Africa is a continent known for its deep traditions, ancient kingdoms, and vibrant cultures that have shaped history for centuries. While many nations are now governed by democratic systems, traditional monarchs still hold strong cultural, political, and economic influence. Some of these kings are not only respected leaders of their people but also billionaires with enormous wealth.
By 2025, several African kings have become some of the richest royals in the world. Their wealth comes from a mixture of land ownership, natural resources such as oil and gold, real estate empires, businesses, and government recognition. These kings are not just custodians of tradition — they are also power players in politics and the global economy.
This article provides a detailed ranking of the Top 10 Richest Kings in Africa 2025 and Their Net Worth. Beyond the numbers, we will explore how these kings built their wealth, their influence, and the role they play in modern African society.
Summary Table – Top 10 Richest Kings in Africa 2025
| Rank | King Name | Country | Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Key Sources of Wealth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | King Mohammed VI of Morocco | Morocco | $8.5 Billion | Banking, Investments, Real Estate, Agriculture |
| 2 | Oba Obateru Akinruntan (Olugbo of Ugbo) | Nigeria | $1.5 Billion | Oil & Gas, Real Estate, Investments |
| 3 | King Mswati III of Eswatini | Eswatini (Swaziland) | $750 Million | Government Allowance, Investments, Land |
| 4 | Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ooni of Ife) | Nigeria | $500 Million | Real Estate, Investments, Tourism |
| 5 | Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi | Nigeria | $450 Million | Real Estate, Investments, Partnerships |
| 6 | Sultan Sa’adu Abubakar III | Nigeria | $400 Million | Land, Investments, Religious Influence |
| 7 | Obi of Onitsha (Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe) | Nigeria | $350 Million | Oil Industry, Business, Investments |
| 8 | King Goodwill Zwelithini (Zulu King – Royal Estate) | South Africa | $300 Million | Government Grants, Land, Tourism |
| 9 | Tor Tiv (Ortomline Alfred Akawe Torkula Family Estate) | Nigeria | $250 Million | Agriculture, Land, Government Recognition |
| 10 | Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II | Ghana | $200 Million | Gold, Real Estate, Investments |
1. King Mohammed VI of Morocco – Net Worth $8.5 Billion
Overview & Net Worth
King Mohammed VI of Morocco is the richest king in Africa in 2025, with an estimated net worth of $8.5 billion. He ascended the throne in July 1999 after the death of his father, King Hassan II.
Sources of Wealth
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Banking & Investments: The royal family owns a significant stake in Morocco’s largest bank, Attijariwafa Bank.
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Agriculture: Morocco’s fertile lands are largely controlled by the monarchy.
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Real Estate: The king owns luxury estates across Morocco and abroad.
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Tourism: Morocco’s booming tourism industry is also connected to royal investments.
Influence
King Mohammed VI is considered not only a monarch but also a modernizer. He has introduced major reforms in Morocco’s economy and continues to be one of the most powerful leaders in Africa.
2. Oba Obateru Akinruntan (Olugbo of Ugbo) – Net Worth $1.5 Billion
Overview & Net Worth
The Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Obateru Akinruntan, is Nigeria’s richest king, with a net worth of about $1.5 billion in 2025.
Sources of Wealth
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Oil & Gas: Founder of Obat Oil, one of Nigeria’s largest private oil companies.
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Real Estate: Owns luxury estates in London, Abuja, and Lagos.
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Business Investments: Multiple interests across Africa.
Influence
Oba Akinruntan is known for his flamboyant lifestyle and for being the first black person to own a Bentley 2014 model. He is both a cultural custodian and a business tycoon.
3. King Mswati III of Eswatini – Net Worth $750 Million
Overview & Net Worth
King Mswati III of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) has an estimated net worth of $750 million in 2025.
Sources of Wealth
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Government Allowance: The Eswatini government allocates about $60 million annually to the royal household.
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Investments: Stakes in companies and businesses in Eswatini.
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Land: Owns vast agricultural lands.
Influence
Mswati III is Africa’s last absolute monarch, wielding total control over his nation. Despite criticism for his lavish lifestyle, he remains highly influential.
4. Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ooni of Ife) – Net Worth $500 Million
Overview & Net Worth
The Ooni of Ife is one of the most respected Yoruba monarchs in Nigeria, with a net worth of about $500 million.
Sources of Wealth
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Real Estate: Successful in property development before becoming king.
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Tourism: Promotes cultural tourism in Ile-Ife.
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Investments: Holds stakes in different Nigerian businesses.
Influence
The Ooni is not just a traditional ruler but also a promoter of peace and cultural heritage in Africa.
5. Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi – Net Worth $450 Million
Overview & Net Worth
Oba Elegushi of Lagos is among the youngest and wealthiest kings in Nigeria with a net worth of $450 million.
Sources of Wealth
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Real Estate Investments in Lagos.
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Business Partnerships with multinational companies.
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Family Wealth inherited from royal lineage.
Influence
He is known for his modern outlook and ability to balance royalty with urban development.
6. Sultan Sa’adu Abubakar III – Net Worth $400 Million
Overview & Net Worth
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’adu Abubakar III, is worth around $400 million in 2025.
Sources of Wealth
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Religious Leadership: Spiritual head of Nigerian Muslims.
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Land Ownership in Sokoto.
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Investments in agriculture and business.
Influence
The Sultan holds both political and spiritual power, making him one of the most respected figures in Africa.
7. Obi of Onitsha (Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe) – Net Worth $350 Million
Overview & Net Worth
The Obi of Onitsha is worth about $350 million in 2025.
Sources of Wealth
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Oil Industry: Worked in Shell Petroleum before becoming king.
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Investments: Real estate and partnerships in Nigerian companies.
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Business: Strong international connections.
Influence
He is a bridge between Nigeria’s traditional authority and modern business leadership.
8. King Goodwill Zwelithini (Zulu King) – Net Worth $300 Million
Overview & Net Worth
The late King Goodwill Zwelithini’s estate is valued at about $300 million in 2025. His legacy continues through the Zulu royal family in South Africa.
Sources of Wealth
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Government Grants: South Africa allocated millions annually for the Zulu monarchy.
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Tourism: Cultural festivals attract global visitors.
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Land Ownership: Zulu royal family controls large lands.
Influence
The Zulu king remains a powerful cultural symbol in South Africa.
9. Tor Tiv – Net Worth $250 Million
Overview & Net Worth
The Tor Tiv of Benue State, Nigeria, is valued at about $250 million.
Sources of Wealth
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Agriculture: Benue is Nigeria’s “Food Basket,” giving the king control of fertile lands.
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Government Recognition: Allocations for the traditional stool.
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Investments: Real estate and partnerships.
Influence
The Tor Tiv plays an important role in agriculture and food policy in Nigeria.
10. Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II – Net Worth $200 Million
Overview & Net Worth
The Asantehene of Ghana is one of West Africa’s most powerful monarchs, with a net worth of about $200 million.
Sources of Wealth
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Gold Ownership: Ashanti region is rich in gold mines.
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Real Estate: Properties across Ghana and abroad.
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Investments: Business partnerships and foreign investments.
Influence
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is both a cultural leader and a mediator in Ghanaian politics.
How African Kings Build Their Wealth
African monarchs have multiple streams of income:
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Natural Resources like oil, gas, and gold.
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Real Estate Investments in cities and abroad.
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Government Allocations in nations that recognize traditional rulers.
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Businesses and Partnerships in banking, energy, and agriculture.
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Tourism and Cultural Festivals that generate millions annually.
FAQs About the Richest Kings in Africa
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Who is the richest king in Africa in 2025?
King Mohammed VI of Morocco with $8.5 billion. -
Who is the richest king in Nigeria?
Oba Obateru Akinruntan with $1.5 billion. -
Which king is the youngest among the richest?
Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi of Lagos. -
Do African kings receive salaries from governments?
Yes, in some cases like Eswatini and South Africa. -
Which African king controls the most land?
The Zulu king’s estate controls vast lands in South Africa. -
Are African kings among the richest royals in the world?
Yes, King Mohammed VI ranks among the wealthiest monarchs globally. -
What role do kings play in modern Africa?
They are cultural custodians, political influencers, and economic power holders. -
Do African kings invest abroad?
Yes, many own estates and businesses in Europe, the US, and the Middle East. -
Which king in Africa is most influential politically?
The Sultan of Sokoto due to his role as the leader of Nigerian Muslims. -
Will African kings remain wealthy in the future?
Yes, due to continuous investments, resource ownership, and cultural influence.
Conclusion
The Top 10 Richest Kings in Africa 2025 show that African monarchs are not only guardians of tradition but also powerful billionaires shaping the continent’s future. Their wealth comes from oil, gold, real estate, government allocations, and global investments.
From King Mohammed VI of Morocco to the Asantehene of Ghana, these rulers demonstrate how royalty continues to thrive in Africa’s modern economy. Their influence is felt in politics, culture, and business, making them some of the most powerful figures on the continent.