Afghanistan, a country with a long history, resilient people, and a wealth of untapped natural resources, is slowly reemerging on the global business map. Despite political instability and economic challenges, several Afghan individuals have succeeded in building substantial fortunes. Through entrepreneurship, bold investments, and innovation, these wealthy Afghans have not only changed their personal lives but also contributed significantly to the national economy.
If you’ve ever wondered: Who are the richest people in Afghanistan in 2025? What industries made them wealthy? What are their net worth figures? And how do they spend their wealth or give back to society? Then you are in the right place.
In this article, we will take a close look at the top 10 richest people in Afghanistan in 2025, diving into their backgrounds, businesses, and financial journeys. By the end, you will gain a clear understanding of how these individuals built their fortunes and what sets them apart in the business world.
Who Are the Top 10 Richest People in Afghanistan in 2025?
The top 10 richest people in Afghanistan in 2025 are more than just wealthy—they are symbols of resilience, strategic thinking, and opportunity-seizing. From telecommunications to real estate and media, these business moguls have made their mark.
Understanding their financial journeys offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and insight into the future of Afghanistan’s private sector.
Below is a detailed look at the top 10 richest people in Afghanistan in 2025, along with their net worth estimates based on the latest available data.
Profiles of the Top 10 Richest People in Afghanistan in 2025
1. Mirwais Azizi – Net Worth: $1.2 Billion
Who is Mirwais Azizi?
Mirwais Azizi is a highly influential Afghan businessman and the founder of Azizi Group. Though now based in Dubai, he has maintained strong business ties with Afghanistan through banking, real estate, and energy.
How did he make his money?
Azizi made his fortune by founding Azizi Bank in Afghanistan and expanding into large-scale real estate development projects in Dubai under Azizi Developments.
Financial Journey
From humble beginnings in Afghanistan to becoming a billion-dollar real estate mogul, Azizi's story is a blend of ambition and strategic global positioning.
Fun Fact
Azizi Developments is one of the UAE’s largest private developers, with over 200 projects.
2. Ehsan Bayat – Net Worth: $950 Million
Who is Ehsan Bayat?
Ehsan Bayat is the founder of the Bayat Group and one of Afghanistan’s leading entrepreneurs, best known for revolutionizing telecommunications.
How did he make his money?
He founded Afghan Wireless and the Ariana Radio & Television Network, and later diversified into energy and pharmaceuticals.
Financial Journey
Bayat's return to Afghanistan after time in the U.S. marked the start of major infrastructure investment, bringing telecom and media access to millions.
Fun Fact
He runs the Bayat Foundation, which supports healthcare, education, and disaster relief across Afghanistan.
3. Saad Mohseni – Net Worth: $850 Million
Who is Saad Mohseni?
Saad Mohseni is the CEO of MOBY Group, a media conglomerate that operates TOLO TV and several other networks across the Middle East and South Asia.
How did he make his money?
He turned post-Taliban Afghanistan into a media powerhouse by building TOLO TV, a channel known for its bold programming and local dramas.
Financial Journey
From launching a single TV station, Mohseni grew MOBY into a multi-national company with media investments across several countries.
Fun Fact
He’s often referred to as “the Rupert Murdoch of Afghanistan.”
4. Mir Rahman Rahmani – Net Worth: $800 Million
Who is Mir Rahman Rahmani?
Rahmani is both a seasoned politician and a wealthy businessman, having served as Speaker of the Afghan Parliament.
How did he make his money?
He owns Rahmani Group, which operates in construction, logistics, and fuel supply.
Financial Journey
His transition from military to business to politics showcases a diversified path to wealth.
Fun Fact
His son, Ajmal Rahmani, is also a prominent businessman and former MP.
5. Haji Bismillah – Net Worth: $750 Million
Who is Haji Bismillah?
Haji Bismillah is a low-profile yet powerful business figure with strong roots in the construction and trading sectors.
How did he make his money?
Through large government contracts, construction projects, and property development in key Afghan cities.
Financial Journey
Bismillah’s business empire grew by securing key infrastructure projects during reconstruction years.
Fun Fact
Though wealthy, he is known for maintaining a modest public image.
6. Habib Gulzar – Net Worth: $700 Million
Who is Habib Gulzar?
Habib Gulzar is the founder of Gulzar Group, a major player in consumer goods, beverages, and automotive distribution.
How did he make his money?
His company became a household name by importing and distributing major international brands.
Financial Journey
Strategic partnerships with multinational corporations helped Gulzar scale fast.
Fun Fact
His brand portfolio includes some of the most widely consumed soft drinks and household products in the country.
7. Sher Khan Farnood (Estate) – Net Worth: $650 Million
Who was Sher Khan Farnood?
Sher Khan Farnood was the founder of Kabul Bank, once the largest private bank in Afghanistan before its collapse in 2010.
How did he make his money?
Despite controversy, Farnood accumulated vast wealth through banking and overseas real estate.
Financial Journey
His estate remains valuable due to international properties and business holdings.
Fun Fact
He was a professional poker player, once winning major international tournaments.
8. Ajmal Ahmady – Net Worth: $400 Million
Who is Ajmal Ahmady?
Ajmal Ahmady is an economist and former Central Bank Governor of Afghanistan, with experience in finance, government, and international consulting.
How did he make his money?
While not a traditional businessman, his wealth comes from high-level economic roles, consultancy, and investments in financial markets.
Financial Journey
He gained experience at global firms like the World Bank and leveraged this into local and international success.
Fun Fact
Ahmady holds degrees from Harvard and MIT.
9. Sayed Sadat Mansoor Naderi – Net Worth: $350 Million
Who is Sayed Sadat Mansoor Naderi?
Naderi is a businessman and politician who served as Minister of Urban Development.
How did he make his money?
His family owns several successful businesses, particularly in jewelry, insurance, and real estate.
Financial Journey
He modernized Afghanistan’s urban planning while continuing private sector investments.
Fun Fact
He comes from the prominent Ismaili Naderi family, long known for business and spiritual leadership.
10. Rahmatullah Nabil – Net Worth: $300 Million
Who is Rahmatullah Nabil?
Nabil is a former intelligence chief turned private security consultant and investor.
How did he make his money?
Post-government, Nabil established a global consultancy and expanded into logistics and energy.
Financial Journey
He parlayed his expertise in national security into profitable ventures in private defense and risk consulting.
Fun Fact
Nabil is known for his outspoken views on national security and governance.
How Do the Richest People in Afghanistan Make Their Money?
The top Afghan billionaires and millionaires typically make their wealth through:
Banking and finance
Telecommunications and media
Construction and real estate
Import/export trade
Security and logistics
Consumer goods and manufacturing
Challenges Faced by Afghanistan’s Richest in 2025
While these individuals are wealthy, they face significant challenges:
Political instability
Regulatory uncertainty
Limited access to international capital
Security concerns
Restricted travel and sanctions
Still, adaptability and international networks help them stay ahead.
How Do Afghanistan’s Richest Spend Their Wealth?
Investing in real estate and overseas properties
Supporting local charities and reconstruction projects
Funding schools and healthcare facilities
Maintaining luxury lifestyles abroad
Reinvesting in businesses within and outside Afghanistan
Lessons from Afghanistan’s Top 10 Richest People in 2025
Leverage global opportunities
Diversify across sectors and geographies
Stay resilient in the face of crisis
Build both influence and infrastructure
Give back to support national growth
(FAQs):Â Top 10 Richest People in Afghanistan in 2025
1. Who is the richest person in Afghanistan in 2025?
Mirwais Azizi, founder of Azizi Group, tops the list with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion, primarily from real estate and banking.
2. How do Afghanistan’s richest people make their money?
They earn wealth through banking, telecommunications, construction, real estate, media, and consumer goods industries.
3. What challenges do Afghanistan’s wealthiest face?
Political instability, security risks, regulatory hurdles, and limited access to international capital are major challenges.
4. Do Afghanistan’s richest people contribute to philanthropy?
Yes, many actively support education, healthcare, and reconstruction efforts across the country through foundations and direct investments.
5. Is it possible to become wealthy in Afghanistan’s current economy?
While challenging, opportunities exist for entrepreneurs who are adaptable, globally connected, and willing to invest in key sectors like telecom, construction, and trade.
Conclusion
The top 10 richest people in Afghanistan in 2025 exemplify vision, grit, and strategic expansion. Despite a challenging environment, these individuals have built wealth that contributes not just to their personal legacy, but to the broader economic narrative of Afghanistan.
As the country looks to rebuild and modernize, these entrepreneurs stand at the forefront of change.
