Have you ever found yourself wondering about the net worth of your politicians? If you have then you are not alone. But the richest president in Africa may surprise even the biggest of imaginations.
Some of the citizens of the nations these men/women lead or have led may not be living lavishly these days, but the pockets and bank accounts of these politicians is not struggling that’s for sure.
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Richest Presidents in Africa
On the African continent, many of the presidents and rulers are very wealthy. Just how wealthy they are? Continue reading this list to discover some of the wealthiest African presidents of past and present.
Robert Mugabe
Country: Zimbabwe
Net Worth: Estimated at $10 million.
Robert Gabriel Mugabe, at the ripe old age of ninety-two, is the current and longest-serving President of Zimbabwe.
Mugabe has an estimated net worth of 10 million dollars. Mugabe’s political career began in 1960 when he joined the National Democratic Party to protest and take an active part in overthrowing the white elitist rule.
Fifty-seven years later, Mugabe has been imprisoned, seen Zimbabwe achieve its independence, served as Prime Minister and as President. Many today go as far to label him as a dictator.
His time of rule has been characterized by war, political unrest, and corruption. The rumor is that his vast wealth has been acquired through corrupt dealings.
General Idriss Deby Itno
Country: Chad
Net Worth: Estimated to be around $50 million.
He took office in December 1990 after a successful rebellion against President Hissene Habre. General Itno has been re-elected five times.
His network stands at $50 million. Another interesting fact is that in 2006 Chad was placed the top of the list of the most corrupt nations in the world for the misappropriation of funds. Hmm, interesting, don’t you think?
King Mswati III
Country: Swaziland
Net Worth: Around $100 million.
While I wonder meet King Mswati III. King Mswati III is the current king of Swaziland. Swaziland crowned him king at the age of 18 and for a time have been the youngest ruling Monarch.
King Mswati III currently has 15 wives. With a net worth of around $100 million King Mswati III really does live like a king. His wealth is spent on luxury cars, palaces, personal jets and shopping trips.
While Swazi’s live on less than $1.25 a day, his wives take multi-million dollar shopping sprees in countries like England and the Middle East.
Paul Biya
Country: Cameroon
Net Worth: Around $200 million.
Paul Biya has been the President of Cameroon since November 6, 1982. According to CBS News, Biya is one of the most enduring dictators. Since 1982, Biya has won several elections.
His successes though have been attributed to cleverly crafted frauds. Biya went as far as changing the constitution of Cameroon so that upon his departure from office, he cannot be persecuted if found guilty of a crime.
Biya’s net worth is estimated to be valued at $200 million. This President appears to be very well rested as he frequently visits the Hotel Inter-Continental Geneva in Switzerland where he goes to “escape from distractions so that he can work in a peaceful environment”.
In Cameroon, 48% of the population lives below the poverty line and the citizens of the country still suffer from lack of education, a proliferation of diseases, extreme starvation and lack of suitable water supplies.
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
Country: Equatorial Guinea
Net Worth: Exceeds $600 million.
Obiang is an African politician and the current president of Equatorial Guinea. With a tenure beginning in 1979, he is Africa’s and the world’s longest-serving president.
Obiang’s ascension to the presidency was one covered in blood as he overthrew his uncle in a gory coup d’etat who subsequently had been found guilty of murdering several members of their family.
Obiang’s long rule as most African presidents has been mired in corruption, abuse of power and fraud. El Jefe (self-appointed title) net worth is valued at $600 million (Forbes).
It is alleged that in 2003, Obiang deposited billions of dollars in his personal account after taking charge of the national treasury. Equatorial Guinea citizens lack access to water, healthcare, and education.
Mohammed VI
Country: Morocco
Net Worth: Estimated over $2.5 billion.
All hail Mohammed VI, the king of King of Morocco. Mohammed VI ascended the throne upon the death of his father on July 23, 1999.
Since taking the throne, Mohammed VI has granted women more power and has undertaken political reforms in his country. Forbes in 2015 estimated Mohammed VI net worth to be valued at $5.7 billion.
He inherited, from his father, 35% stake in Societe National d’Investissemment, a major shareholder in many publicly traded companies one of such being Morocco’s largest bank Attijariwafa
Jose Eduardo dos Santos
Country: Angola
Net Worth: May exceed more than $20 billion.
Jose Eduardo dos Santos is an African politician. He became the president of Angola on September 20, 1979, two months after President Obiang in 1979.
Dos Santos holds degrees in petroleum energy and radar communications. Forbes values dos Santos net worth at $20 billion. He is the father of Isabel Dos Santos, the richest black woman in Africa.
Angola is home to the wealthiest politician in Africa; it is the second largest oil producer and fourth largest producers of diamonds in Africa yet more than 50% of the population live on less than $2 a day and has no access to healthcare, water, and education.
