Religion plays a major role in Africa, and Christianity is one of the strongest forces shaping society. Pastors are not just spiritual leaders but also influential figures with political, social, and economic power. In recent years, several African pastors have risen to global fame, not only for their religious influence but also for their incredible wealth.
The richest pastors in Africa 2025 are worth hundreds of millions of dollars, with some ranking among the richest religious leaders in the world. Their wealth comes from multiple sources including church offerings, book sales, media networks, universities, real estate investments, private businesses, and international ministries.
This article provides a detailed ranking of the top 10 richest pastors in Africa in 2025 and their net worth. We will also examine how they make their money, their global influence, and their impact on the African continent.
By the end of this guide, you will have a full understanding of:
-
Who the richest pastors in Africa are in 2025
-
Their exact net worth in dollars and naira
-
The churches they lead and their sources of income
-
Comparisons between African pastors and global religious leaders
-
FAQs about pastors’ wealth, influence, and controversies
How the Net Worth of Pastors in Africa Is Calculated
Before diving into each pastor’s biography and earnings, it is important to understand how their net worth is calculated.
The following factors contribute to their wealth:
-
Church Assets: Income from offerings, tithes, mega-church auditoriums, and international branches.
-
Media Networks: TV channels, radio stations, and online streaming platforms.
-
Book Sales: Many pastors are bestselling authors of Christian books.
-
Universities & Schools: Some pastors own private universities and high-end schools.
-
Real Estate Investments: Mansions, private estates, and commercial buildings.
-
Business Ventures: Airlines, publishing houses, music labels, and more.
-
Donations & International Tours: Contributions from global partners.
Now let’s break down the top 10 richest pastors in Africa 2025 one by one.
1. Bishop David Oyedepo – Net Worth $220 Million
Profile
-
Full Name: David Olaniyi Oyedepo
-
Country: Nigeria
-
Ministry: Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel)
-
Net Worth (2025): $220 million
Biography & Career
Bishop David Oyedepo is widely regarded as the richest pastor in Africa and the world. He is the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel International. Established in 1981, the church has grown into a global network with branches in more than 65 countries.
Sources of Wealth
-
Founder of Covenant University and Landmark University in Nigeria.
-
Author of bestselling Christian books like Faith That Works and The Power of Vision.
-
Owns real estate investments worth millions of dollars.
-
Founder of Dominion Publishing House.
-
Fleet of private jets and luxurious properties.
Global Impact
Oyedepo has positioned himself as not only a preacher but also an educationist and entrepreneur. His universities are among the most prestigious in Africa, producing thousands of graduates every year.
2. Prophet Shepherd Bushiri – Net Worth $150 Million
Profile
-
Full Name: Shepherd Huxley Bushiri
-
Country: Malawi (based in South Africa)
-
Ministry: Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG)
-
Net Worth (2025): $150 million
Biography & Career
Popularly known as Major 1, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri is one of the most controversial and wealthy pastors in Africa. He founded Enlightened Christian Gathering Church (ECG) in Pretoria, South Africa, which attracts tens of thousands of followers weekly.
Sources of Wealth
-
Investments in real estate, gold mining, and telecommunications.
-
Founder of Shepherd Bushiri Investments (SBI).
-
Owner of luxury cars including Rolls Royce and Bentley.
-
Private jet owner.
Global Impact
Despite controversies, Bushiri remains one of the most followed pastors in Africa. His international influence and prophetic ministry attract members from across the globe.
3. Pastor Enoch Adeboye – Net Worth $120 Million
Profile
-
Full Name: Enoch Adejare Adeboye
-
Country: Nigeria
-
Ministry: Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)
-
Net Worth (2025): $120 million
Biography & Career
Pastor E.A. Adeboye is one of the most respected pastors in Africa and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). With over 40,000 parishes worldwide, RCCG is one of the largest churches in the world.
Sources of Wealth
-
International speaking engagements.
-
Author of several Christian books and devotionals.
-
RCCG’s global assets including auditoriums and schools.
-
Ownership of one of the largest church camps in Africa.
Global Impact
Adeboye is recognized as a spiritual father of many African pastors. His annual Holy Ghost Congress attracts millions of worshippers.
4. Uebert Angel – Net Worth $100 Million
Profile
-
Full Name: Uebert Angel Mudzanire
-
Country: Zimbabwe
-
Ministry: Spirit Embassy
-
Net Worth (2025): $100 million
Biography & Career
Uebert Angel, often called the “Godfather of Prophecy,” is a Zimbabwean pastor and businessman. He founded Spirit Embassy Church in 2007, which has branches across the globe.
Sources of Wealth
-
Real estate empire across Africa, Europe, and the US.
-
Founder of The Billion Group, a conglomerate of businesses.
-
Owner of luxury cars and private properties.
Global Impact
Angel is also the Presidential Envoy and Ambassador-at-Large for Zimbabwe, blending religion with politics and business.
5. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome – Net Worth $90 Million
Profile
-
Full Name: Chris Oyakhilome
-
Country: Nigeria
-
Ministry: Christ Embassy (LoveWorld Incorporated)
-
Net Worth (2025): $90 million
Biography & Career
Pastor Chris is the founder of Christ Embassy, also known as LoveWorld Incorporated. The church is famous for its music ministry, TV networks, and healing services.
Sources of Wealth
-
Founder of LoveWorld Television Network.
-
Author of Rhapsody of Realities, distributed worldwide in over 1,000 languages.
-
International conferences and healing crusades.
-
Real estate and investments.
Global Impact
Pastor Chris is one of the most influential televangelists in Africa, with millions of followers worldwide.
6. Prophet TB Joshua (Legacy Net Worth) – $80 Million
Even though Prophet T.B. Joshua passed away in 2021, his church, the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), remains one of the wealthiest ministries in Africa.
Legacy Sources of Wealth
-
International ministry attracting tourists to Lagos, Nigeria.
-
Emmanuel TV, a global Christian channel.
-
Investments in real estate and charity projects.
His legacy continues to inspire millions worldwide.
7. Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo – Net Worth $75 Million
Founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) in London, Pastor Ashimolowo is one of the wealthiest Nigerian pastors abroad.
-
Income from media, books, and business ventures.
-
Owns luxury properties in the UK and Nigeria.
8. Apostle Johnson Suleman – Net Worth $60 Million
Founder of Omega Fire Ministries International. Known for his fiery preaching and philanthropy.
-
Owns media outlets and real estate businesses.
-
Wealth also from speaking engagements and book sales.
9. Pastor Mensa Otabil – Net Worth $55 Million
Founder of International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) in Ghana.
-
Chancellor of Central University College.
-
Author and business leader in Ghana.
10. Rev. Chris Okotie – Net Worth $40 Million
Founder of Household of God Church, Nigeria.
-
Former pop musician turned pastor.
-
Wealth from church, music royalties, and luxury assets.
Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Pastors in Africa 2025
Rank | Pastor Name | Country | Net Worth (2025 Estimate) | Church/Ministry |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bishop David Oyedepo | Nigeria | $220 million | Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) |
2 | Prophet Shepherd Bushiri | Malawi/South Africa | $150 million | Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) |
3 | Pastor Enoch Adeboye | Nigeria | $120 million | Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) |
4 | Uebert Angel | Zimbabwe | $100 million | Spirit Embassy |
5 | Pastor Chris Oyakhilome | Nigeria | $90 million | Christ Embassy |
6 | Prophet TB Joshua (Legacy Net Worth) | Nigeria | $80 million | SCOAN (Synagogue, Church of All Nations) |
7 | Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo | Nigeria/UK | $75 million | Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) |
8 | Apostle Johnson Suleman | Nigeria | $60 million | Omega Fire Ministries |
9 | Pastor Mensa Otabil | Ghana | $55 million | International Central Gospel Church |
10 | Rev. Chris Okotie | Nigeria | $40 million | Household of God Church |
Comparison with Global Pastors
African pastors rank among the richest religious leaders in the world. While American televangelists like Joel Osteen ($100M) and Kenneth Copeland ($300M) lead globally, Africa’s Bishop Oyedepo and Bushiri remain strong competitors.
Key Factors Driving Pastors’ Wealth in Africa
-
Growth of Pentecostalism
-
Large church membership base
-
Donations and tithes
-
International branches
-
Diversification into businesses
FAQs about the Richest Pastors in Africa
1. Who is the richest pastor in Africa 2025?
Bishop David Oyedepo with a net worth of $220 million.
2. Which country has the richest pastors in Africa?
Nigeria leads with the highest number of wealthy pastors.
3. How do African pastors make their money?
Through churches, investments, book sales, universities, and media.
4. Who is the richest pastor in Nigeria?
Bishop David Oyedepo.
5. Are pastors richer than politicians in Africa?
Some pastors are wealthier than top politicians.
6. Which pastor owns a university in Africa?
Bishop Oyedepo owns Covenant and Landmark Universities.
7. Do pastors pay tax in Africa?
Churches are generally tax-exempt, but personal businesses of pastors may be taxed.
8. Who is the most influential African pastor globally?
Pastor E.A. Adeboye due to RCCG’s worldwide presence.
9. Do all African pastors own private jets?
Not all, but many wealthy ones do (Oyedepo, Bushiri, Oyakhilome).
10. Why are African pastors so rich?
Due to large congregations, multiple businesses, and global influence.
Conclusion
The top 10 richest pastors in Africa 2025 highlight how faith, influence, and entrepreneurship combine to create massive wealth. While their riches spark debates, it is undeniable that these pastors play significant roles in religion, education, business, and politics.
For millions of followers, they are spiritual leaders. For economists, they are examples of how religion can be tied to wealth creation.