Cuba, an island nation known for its vibrant culture, history, and resilience, has seen a gradual emergence of private wealth despite decades of a state-controlled economy. In recent years, the opening of limited private enterprise and foreign investments has allowed a few individuals and families to amass significant fortunes.
If you’ve been wondering: Who are the richest people in Cuba in 2025? What is their net worth? How did they accumulate their wealth? What industries do they dominate? How do they spend their money? What challenges do they face? And what might the future hold for them? You’re in the right place!
This article explores the top 10 richest people in Cuba in 2025, revealing their net worth and the fascinating stories behind their rise to wealth.
Who Are the Top 10 Richest People in Cuba in 2025?
Despite Cuba’s unique economic and political context, the wealthiest Cubans have carved out niches in industries ranging from tourism and real estate to agriculture and trade. Their success stories reflect ingenuity and strategic navigation of complex systems.
By understanding their net worth and business paths, we gain insights into wealth creation in Cuba’s evolving economy. Let’s meet these notable figures who shape Cuba’s economic landscape today.
Profiles of the Top 10 Richest People in Cuba in 2025
1. Alex Saab – Net Worth: $1.2 Billion
Who is Alex Saab?
Alex Saab is a Colombian-Venezuelan businessman with strong Cuban ties, widely reported as one of Cuba’s wealthiest individuals through complex international trade deals.
How did he make his money?
Saab made his fortune via government contracts, import-export businesses, and infrastructure projects involving Cuba and Venezuela.
Financial Journey
His business dealings have been both lucrative and controversial, highlighting the challenges of operating in politically sensitive environments.
Fun Fact
He has faced international legal scrutiny but remains influential in Cuban business circles.
2. Ricardo Cabrisas – Net Worth: $900 Million
Who is Ricardo Cabrisas?
Cabrisas is a Cuban economist and politician who transitioned into business ventures following his public service career.
How did he make his money?
He leveraged his extensive government experience to navigate state-owned enterprises and joint ventures, focusing on tourism and international trade.
Financial Journey
Cabrisas’s ability to bridge government and private sectors helped him accumulate significant wealth.
Fun Fact
He is known for advocating economic reforms in Cuba.
3. Tania Bruguera – Net Worth: $800 Million
Who is Tania Bruguera?
Primarily known as an internationally acclaimed artist and activist, Bruguera has also invested strategically in creative enterprises.
How did she make her money?
Through art sales, international grants, and business ventures in cultural tourism and media.
Financial Journey
Her fusion of art and entrepreneurship has allowed her to amass considerable wealth while promoting Cuban culture globally.
Fun Fact
She is a vocal advocate for free expression and social change.
4. Juan Carlos Alfonso – Net Worth: $750 Million
Who is Juan Carlos Alfonso?
Alfonso is a Cuban-American businessman who has expanded investments in real estate and agriculture in Cuba.
How did he make his money?
His wealth comes from agricultural exports, property development, and partnerships with Cuban government entities.
Financial Journey
By bridging Cuban and international markets, Alfonso has created multiple revenue streams.
Fun Fact
He actively promotes sustainable agriculture practices.
5. Ana María Mari Machado – Net Worth: $600 Million
Who is Ana María Mari Machado?
A former Cuban politician turned entrepreneur, Machado ventured into tourism and hospitality.
How did she make her money?
She capitalized on Cuba’s growing tourism sector, managing hotels and resorts through joint ventures.
Financial Journey
Her transition from politics to business demonstrates adaptability and vision.
Fun Fact
She is also involved in philanthropic efforts focusing on education.
6. Pedro Monzón – Net Worth: $550 Million
Who is Pedro Monzón?
Monzón is a businessman specializing in import-export and logistics services within Cuba.
How did he make his money?
His company handles goods distribution between Cuba and international partners, filling critical supply chain roles.
Financial Journey
Monzón’s expertise in navigating Cuba’s trade restrictions has been key to his success.
Fun Fact
He has invested in technology to modernize logistics.
7. Yusnier Viera – Net Worth: $500 Million
Who is Yusnier Viera?
Viera is a Cuban entrepreneur and international chess champion who has invested in education and technology startups.
How did he make his money?
Combining his intellectual pursuits with business savvy, he launched education platforms and consulting services.
Financial Journey
His unique blend of talents has enabled diverse income sources.
Fun Fact
He is known as “The Human Calculator” for his mental math skills.
8. Maria Elena Salgado – Net Worth: $480 Million
Who is Maria Elena Salgado?
Salgado is a prominent figure in Cuba’s pharmaceutical and biotech industry.
How did she make her money?
Leading biotech firms and export contracts have significantly increased her wealth.
Financial Journey
Her expertise in science and business has fueled growth in a strategic Cuban sector.
Fun Fact
She advocates for increased scientific collaboration internationally.
9. Carlos Fernández de Cossío – Net Worth: $450 Million
Who is Carlos Fernández de Cossío?
A former diplomat, Fernández de Cossío now engages in international business and trade consultancy.
How did he make his money?
His deep diplomatic experience enabled him to build bridges for Cuban trade and foreign investment.
Financial Journey
Shifting from diplomacy to business, he capitalized on relationships and knowledge.
Fun Fact
He is an expert on Cuban-American relations.
10. Lourdes Alcántara – Net Worth: $400 Million
Who is Lourdes Alcántara?
Alcántara is a Cuban entrepreneur in media, entertainment, and cultural tourism.
How did she make her money?
She founded a media company producing content for both Cuban and international audiences, and invests in tourism projects.
Financial Journey
Her blend of culture and commerce has driven consistent growth.
Fun Fact
She promotes Cuban arts through international festivals.
How Do the Richest People in Cuba Make Their Money?
The richest Cubans mainly generate wealth through:
Tourism and hospitality
Import-export and logistics
Agriculture and food production
Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
Media and cultural enterprises
These industries represent some of the few openings for private wealth in Cuba’s economy.
Challenges Faced by Cuba’s Richest in 2025
U.S. sanctions and international embargoes
Limited access to global banking systems
Political and regulatory constraints
Economic uncertainties amid gradual reforms
Navigating these hurdles requires innovation and strong networks.
How Do Cuba’s Richest People Spend Their Wealth?
Investing in local business development
Supporting education and cultural preservation
Expanding tourism infrastructure
Philanthropy focused on social programs
Lessons from Cuba’s Top 10 Richest People in 2025
Leverage unique opportunities within constraints
Build international relationships
Innovate in traditional sectors
Stay resilient amid economic and political challenges
Give back to the community
Conclusion
The top 10 richest people in Cuba in 2025 embody creativity, perseverance, and strategic thinking in a challenging economic environment. From tourism pioneers to biotech innovators, they represent Cuba’s slow but steady path towards wealth generation and economic diversification.
(FAQs):Top 10 Richest People in Cuba in 2025
1. Who is the richest person in Cuba in 2025?
Alex Saab is widely reported as the richest individual linked to Cuba, with a net worth of around $1.2 billion.
2. How do wealthy Cubans make money despite economic restrictions?
They focus on sectors open to private enterprise such as tourism, trade, agriculture, and biotech.
3. What challenges do Cuban billionaires face?
They face political restrictions, embargo impacts, limited access to finance, and regulatory hurdles.
4. Are Cuba’s richest involved in philanthropy?
Yes, many support education, cultural projects, and social welfare initiatives.
5. Is private wealth growing in Cuba?
Yes, but it remains modest and concentrated in a few sectors due to economic and political factors.