Business magnates and entrepreneurs are the first names that most often spring to mind when we discuss wealth in Africa. However, some of the wealthiest people on the continent are really political leaders—presidents and monarchs who have amassed vast fortunes leading their countries.
Over the years, from oil and real estate to corporate empires and royal inheritance, these leaders have amassed vast riches. But how exactly did they go about it? Let’s look in more detail at the wealthiest African leaders in 2025, their net worth, and the origins of their fortunes.
1. King Mohammed VI is worth $5.8 billion from Morocco.
At $5.8 billion, King Mohammed VI of Morocco tops the list. Having ascended to the throne in 1999, he has been instrumental in molding the economic of Morocco by means of banking, real estate, agriculture, and mining investments.
His riches is not only about preference; it is also about commercial intelligence. With his family holding a major share in the economy of Morocco, he has gone to great lengths to contemporize the nation. Although his rule has enabled economic development, opponents say that inequality of wealth still presents a significant problem in Morocco.
2. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Nigeria), $4 Billion.
Known as one of Africa’s most powerful political leaders—and among its most wealthy—Nigeria’s president is Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His fortune from politics, media, oil, and real estate totals nearly $4 billion.
Tinubu, sometimes called Jagaban, has been a major presence in Nigerian politics since the 1990s. Instrumental in creating the All Progressives Congress (APC), he also helped to end the 16-year rule of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Apart from politics, his corporate empire reaches over several sectors, therefore making him among the most powerful people in Nigeria.
3. Ali Bongo Ondimba (Gabon) – $1 billion.
Ali Bongo Ondimba governed Gabon from 2009 to 2023 until he was overthrown in a military coup. One of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, Omar Bongo’s son, he got much of his $1 billion riches from his father’s oil wealth and commercial enterprise.
Though among Africa’s wealthiest leaders, his administration was marred by claims of corruption, election fraud, and extravagant expense while lots of individuals in Gabon battled with economic difficulty. He is one of the richest former presidents of Africa even after having lost power.
4. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo from Equatorial Guinea has $600 million.
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea stands out as the one leader who defines political longevity. Having been in power since 1979, he is the president of Africa who has served the most. Most of his $600 million wealth comes from the enormous oil supplies of Equatorial Guinea.
The nation is rich in oil but most of its people live in poverty, so the management of the national wealth is brought into question. Keeping the family’s control above and wealth intact, his son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, is already being prepared to succeed.
5. William Ruto (Kenya) – $500 Million.
William Ruto of Kenya is a typical rags-to-ricochets narrative. Starting small in the Rift Valley, he has amassed $500 million from commerce, politics, and astute investments.
Agriculture, hospitality, and insurance have helped him amass riches. Weston Hotel, AMACO Insurance, and a sizable Sugoi farm he possesses. Ruto has presented himself as a self-made millionaire who grasps the experiences of ordinary Kenyans, even under criticism for supposed corruption and divisive political decisions.
6. Paul Kagame (Rwanda) earned $500 million.
Though he is also one of the richest leaders in Africa, with a net worth of $500 million, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame is often praised for reconstructing the country after the 1994 genocide.
Telecommunications, financial services, and real estate are what link his riches. While opponents claim that Kagame’s authoritarian political control and absence of press independence eclipse his successes, his leadership has made Rwanda an economic success story.
7. South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa has US$450 million.
One of South Africa’s wealthiest businessmen, Cyril Ramaphosa, was before he started working in politics on a full-time basis. Mining, farming, and telecommunications have all contributed to his $450 million wealth.
Ramaphosa went on to establish a business empire after playing a crucial part in South Africa’s post-apartheid transformation before returning to politics to become president in 2017. Critics have been scrutinizing his riches, wondering how a man who once battled for workers’ rights turned into one of South Africa’s wealthiest individuals.
8. King Mswati III of Eswatini has $200 million.
King Mswati III of Eswatini has total rule of his country’s economy and government as the final absolute monarch of Africa. He lives a grand life—owning high-end cars, custom planes, and 16 wives—while many of Eswatini’s people suffer financial difficulty on $200 million personal fortune.
He still rules by decree, keeping his strong control over riches and authority, regardless of increasing demands for democracy.
9. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi (Egypt) has $185 million.
Ruling from 2014, Egypt’s Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has gathered a personal wealth of $185 million from real estate acquisitions, military sway, and official contracts.
Following his 2013 coup, a former military general rose to authority. Although his administration has promoted economic reforms, opponents say his authority has been defined by human rights offenses and suppression of opposition.
10. Isaias Afwerki (Eritrea) is worth $120 million.
One of Africa’s longest- ruling leaders, Eritrea’s Isaias Afwerki has held office since 1993. Although Eritrea is among the least developed nations, he has gathered $120 million by state-managed companies and mining agreements.
Many times, his leadership approach is said to be dictatorial: no elections, no press freedom, and no enforced constitution. Afwerki retains full control of Eritrea’s riches and resources even as Eritreans keep escaping the country for poverty and oppression.
