Africa is often described as the world’s richest continent in terms of natural resources, yet one of the poorest when it comes to the living standards of its people. From sprawling oil fields and diamond mines to vast reserves of copper, cobalt, and gold, the continent is a treasure chest of wealth. Over the years, some African leaders have been able to build extraordinary personal fortunes that in some cases rival the GDP of entire nations. The figures are staggering. A number of presidents and military rulers became billionaires while still in office. Others transformed inherited political dynasties into powerful business empires. Some entered politics after establishing successful business careers, while others used their rise to leadership as an opportunity to expand their economic influence. ALSO READ: Here’s Why the Sierra Leonean Leone is Africa’s Weakest Currency Take Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi, for example. At the height of his power, his reported fortune of $280 billion exceeded the annual output of most African economies at the time. From Kenya’s political families to Nigeria’s oil-driven rulers, from Zimbabwe’s liberation leaders to Egypt’s long-serving presidents, Africa’s wealthiest leaders have left behind legacies that continue to attract fascination and debate. The data for this list is sourced from Yahoo Finance, which compiled estimates of the personal fortunes of Africa’s wealthiest leaders across history. So, who made the list? Here is a countdown of the 15 richest African leaders in history, from the comfortably wealthy to those whose fortunes reached truly staggering levels. ALSO READ: Leading the Future: African Countries Where Cryptocurrency is Legal 15 richest African leaders in history 15. William Ruto (Kenya) – $400 Million Kenya’s current president, William Ruto, begins our list with a net worth of $400 million. His story is often portrayed as one of resilience: he grew up in modest conditions, famously selling chickens by the roadside, before entering politics. Ruto’s fortune comes from investments in real estate, agriculture, hospitality, and insurance. Though his rags-to-riches narrative resonates with many Kenyans, critics question how a public servant amassed such wealth so rapidly. As president, his political opponents continue to scrutinise his financial dealings, especially in a country where income inequality remains pronounced. ALSO READ: Which country pays cocoa farmers best in Africa? Ghana’s position revealed 14. Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa) – $450 Million South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa stands out on this list because he earned much of his fortune in the private sector before returning to politics. Once a prominent trade union leader, he pivoted into business during the post-apartheid era. His investments in mining, telecoms, and banking turned him into one of South Africa’s wealthiest men. Ramaphosa’s estimated $450 million fortune is a testament to his business acumen. Yet, since becoming president in 2018, he has faced criticism for not doing enough to tackle South Africa’s chronic unemployment, energy crisis, and corruption scandals that plagued his predecessor’s administration. ALSO READ: Top 10 cocoa producing countries in the world 13. Paul Kagame (Rwanda) – $500 Million Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame is often praised internationally for transforming his country after the 1994 genocide. Kigali has become one of Africa’s cleanest and most organised cities, and Rwanda has seen consistent economic growth. Yet, Kagame’s personal wealth, estimated at $500 million, raises questions. His family allegedly controls significant business interests in Rwanda, including in construction, mining, and finance. Supporters argue he has delivered stability and growth, but critics contend that wealth and power in Rwanda remain concentrated in the hands of the ruling elite. ALSO READ: Scared of Flying? Here’s the Safest Seat on an Aeroplane to Survive a Crash 12. Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya) – $530 Million Uhuru Kenyatta, son of Kenya’s founding president Jomo Kenyatta, comes from one of East Africa’s wealthiest families. The Kenyatta business empire spans real estate, banking, agriculture, and media. During his presidency (2013–2022), his net worth was estimated at $530 million. While he presided over ambitious infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway, his administration was dogged by corruption scandals. For many Kenyans, his immense personal wealth contrasted starkly with the everyday economic struggles of ordinary citizens. ALSO READ: 14 African Presidents and Top Ministers Who Have Died in Plane or Helicopter Crashes 11. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea) – $940 Million Equatorial Guinea’s president, in power since 1979, has amassed a fortune close to $1 billion. This is extraordinary considering his nation is small and sparsely populated. Oil wealth has flowed into government coffers for decades, yet much of the population remains impoverished. Obiang and his family have been investigated internationally for corruption, with assets seized in France and the United States. His son, Teodorin Obiang, is notorious for his lavish spending, from private jets to luxury cars, symbolising the gulf between the ruling family and the people they govern. ALSO READ: Top 10 least corrupt African countries in 2025 – Latest rankings 10. Ali Bongo Ondimba (Gabon) – $1 Billion Ali Bongo, who ruled Gabon until a 2023 coup, inherited both power and wealth from his father Omar Bongo. The Bongo dynasty controlled Gabon for over five decades, profiting heavily from the country’s oil reserves. Ali Bongo’s estimated $1 billion fortune includes luxury real estate in France and offshore assets. His downfall came after growing discontent over economic inequality and allegations of electoral fraud. For many Gabonese, his wealth epitomised the excesses of hereditary politics. ALSO READ: Helicopter vs Aeroplane: Which Is Safer? The Facts Explained 9. Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe) – $3.2 Billion Once celebrated as a liberation hero, Robert Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe for nearly four decades. His wealth, estimated at $3.2 billion, starkly contrasted with the economic collapse and hyperinflation his policies triggered. 8. Daniel Arap Moi (Kenya) – $3.6 Billion 7. Sani Abacha (Nigeria) – $7.8 Billion