Christianity is one of the most influential religions in Africa, with millions of devoted followers spread across every region of the continent. Beyond their role as places of worship, many African churches have grown into powerful organizations with vast financial resources. These churches operate schools, universities, hospitals, media houses, real estate investments, and international branches that contribute to their wealth.
By 2025, some of the richest churches in Africa are valued in the billions of dollars, putting them on the same scale as multinational corporations. Their leaders are among the most influential religious figures globally, shaping culture, politics, education, and social development.
This article provides a comprehensive ranking of the Top 10 Richest Churches in Africa 2025 and Their Net Worth, examining not just their financial value but also how they built such enormous wealth. We will analyze their history, sources of income, global reach, and role in African society.
Whether you are curious about the richest church in Africa, the net worth of major denominations, or how churches generate income, this guide answers every question in detail.
Summary Table – Top 10 Richest Churches in Africa 2025
| Rank | Church Name | Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Country of Origin | Key Sources of Wealth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) | $13 Billion | Nigeria | Donations, Real Estate, Schools, Universities, Media, Global Branches |
| 2 | Roman Catholic Church in Africa | $12 Billion | Multiple African Countries | Tithes, Real Estate, Schools, Hospitals, Investments |
| 3 | Anglican Church of Nigeria | $9 Billion | Nigeria | Offerings, Schools, Land, Investments |
| 4 | Deeper Life Bible Church | $8 Billion | Nigeria | Tithes, Education, Real Estate, Publishing |
| 5 | Zion Christian Church (ZCC) | $7 Billion | South Africa | Member Contributions, Events, Schools, Land Ownership |
| 6 | Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) | $6.5 Billion | Nigeria | Offerings, Covenant University, Businesses, Real Estate |
| 7 | Methodist Church of Nigeria | $6 Billion | Nigeria | Donations, Investments, Schools, Hospitals |
| 8 | Presbyterian Church of East Africa | $5.5 Billion | Kenya | Offerings, Real Estate, Schools, Foreign Partnerships |
| 9 | Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa | $5 Billion | South Africa | Tithes, Investments, Education, Music & Media |
| 10 | Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) | $4.5 Billion | Nigeria | Offerings, Tourism, International Outreach, Media |
1. Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) – Net Worth $13 Billion
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is the richest church in Africa in 2025, with an estimated net worth of $13 billion. Founded in 1952 in Lagos, Nigeria, by Rev. Josiah Akindayomi and later expanded under Pastor Enoch Adeboye, RCCG has become a global movement with branches in over 190 countries.
History and Growth
RCCG started as a small prayer group but grew rapidly due to its evangelism, music ministry, and missionary work. Today, it holds some of the largest Christian gatherings in the world, including the Holy Ghost Congress, which attracts millions of worshippers.
Sources of Wealth
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Donations and Tithes from millions of members.
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Real Estate: RCCG owns vast lands, including the Redemption Camp along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which is like a city of its own.
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Educational Institutions: Redeemer’s University and many schools across Africa.
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Media & Publishing: Books, music, and online platforms.
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Global Branches: Each contributes revenue to the headquarters.
Influence
RCCG is not just wealthy but also politically and socially influential. Its leaders advise presidents, and its institutions provide jobs and education to thousands.
2. Roman Catholic Church in Africa – Net Worth $12 Billion
The Roman Catholic Church in Africa is one of the oldest Christian institutions on the continent, dating back to missionary work in the 15th century. With an estimated net worth of $12 billion, it remains one of the most powerful churches in Africa.
Wealth and Assets
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Real Estate: The Catholic Church owns cathedrals, schools, hospitals, and agricultural lands.
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Education: Catholic universities across Africa such as St. Augustine University (Tanzania) and Catholic University of Eastern Africa (Kenya).
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Healthcare: Catholic hospitals and clinics provide services to millions.
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Investments: The church has investments in local and international markets.
Global Backing
Unlike most African churches, the Catholic Church enjoys support from the Vatican, making it one of the most financially secure religious institutions in Africa.
3. Anglican Church of Nigeria – Net Worth $9 Billion
The Anglican Church of Nigeria ranks as the third richest church in Africa in 2025, with a net worth of about $9 billion.
Background
Introduced by British missionaries in the 19th century, Anglicanism has since developed a strong Nigerian identity. It is one of the largest Protestant denominations in Africa.
Sources of Wealth
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Offerings and Tithes.
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Real Estate Holdings.
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Schools and Colleges across Nigeria.
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Publishing Houses and printing presses.
Influence
The Anglican Church has millions of members and continues to play a key role in Nigeria’s education and healthcare sectors.
4. Deeper Life Bible Church – Net Worth $8 Billion
Founded in 1973 by Pastor William Kumuyi, Deeper Life Bible Church has grown into a mega church worth about $8 billion.
Key Factors of Wealth
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Tithes and Offerings.
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Educational Institutions such as Deeper Life High School.
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Publishing: Books, tracts, and study materials.
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Real Estate: The Deeper Life headquarters in Lagos is one of the largest church auditoriums in Africa.
Role in Africa
Deeper Life is known for its strict holiness doctrine and large membership across Nigeria and beyond.
5. Zion Christian Church (ZCC) – Net Worth $7 Billion
The Zion Christian Church (ZCC), based in South Africa, is one of the largest indigenous churches in Africa, with an estimated net worth of $7 billion.
Strengths and Assets
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Massive Membership of more than 10 million people.
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Contributions from Members.
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Events and Gatherings, especially at Moria during Easter, which attract millions.
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Schools and Investments in real estate.
6. Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) – Net Worth $6.5 Billion
Founded by Bishop David Oyedepo, the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, has grown into one of Africa’s wealthiest churches.
Net Worth
In 2025, its value is estimated at $6.5 billion.
Wealth Sources
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Offerings and Tithes.
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Covenant University and other educational institutions.
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Businesses and Publishing.
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Real Estate, including the Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Nigeria.
7. Methodist Church of Nigeria – Net Worth $6 Billion
The Methodist Church of Nigeria is one of the oldest denominations in Africa, with roots tracing back to the 19th century. Its estimated net worth is $6 billion.
Sources of Wealth
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Tithes and Donations.
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Hospitals and Schools.
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Investments in Land and Real Estate.
8. Presbyterian Church of East Africa – Net Worth $5.5 Billion
The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), headquartered in Kenya, is valued at $5.5 billion in 2025.
Wealth Sources
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Offerings and Member Contributions.
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Real Estate Holdings.
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Educational Institutions.
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Partnerships with Foreign Missions.
9. Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa – Net Worth $5 Billion
The Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) is one of South Africa’s most influential Pentecostal churches, with a net worth of about $5 billion.
Financial Strengths
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Tithes and Donations.
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Schools and Colleges.
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Media and Music Ministries.
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Investments in Properties.
10. Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) – Net Worth $4.5 Billion
The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), founded by the late Prophet T.B. Joshua, is worth about $4.5 billion in 2025.
Sources of Wealth
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Donations and Offerings.
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Religious Tourism, as millions visited SCOAN annually.
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Media Outreach: Emmanuel TV.
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International Branches.
How African Churches Build Billion-Dollar Wealth
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Tithes and Offerings from millions of members.
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Real Estate Investments in lands, schools, and businesses.
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Educational Institutions that generate steady income.
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Media Enterprises like TV stations, books, and music.
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International Branches contributing financially.
FAQs About the Richest Churches in Africa
1. Which is the richest church in Africa in 2025?
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), worth about $13 billion.
2. How do churches in Africa make money?
Through tithes, donations, real estate, schools, universities, and media.
3. Are churches in Africa taxed?
Most are tax-exempt as non-profit organizations.
4. Which church has the largest membership in Africa?
The Zion Christian Church (ZCC) in South Africa has more than 10 million members.
5. Who is the richest pastor in Africa?
Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel.
6. Which Nigerian church is the wealthiest?
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
7. Do African churches own universities?
Yes, churches like RCCG, Winners Chapel, and the Catholic Church run universities.
8. How does church wealth impact society?
They fund education, healthcare, jobs, and social welfare.
9. Are African churches richer than European ones?
Some Nigerian and South African churches rival European churches in wealth.
10. Will church wealth keep growing in Africa?
Yes, with expanding membership and investments, their wealth is likely to grow.
Conclusion
The Top 10 Richest Churches in Africa 2025 show how faith-based organizations can grow into billion-dollar empires. From Nigeria to South Africa and Kenya, these churches combine spirituality with financial strategies that sustain their missions and expand their influence.
Their wealth comes from donations, real estate, education, media, and international networks. While their riches sometimes spark debates about the role of religion in society, there is no doubt that these churches are among the most powerful institutions in Africa today.