Most of the richest pastors in Africa started in poor circumstances before reaching their current status. While it is likely that these pastors didn’t choose to become preachers to get rich, their influence has helped them to gain wealth.
Some of them began with simply a few people engaged in prayer sessions in classrooms and open spaces, but today they are very influential and wealthy. Given their enormous wealth, many have criticised these richest pastors for their behaviour, accusing them of using churches to fund their luxurious lifestyles.
Our team at MeltingPot conducted thorough research on the most influential pastors in Africa and we have been able to collate the top 20 richest pastors in Africa. In this post, we will look at the current richest pastors in Africa, shedding light on their net worth, sources of income, and fascinating facts about their rise to success. Read more to learn more about the richest pastors in Africa.
List of Top 20 Richest Pastors in Africa
- Bishop David Oyedepo – $150 million
- Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye – $65 million
- Pastor Chris Oyakhilome – $50 million
- Prophet Uebert Angel – $50 million
- Pastor Tshifinwa Irene – $42 million
- Pastor David Ibiyeomie – $41 million
- Pastor Ayodele Oritsejafor – $40 million
- Pastor Ray McCauley – $29 million
- Pastor Sam Adeyemi – $25 million
- Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo – $20 million
- Pastor Chris Okotie – $15 million
- Apostle Johnson Suleman – $10 million
- Pastor Mensa Otabil – $6 million
- Pastor Paul Enenche – $8 million
- Pastor Lazarus Muoka – $7 million
- Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams – $6.9 million
- Pastor Paul Adefarasin – $6.9 million
- Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka – $6.9 million
- Pastor Alph Lukau – $3 million
- Bishop Joe Imakando – $2.5 million
1. Bishop David Oyedepo
Age: 70
Ministry: Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel)
Estimated Net Worth: $150 million
Businesses: Covenant University, Landmark University, Dominion Publishing House, secondary schools, bakeries, real estate, shopping malls, restaurants
Cars and Jets: Four private jets
Family: Married with four children
Bishop David Oyedepo (born 27 September 1954) is the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel. The church has established over 30,000 branches in more than 65 countries worldwide.
He was born in Osogbo, Nigeria, but is a native of Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. He is also a leading figure in the Christian Charismatic Movement in Africa. Bishop David Oyedepo is an architect, educationist and author of many best-selling religious books. He is currently ranked the richest pastor in Africa and is one of the richest pastors in the world.
Based on our research, we believe that Bishop David Oyedepo has built institutions that have contributed greatly to his wealth. He has primary and secondary schools in different states in Nigeria. His primary school is Kingdom Heritage Model Schools and his secondary school, is Faith Academy which operates a Day and boarding school and is widely attended by many students. The average fee of these schools is about N100,000, contributing greatly to the net worth of Bishop Oyedepo.
Apart from the primary and secondary schools owned by him, Bishop Oyedepo has two major universities, which are Covenant University and Landmark Universities. Covenant University is ranked as one of the top 10 best universities in Nigeria according to Webometrics and also one of the best in Africa. It is also the best private university in Nigeria. These universities are widely attended by many students both in Nigeria and Africa. The average fee of these universities is N450,000, hence contributing greatly to Bishop Oyedepo’s net worth.
As a writer, Bishop Oyedepo has authored over 120 books with many of these books being best-sellers selling over a million copies worldwide. These books have also contributed greatly to his net worth. There are also different businesses operating in the headquarters of Winners Chapel, Ota, many of these businesses are managed by the church which has also contributed to his net worth.
While being a pastor has helped him to gain influence over millions of people worldwide, Bishop Oyedepo is a businessman who has made great investments in different industries, hence making him the Richest pastor in Africa.
2. Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye
Age: 82
Ministry: Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)
Estimated Net Worth: $65 million
Businesses: Redeemer’s University, Dove TV, various properties
Cars and Jets: Private jet
Family: Married with children
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, was born on March 2nd 1942 in Ifewara, near Ife, Southwest Nigeria. He is popularly called Daddy G.O., the general overseer of RCCG( Redeemed Christian Church of God) which is one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Africa and the world. He joined RCCG in 1973 and became the General Overseer in 1981.
RCCG has grown under his leadership, with branches in 196 nations and over 14,000 branches in Nigeria alone. Adeboye is a Christian author and televangelist, known for his powerful preaching and leadership.
Beyond his spiritual impact, Pastor Adeboye owns one of the biggest schools and universities in Nigeria. He founded Redeemer’s University, an institution dedicated to providing quality higher education with a strong emphasis on Christian values and academic excellence. The university has become very popular and the average school fees is about N450,000 while he also owns various secondary schools. These are major sources of income for Pastor Adeboye.
He is also a popular writer known for his Open Heaven devotions and many other books which are best-sellers globally. He also founded Dove TV, a digital satellite broadcasting service which has become one of the biggest Christian stations in Africa. He also owns various real estate across the world. Pastor Adeboye is a global figure that everyone wants to associate with, he has a track record of global influence and has impacted millions of lives.
3. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
Age: 60
Ministry: Believers Loveworld International (Christ Embassy)
Net Worth: $50 million
Businesses: Inner City Mission Project, Rhapsody of Realities
Cars and Jets: Multiple luxury cars
Family: Divorced, with children
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the founder of the Christ Embassy church. He started the church as a small university fellowship in 1987 and over the years, it has grown into one of the largest churches in Africa, with branches in many countries around the world.
Christ Embassy has millions of members all over the world and organizes gatherings which include the healing streams where thousands of people receive their healing and many more
Pastor Chris has a media empire which is a major source of income for him. He owns a Christian television network called LoveWorld, which broadcasts Christian content globally.
Additionally, Chris Oyakhilome has authored numerous books, including the popular daily devotional “Rhapsody of Realities,” which is translated into many languages and distributed worldwide. The sales of these books contribute substantially to his wealth.
Oyakhilome has expanded his ministry into different business ventures such as Christian bookstores, music labels, and a university. These businesses are promoted as part of the church’s outreach efforts but also make a lot of money. However, the exact details of Oyakhilome’s wealth and the church’s finances are not shared publicly.
4. Prophet Uebert Angel
Age: 45 years old
Ministry: Good News Church
Estimated Net Worth: $50 million
Businesses: The Angel Organisation, real estate, luxury cars
Cars and Jets: Range Rover, Lamborghini, Rolls Royce
Family: Married with children
Prophet Uebert Angel, born on September 6, 1978, is a British-Zimbabwean businessman and pastor who has made considerable wealth through various businesses. As the founder of Spirit Embassy, a Pentecostal ministry in the United Kingdom, Angel has gained fame for preaching prosperity theology, which teaches that financial and material gain is God’s divine will. This approach has attracted a large following and potentially contributed to his financial success through tithes and offerings.
Angel’s business insights have played a significant role in building his net worth. He started business in 2005 by founding Club Millionaire Limited, a concierge service in Britain. He then expanded into real estate, developing both residential and commercial properties. His success in property development and trading led to the establishment of Sam Barkeley Construction and The Angel Organization in 2008, the latter serving as the parent company for his various business interests.
Under The Angel Organization, Angel has diversified his portfolio to include ventures such as Brits Bank and Atom Mobile. He is also the founder of The Millionaire Academy, which aims to teach entrepreneurship and business skills.
5. Pastor Tshifinwa Irene
Age: Unknown
Ministry: Divine Truth World Restoration Services
Estimated Net Worth: $42 million
Businesses: Television broadcasting
Cars and Jets: Multiple luxury cars
Family: Details not publicly known
Pastor Tshifinwa Irene, the wealthiest female pastor in Africa, leads Divine Truth World Restoration Services for World Peace by Jesus Christ.
She left her banking job in 2001 to start her ministry, which has grown into one of the largest in South Africa. Her church broadcasts globally through a DSTV channel, reaching a wide audience with her teachings.
She got married in 1984 and never had a child until her husband passed away in 1992. Pastor Tshifhiwa Irene is ranked among the top 10 richest pastors in Africa.
6. Pastor David Ibiyeomie
Age: 61
Ministry: Salvation Ministries
Estimated Net Worth: $41 million
Businesses: Word of Faith Bible Institute, real estate
Cars and Jets: Rolls Royce Phantom, Limousine, Range Rover, private jet
Family: Married with children
Pastor David Ibiyeomie, born in 1962, is a very wealthy religious leader in Africa. He made his money through his church, Salvation Ministries, which has grown to have many branches. He also started a school called Word of Faith Bible Institute that trains people to be pastors.
Ibiyeomie owns many expensive things like large houses and fancy cars. He is one of the richest pastors in Africa. He became very wealthy by growing his church and starting businesses. He is also involved in real estate, which has brought him quite a lot of money.
Apart from his businesses, he is also the author of numerous books that have become quite popular, adding to his net worth. Some of them are the Wonders of his word, The Wonders of Faith and other powerful books.
Ibiyeomie’s presence, particularly his TV programme that began in 2001, has played a major role in expanding his reach and potentially his wealth. He has also undertaken large projects, such as beginning construction on a 120,000-seat temple in 2010. These various enterprises have made Ibiyeomie one of Africa’s wealthiest pastors.
7. Pastor Ayodele Oritsejafor
Age: 60 years
Ministry: Word of Life Bible Church
Estimated Net Worth: $40 million
Businesses: Various investments
Cars and Jet: Private jet, luxury cars
Family: Married with children
Pastor Ayodele Oritsejafor, commonly known as Papa Oritsejafor, was born on 10 November 1956 in Lagos, Nigeria. He founded Word of Life Bible Church in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, in 1987. Oritsejafor has served in prominent positions, including as the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
Oritsejafor travels around the world, spreading the gospel. His global outreach is facilitated by his ownership of a private jet and luxurious vehicles, which have become symbols of his ministry’s success and reach.
Oritsejafor’s wealth is attributed to various sources. Primarily, the growth of his church, Word of Life Bible Church, has been a significant factor. The church has expanded over the years, attracting a large congregation. Additionally, Oritsejafor has authored several books on faith and Christian living, which have contributed to his income.
His media presence has also played a major role in his financial success. Oritsejafor runs a television ministry that broadcasts his sermons and teachings globally, potentially generating revenue through sponsorships and donations. He has also been involved in organizing large-scale events and conferences, which often attract thousands of attendees.
Furthermore, like many successful pastors, Oritsejafor has moved his interests beyond the church. He is reported to have investments in various sectors, including real estate and possibly oil and gas, though specific details of these investments are not publicly disclosed.
8. Pastor Ray McCauley
Age: 74
Ministry: Rhema Bible Church
Estimated Net Worth: $29 million
Businesses: Rhema Television (RTV), various properties
Cars and Jets: Multiple luxury cars
Family: Married with children
Pastor Ray McCauley is a South African preacher, businessman, and senior pastor of Rhema Bible Church. His church has over 50,000 members, and he owns several properties and businesses.
McCauley is also the President of the International Federation of Christian Churches and co-chairs the National Interfaith Council of South Africa. He is known for his preaching and entrepreneurial insight.
9. Pastor Sam Adeyemi
Age: 57
Ministry: Daystar Christian Centre
Estimated Net Worth: $25 million
Businesses: Success Power International, Daystar Leadership Academy, various properties
Cars and Jets: Multiple luxury cars
Family: Married with children
Pastor Sam Adeyemi, known for his teachings on leadership and personal growth, leads Daystar Christian Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. His journey in ministry began at Rhema Chapel in Kwara state, where he served alongside his younger brother, Victor. In 2005, Rev. George Adegboye, the head of the church, appointed Adeyemi as the Director of Pastoral Care. His responsibilities grew over time, and he was eventually promoted to Minister in Charge at Rhema Chapel. He later relocated to Lagos and started his ministry and grew to one of the largest churches in Lagos
Pastor Adeyemi’s work goes beyond just preaching in church. He is also a major author of popular books and hosts a motivational show called ‘Success Power’. He also runs Success Power International, a non-profit organization, and leads Daystar Leadership Academy. These activities help him train and encourage leaders on a larger scale. He has also made wealth from this academy and has hosted many powerful conferences all over the world which contributed greatly to his networth.
Sam Adeyemi has become well-known in Nigeria for his teachings and success through his various roles and organizations. His work has helped many people learn about leadership and personal development. While he has gained wealth through his ministry, his main focus appears to be on helping others grow and succeed in their own lives and careers.
10. Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo
Age: 72
Ministry: Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC)
Estimated Net Worth: $20 million
Businesses: Matthew Ashimolowo Media, multiple properties
Cars and Jets: Multiple luxury cars
Family: Married with children
Matthew Ashimolowo, born on March 17, 1952, is a popular Nigerian pastor who founded and serves as the senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) in London. Established in 1992, KICC has grown into a large and influential church.
Ashimolowo has a lot of followers which he gathered through his inspirational teachings and extensive media presence. His “Winning Ways” program is broadcast daily on Premier Radio in London and Spirit FM in Amsterdam.
The program also airs on television across multiple African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Zimbabwe, as well as on international Christian networks such as FaithAfrica (DSTV 341), Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), The God Channel, and Inspirational Network in Europe. This is what made him quite popular all over the world.
In addition to his role as a pastor, Ashimolowo is a successful author and businessman. He owns a wide range of real estate companies which has contributed to his net worth. His various businesses have contributed to his wealth and influence. At one point, Forbes estimated his net worth to be between $10 million and $16 million.
11. Pastor Chris Okotie
Age: 65
Ministry: Household of God Church
Estimated Net Worth: $15 million
Businesses: Various investments
Cars and Jets: Multiple luxury cars
Family: Divorced, with children
Pastor Chris Okotie, a former pop musician, founded Household of God Church in Lagos, Nigeria. He is known for his flamboyant lifestyle and multiple business ventures.
Okotie is also a politician and has run for the Nigerian presidency several times. His church is known for its vibrant worship services and community outreach programs.
12. Apostle Johnson Suleman
Age: Unknown
Ministry: Omega Fire Ministries International
Estimated Net Worth: $10 million
Businesses: Various investments
Cars and Jets: Multiple luxury cars
Family: Married with children
Apostle Johnson Suleman is a Nigerian televangelist and the senior pastor and general overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, headquartered in Auchi, Edo State.
After working as an assistant pastor in the Armor of God Church in Lagos from 1998, he started Omega Fire Ministries in 2004.
Suleman is among the richest African pastors, with a net worth of $10 million, and is known for his powerful preaching and expansive ministry.
13. Pastor Mensa Otabil
Age: 63
Ministry: International Central Gospel Church (ICGC)
Estimated Net Worth: $6 million
Businesses: Central University, Otabil and Associates
Cars and Jets: Multiple luxury cars
Family: Married with children
Mensa Otabil, born on August 31, 1959, is a popular Ghanaian pastor known for his diverse roles. He is the founder of International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) in Accra, Ghana, which has experienced significant growth over the years.
Otabil is respected as a theologian, delivers insightful Christian teachings, and has gained popularity as a motivational speaker who inspires audiences with his words. His influence extends beyond the pulpit, as he is also recognized as a successful entrepreneur.
Otabil founded Central University College and serves as its Chancellor. He further applies his leadership expertise through Otabil and Associates, an executive and leadership growth consultancy firm where he holds the position of CEO.
14. Pastor Paul Enenche
Age: 56
Ministry: Dunamis International Gospel Centre
Estimated Net Worth: $8 million
Businesses: Dunamis TV, various properties, music network
Cars and Jets: Multiple luxury cars
Family: Married with children
Pastor Paul Enenche is the founder and senior pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja, Nigeria. His church is known for its massive auditorium, the Glory Dome, which seats over 100,000 people, One of the largest congregations in the world.
Enenche is also a medical doctor and author, with a focus on healing and deliverance. His ministry operates Dunamis TV, broadcasting his teachings worldwide. He is also known for his popular music career and his powerful tracks.
15. Pastor Lazarus Muoka
Age: Unknown
Ministry: The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement
Estimated Net Worth: $7 million
Businesses: Various investments
Cars and Jets: Multiple luxury cars
Family: Married with children
Pastor Lazarus Muoka is the founder and General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement in Nigeria. Known for his fiery preaching and large crusades, Muoka’s church has grown rapidly, with branches across Nigeria and abroad. His ministry emphasizes holiness and miracles, attracting a vast following.
16. Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams
Age: 66
Ministry: Christian Action Faith Ministries
Estimated Net Worth: $6.9 million
Businesses: Dominion University College, various investments
Cars and Jets: Multiple luxury cars
Family: Married with children
Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams is a highly influential Ghanaian pastor and the General Overseer of Christian Action Faith Ministries. He is recognize as one of the richest pastors in Ghana and a key figure in the Pentecostal movement in Africa.
Founded in 1979, Christian Action Faith Ministries (CAFM) has grown into a network of churches with over 100 affiliates and branches across Africa, North America, Europe, and Asia. Duncan-Williams is known for his powerful preaching and leadership, which have helped expand the church’s reach and influence. His ministry emphasizes prayer, deliverance, and prosperity, attracting a diverse and dedicated following.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams has diversified his portfolio beyond the church. He owns multiple businesses and investments, including Dominion University College in Ghana. The university aims to provide quality higher education with a Christian foundation, contributing to the development of the next generation of leaders in Ghana and beyond.
17. Pastor Paul Adefarasin
Age: 60
Ministry: House on the Rock
Estimated Net Worth: $6.9 million
Businesses: Various investments including real estate and media
Cars and Jets: Multiple luxury cars and a private jet
Family: Married with three children
Pastor Paul Adefarasin is the founder and senior pastor of House on the Rock, a prominent church based in Lagos, Nigeria. Established in 1994, the church has grown significantly and now has branches across Nigeria and internationally. Known for its vibrant worship services and contemporary approach to Christianity, House on the Rock is a beacon for many young and urban Christians.
One of the church’s most notable contributions is “The Experience,” an annual gospel concert that attracts millions of attendees and viewers from around the world. The event features top gospel artists and serves as a significant platform for worship, evangelism, and community engagement.
Adefarasin has diversified his interests into various business ventures, including real estate and media. His investments have bolstered his financial standing, making him one of the wealthiest pastors in Africa. He is also a motivational speaker and author, providing insights on leadership, personal development, and spirituality.
18. Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka
Age: Unknown
Ministry: Resurrection Power New Generation Church
Estimated Net Worth: $6.9 million
Businesses: Various investments
Cars and Jets: Multiple luxury cars
Family: Married with children
Apostle Kwadwo Safo is a unique figure in Ghana who combines religion with science and innovation. Born in Bekwai in the Ashanti Region, he grew up loving science and technology. After studying at Ghana Technical Institute and working as a welder, he became known for his many talents.
Safo is not just a preacher, but also an inventor, scientist, and farmer. He wants to help make Africa economically independent by using science and technology. His big goal is to free Africa from relying on other countries and make it strong on its own.
In 1971, Safo started a church called the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana. It began as a small prayer group in 1969 and grew into a full church. They say it’s the most culturally connected religion in the world, focusing on African traditions and values.
Apostle Kwadwo has also become a successful businessman. He has invested in many different areas like real estate and media. These investments have made him quite wealthy and have helped support his church work.
19. Pastor Alph Lukau
Age: 49
Ministry: Alleluia Ministries International
Estimated Net Worth: $3 million
Businesses: Various investments
Cars and Jets: Multiple luxury cars
Family: Married with children
Pastor Alph Lukau is the founder and general overseer of Alleluia Ministries International in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is known for his extravagant lifestyle and large following. Lukau’s ministry emphasizes prosperity and divine healing, drawing crowds to his services and broadcasts.
20. Bishop Joe Imakando
Age: 63 (born November 4, 1960)
Ministry: Bread of Life Church International
Estimated Net Worth: $2.5 million
Businesses: Author, motivational speaker, television ministry
Cars and Jets: Married with children given his position
Bishop Joe Imakando, born on November 4, 1960, in Chingola, Zambia, is the founder and leader of the Bread of Life Church International. He started this church in 1994, and since then it has grown into a large church with many branches in Zambia and other African countries. Bishop Imakando is well-known for his powerful preaching and teaching.
He has expanded his influence through television programs that reach millions of people across Africa. He’s also an author and gives motivational talks.