, Genoveva brings method acting to Nollywood. Her gripping performances have positioned her as one of the industry’s next global exports.
3. Sharon Ooja
- 🎬 Notable Films: Glamour Girls (Netflix), Flawsome (Showmax)
- 🌍 International Presence: Regional streaming success, U.S. Nollywood events
- 🧠 Why She Stands Out: Sharon’s charisma, strong screen presence, and fashionable appeal make her a fan favorite. With talks of an international project underway, she’s a name to watch closely.
🎥 Nollywood Goes Global
Nigerian cinema is no longer confined to African audiences. Platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Showmax have opened global doors. While legends like Genevieve paved the way, the new stars are sprinting through them armed with confidence, charisma, and cross-cultural appeal.
📌 Final Thoughts
Genevieve Nnaji isn’t just Nollywood’s highest-paid actress she’s an icon of African excellence. But the next generation is ready. With rising talents like Temi Otedola, Genoveva Umeh, and Sharon Ooja, the future of Nollywood looks brighter than ever both locally and internationally.
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