Before now, church ministry wasn’t considered to be a lucrative venture. However, that notion has been changed in recent years by many pastors all over the world. Interestingly, a significant proportion of the pastors who rank among the richest in the world are from Africa. There’s no gainsaying these pastors and their churches are swimming in uncharted waters of prosperity. It’s no longer out of place for pastors to build mega-churches or own fleets of private jets. While some of these clergymen are conservative, some like to flaunt their wealth and due to popular demand, we’ve compiled a detailed list of the 20 richest pastors in Africa.
List of The Richest Pastors in Africa
1. Pastor Alph Lukau
- Net Worth: $600 million
- Name of Church: Alleluia Ministries International Church
- Role in the Ministry: Founder
- Country of Origin: South Africa
Alph Lukau is a renowned Bible scholar and international speaker. More so, he is popular for his ability to heal all manner of illnesses and raise the dead. Like most pastors in Africa, Lukau’s wife – Celeste Lukau, and their 3 sons – serve with him in his church.
Pastor Alph Lukau actually founded the Alleluia Ministries International Church on February 24, 2002, in Lyndhurst, Johannesburg, and from there, it has expanded to other parts of South Africa. More so, the church has branches in other African countries, Europe, and South America.
Assets & Investments
The South African-born pastor is known for his glamorous lifestyle that has sparked several controversies. Lukau has held the number one spot of the richest pastors in Africa since 2020 with an estimated net worth of $600 million. The controversial man of God owns a private jet, a Rolls-Royce Wraith with an estimated worth of $322,000 which was a gift from his members, a Bentley estimated to cost $227,000, Range Rover worth over $90,000, and several superbikes.
2. Bishop David Oyedepo (Sr.)
- Net Worth: $200 million
- Name of Church: Living Faith World Outreach Centre aka Winners Chapel
- Role in the Ministry: Founder/General Overseer
- Country of Origin: Nigeria
Papa, as fondly called by his congregants, is the presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide. Aside from being a dynamic preacher, Oyedepo is an architect as well as a widely acclaimed best-selling author and businessman. More so, he currently serves as the chancellor of Landmark University and Covenant University – both of which are situated in Nigeria.
Since 2011 till date, the Yoruba-born preacher has topped the list of richest pastors in Nigeria. As of now, he holds a staggering net worth of $200 million which comes from his assets and investments.
Assets & Investments
It may interest you to know that a significant proportion of the assets attributed to the charismatic preacher are tendered in the church’s name. Winners Chapel boasts of a vast network of churches scattered across every corner of the globe. However, the church’s headquarters – Canaanland – is located in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. It sits on over 5000 acres of land and houses the Faith Tabernacle mega-church building, residential buildings, a host of church-owned businesses, and educational institutions.
Additionally, Canaanland is home to Hebron Bottled Water Processing Plant – a premium bottled water production plant. More so, the megacity has a 15MWs gas-fired sub-power plant that serves its energy needs. There are also ongoing plans to construct a 100,000 seater capacity auditorium to be known as the Faith Theater or The Ark.
Under Papa’s leadership, the church founded the prestigious Covenant and Landmark Universities. There’s also Crown University, Faith Academy Secondary School, and Kingdom Heritage Nursery and Primary School. Bishop Oyedepo, who is an accomplished writer having authored over 120 books, is known to have published them through the church-owned Dominion Publishing House founded sometime in 1992.
Unlike some of his African contemporaries, Bishop David Oyedepo is not known to live a lavish lifestyle. Regardless, his church owns four aircrafts; Gulfstream 1, Gulfstream IV, Gulfstream V, and Bombardier Challenger 604 (N664D). The widely acclaimed preacher also owns a fleet of luxurious cars manufactured by world-leading car brands like Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, and Toyota.
3. Prophet Shepherd Bushiri
- Net Worth: $150 million
- Name of Church: Enlightened Christian Gathering
- Role in the Ministry: Founder
- Country of Origin: Malawi
Born on 20 February 1983 in Malawi, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri is a preacher, author, motivational speaker, and businessman. Bushiri is the lead pastor of Enlightened Christian Gathering and the church’s headquarters is located in Pretoria, South Africa. They are notable for recording a daily attendance of tens of thousands of people.
Prophet Bushiri co-runs his church with his beautiful wife, Mary Bushiri, with whom he shares two daughters. Sadly, the couple lost their first daughter on March 29, 2021. Bushiri, who is popularly known as “The Major One”, was banned by the Botswana government for claiming to have a cure for HIV and AIDS. Nonetheless, his influence has not dwindled in the least and neither has his net worth as he has a mouth-watering $150 million to his name.
Assets & Investments
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri runs a global investment company called Shepherd Bushiri Investments. The company has interests in real estate, mining, and airline.
The major one also owns an array of supercars, private jets, and expensive properties across Africa. In his garage, you can find a Rolls-Royce Black Badge estimated to worth $335,000, a Bentley Bentayga priced at about $250,000, an Aston Martin One-77 which costs up to $1.8 million, and a Maseratti Levante with an estimated cost of $160,000 (a gift he presented his daughter in 2017 when she turned 6). Prior to this, the prophet had bought a Mercedes Benz G-class for his wife to celebrate her birthday as well.
With regards to his private jets, the affluent preacher owns 3 sleek jets. The latest addition to his fleet of private jets was acquired for an estimated sum of $37 million in 2016.
4. Pastor Enoch Adeboye
- Net Worth: $130 million
- Name of Church: The Redeem Christain Church of God (RCCG)
- Role in the Ministry: General Overseer
- Country of Origin: Nigeria
Daddy G.O, as fondly called by members of his church, is the general overseer of the globally renowned Redeemed Christian Church of God. Prior to joining the ministry, Adeboye worked as a professor of Mathematics at the foremost University of Ilorin. He joined the Redeemed Christian Church of God in 1971 as a translator. Following the death of the founder of the church, Adeboye was named General Overseer. Under his leadership, R.C.C.G has expanded to over 196 countries.
Assets & Investments
Pastor Adeboye’s wealth is estimated to be in the region of $130 million. Daddy G.O is conservative to the core and known for his humility. Regardless, he has a fleet of cars, jets, assets, and investments to his name. Notable among the cars he has parked in his garage include a bulletproof Royce Rolls Phantom, Mercedes Benz G-class, and Land Rover Discovery.
Interestingly, most of Adeboye’s assets were gifts and donations from his members which means he does not actually dole out such huge amounts for the exotic rides he owns. Pastor is also notable for running a charitable foundation known as “His Love Foundation”. The foundation provides aid to African countries in form of food, shelter, medicine, seed capital, and scholarships. Additionally, RCCG owns one of the largest food banks in West Africa that serves over 8 million people.
5. Reverend Chris Oyakhilome, Ph.D.
- Net Worth: $126 million
- Name of Church: Love World Incorporated aka Christ Embassy
- Role in the Ministry: Founder and President
- Country of Origin: Nigeria
Rev Chris Oyakhilome runs one of the foremost faith-based healing ministries in Africa. He garnered wide followership through his television program – Atmosphere for Miracles. The highly celebrated Nigerian pastor actually started his ministry during his university days at Ambrose Alli University. However, his ministry has grown to reach several countries across the globe, recording a lot of popularity mainly in Europe, the United States, South Africa, and Canada.
Assets & Investments
For those who are familiar with Christ Embassy, you would agree that the ministry is synonymous with good music. Besides, Reverend Chris is the president of Believer’s Love World Music – a globally acclaimed record label. The record label has produced many notable names in the gospel music genre such as Sinach, Frank Edwards, Ada Ehi, Moses Bliss, Joe Praiz, and Martin PK.
Pastor Chris is also the author of several best-selling books, including the famous Rhapsody of Realities reputed as the #1 daily devotional in the world. Like most of his contemporaries, Oyakhilome set up a foundation in his name where he runs several humanitarian projects.
Concerning his assets, the reverend is believed to have over 30 exquisite cars in his garage ranging from exotic SUVs to supercars. More so, Pastor Chris owns two private jets reportedly worth over one billion Naira. The popular Nigeria pastor also owns a 4-story architectural masterpiece in Lagos, Nigeria.
6. Prophet Uebert Angel
- Net Worth: $60 million
- Name of Church: Good News Church
- Role in the Ministry: Founder
- Country of Origin: South Africa
Prophet Uebert Angel founded Spirit Embassy as far back as 2007 in the United Kingdom. In 2015, the church was renamed Good News Church. The Good News Church has grown over the years to become one of the largest churches in the U.K.
Assets & Investments
Uebert Angel is one of the richest pastors in the world. According to reports making the rounds online, the founder of Good News Church has heavy interests in real estate, notably commercial and residential properties. More so, he is known to have written a book about real estate with the title – Becoming A Billionaire in Real Estate.
There’s no mention anywhere of the African pastor owning a private jet. Regardless, the young charismatic preacher owns a fleet of exotic cars like Roll Royce, Lamborghini, and Range Rover. More so, for someone who makes his money off real estate, his mansions in the U.K and South Africa are a sight to behold.
7. Pastor Paul Adefarasin
- Net Worth: $50 million
- Name of Church: House on the Rock
- Role in the Ministry: Founder/Senior Pastor
- Country of Origin: Nigeria
Paul Adefarasin is the founder and senior pastor of House on the Rock. The church, which started as far back as 1994, has grown to become one of the leading Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. Moreover, the church also has branches in notable African and European countries, however, its headquarters is situated in Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria.
House on the Rock is famed for hosting – The Experience – one of the largest gospel concerts on the planet. The event plays host to many globally acclaimed and indigenous gospel artists.
Assets & Investments
One of Pastor Paul’s landmark achievements in ministry was the commissioning of the Rock Cathedral – a 10,000 seating capacity church auditorium in Lekki, Lagos. The ultra-modern edifice was commissioned sometime in 2013 by President Goodluck Jonathan.
There’s no gainsaying that Pastor Paul Adefarasin is unarguably the trendiest pastor in Nigeria as he owns many luxurious automobiles, including a Mercedes Benz G-Wagon and Range Rover Autobiography. However, Adefarasin doesn’t own a private despite being able to afford one. According to House on the Rock members, Pastor Paul makes a habit of telling them not to get him a private jet, claiming that he doesn’t need one.
8. Tshifhiwa Irene
- Net Worth: $42 million
- Name of Church: Divine Truth World Restoration Services for World Peace by Jesus Christ
- Role in the Ministry: Founder and Presiding Pastor
- Country of Origin: South Africa
Pastor Tshifhiwa Irene is one of the few women to defy the odds of doing ministry in Africa. The South African preacher left her job at Standard Bank sometime in 2001 to start her ministry. Thankfully, the ministry has grown to become one of the biggest in South Africa. Pastor Tshifhiwa Irene connects with her audience across the globe via a channel on DSTV.
Assets & Investments
Pastor Irene is acclaimed as one of the richest pastors in South Africa. The renowned religious leader is reported to have an estimated net worth of $42 million. However, she seems quite frugal when it comes to information about her assets and business ventures (that is if she has any).
9. Pastor David Ibiyeomie
- Net Worth: $41 million
- Name of Church: Salvation Ministries
- Role in the Ministry: Founder/Senior Pastor
- Country of Origin: Nigeria
Pastor David Ibiyeomie is one of the “spiritual sons” of Bishop David Oyedepo. Besides, he was trained as a pastor at the Winners Chapel Word of Faith Bible Institute. In 1997, he started Salvation Ministries in his family house in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
Shortly afterward, Ibiyeomie relocated the ministry to Port Harcourt. The church has grown from barely 20 members to over 50,000 members.
Assets & Investments
Pastor David Ibiyeomie is a renowned faith and prosperity preacher who has amassed a significant amount of wealth for himself since he started. The dynamic preacher owns several exotic cars, including Mercedes Benz S600, Rolls Royce Phantom, and Range Rover Autobiography. More so, Ibiyeomie owns several houses in affluent parts of Nigeria like Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja. He also has a private jet which he uses for ministerial purposes. Furthermore, Salvation Ministries is also the owner of the massive building project called the Finger of God Cathedral which is listed as the largest evangelical church auditorium in the world.
Pastor David Ibiyeomie is also the founder and president of the David Ibiyeomie Foundation. The foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students at all levels, medical assistance, as well as empowerment opportunities.
10. Pastor Ray McCauley
- Net Worth: $29 million
- Name of Church: Rhema Bible Church
- Role in the Ministry: Senior Pastor
- Country of Origin: South Africa
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Pastor Ray McCauley is the founder of Rhema Bible Church Worldwide which is under Rhema Ministries owned by Kenneth Erwin Hagin. McCauley also serves as the executive president of the International Federation of Christian Churches (IFCC). Additionally, he co-chairs the National Interfaith Council of South Africa.
Before starting his ministry, Pastor McCauley was a bodybuilder and fitness coach. He had competed in the 1974 edition of the Mr. Universe Bodybuilding Championship where he finished in 3rd position. In an interesting turn of events, the South African ventured into full-time ministry after attending Rhema Bible Training Center between 1978 to 1979.
Assets & Investments
The popular South African pastor has been in ministry for decades now and during this time, he has gone on to carve a niche for himself as a dynamic preacher. More so, McCauley has amassed a significant amount of wealth amounting to a rough estimate of $25 million and it is believed that he owns several properties in South Africa.
11. Prophet T.B. Joshua (Deceased)
- Net Worth: $25 million
- Name of Church: Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN)
- Role in the Ministry: Founder
- Country of Origin: Nigeria
Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, popularly known as T.B Joshua, is the founder of one of the most popular churches in Nigeria – the Synagogue Church of All Nations. He is known to have garnered a wide following through his TV network known as Emmanuel TV and his followers all over the world gather in large numbers at his church’s headquarters in Lagos looking for signs and wonders. However, asides from the branch in Nigeria, T.B Joshua operates only one other branch in Ghana.
Assets & Investments
The popular televangelist boasts of a net worth of $25 million with many assets and investments. It may interest you to note that the acclaimed prophet has garnered massive views on YouTube. But despite his wealth, the dynamic minister is a conservative preacher who doesn’t like to flaunt his wealth although he owns a private jet, and drives several high-end automobiles including Range Rover and a Mercedes Benz G63.
12. Pastor Paul Enenche
- Net Worth: $25 million
- Name of Church: Dunamis International Gospel Center (DIGC)
- Role in the Ministry: Founder/General Overseer
- Country of Origin: Nigeria
Dr. Paul Enenche founded the Dunamis International Gospel Center alongside his wife Becky Eneche in 1996. The church, which began in Abuja, has grown to become one of the foremost Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. Before venturing into full-time ministry, Enenche and his lovely wife were practicing Medical Doctors.
Assets & Investments
Pastor Paul Enenche is one of the most conservative pastors in Nigeria. Not much is known about his wealth and lifestyle as he likes to keep those things private. However, it is known that the headquarters of DIGC is one of the largest single auditoriums in the world. Reports have it that the roofing costs alone amounted to $5 million.
More so, this Nigerian-born Pastor is an avid philanthropist. To promote his philanthropic gestures, the church ministry has an outreach arm dedicated to providing aid and relief to IDP camps across Nigeria.
13. Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor
- Net Worth: $15 million
- Name of Church: Word of Life Bible Church
- Role in the Ministry: Founder/presiding Bishop
- Country of Origin: Nigeria
Ayo Oritsejafor is the presiding Bishop of Word of Life Church Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. The popular Bishop has served in various Christian organizations across the country. He was once the president of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Bishop Oritsejafor’s ministry began after he received a vision from God prompting him to venture into full-time ministry. He received ministerial training from All Nations For Christ Bible Institute founded by Pentecostal Patriarch Archbishop Benson Idahosa. The Nigerian-born preacher went on to attend Morris Cerullo’s School of Ministry.
Assets & Investments
Bishop Oritsejafor has interests in real estate, media, transport, telecoms, and banking. The veteran preacher owns African Broadcasting Network (ABN) which is situated in the United Kingdom. As of now, the London-based satellite channel airs in over 75 nations of the world.
Concerning his other properties, Oritsejafor is the proud owner of the luxurious Bombardier Challenger 601 private jet. More so, he owns several exotic cars and choice real estate across Nigeria.
14. Pastor Sam Adeyemi
- Net Worth: $19 million
- Name of Church: Daystar Christian Center
- Role in the Ministry: Founder and Senior Pastor
- Country of Origin: Nigeria
Pastor Sam Adeyemi has a wide following among young and old people owing to his dynamic style of ministry. The pastor, who is of Yoruba ethnicity, is the founder and President of Daystar Leadership Academy where he trains people to become excellent leaders. He is also the founder of Success Power International. In 2020, Forbes named him a member of the acclaimed Forbes Coaches Council.
Assets & Investments
Pastor Adeyemi drives a Lexus LX 570 and a Mercedes Benz S350. Rumour has it that he owns a Gulfstream G450 private jet. However, neither the church nor the pastor has come out to refute the rumors.
15. Apostle Johnson Suleman
- Net Worth: $10.5 million
- Name of Church: Omega Fire International Ministries
- Role in the Ministry: Founder and General Overseer
- Country of Origin: Nigeria
Apostle Johnson Suleman founded Omega Fire International Ministries in 2014. Suleman is one of the most controversial pastors in Nigeria and an outspoken critic of bad governance in his home country. The charismatic preacher is a known philanthropist who has been helping the less-privileged in society for several years now. Notably, Apostle Suleman pays school fees of indigenous students through the Apostle Suleman Scholarship Fund.
Assets & Investments
Johnson Suleman is a serial investor with interests in several lucrative ventures. The Nigerian preacher has investments in Real Estate, Airline (Rental) business, Oil and Gas Investments, and Financial Services.
Apostle Johnson Suleman doesn’t shy away from flaunting his God-given wealth. He owns a fleet of luxurious cars, including Rolls Royce Phantom, Range Rover, and Toyota Prado SUV. The General overseer of Omega Fire International Ministries also owns three private jets valued at millions of dollars.
16. Pastor Chris Okotie
- Net Worth: $10 million
- Name of Church: Household of God Church International Ministries
- Role in the Ministry: Founder/Senior Pastor
- Church of Origin: Nigeria
Chris Oghenebrorie Okotie is an elite pastor in Lagos, Nigeria. He began his ministry, Household of God Church International Ministries, in 1987. Before venturing into ministry, Okotie had already achieved fame as a musician. More so, he is an author and televangelist. Okotie has run unsuccessfully for president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in successive elections in the past.
Assets & Investments
Pastor Chris Okotie’s net worth is somewhere in the region of $8 million. He owns several mansions in different states across Nigeria and other parts of the world. The musician turned preacher is also an avid lover of automobiles. Notable among his fleet include a Mercedes Benz S600, Hummer, and Rolls Royce Phantom. Okotie is also believed to own a Bombardier Challenger 604 estimated at $30 million.
17. Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo
- Net Worth: $10 million
- Name of Church: Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC)
- Role in the Ministry: Founder/Senior Pastor
- Country of Origin: Nigeria
Matthew Ashimolowo is a Nigerian-born charismatic preacher, author, and astute public speaker. It will interest you to know that Ashimolowo was born a Muslim but later converted to Christianity. The Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) has its headquarters in London, United Kingdom, and Maryland, Lagos. More so, KICC has grown exponentially to record over 12,000 members every Sunday.
Assets & Investments
Matthew Ashimolowo owns a fleet of exotic automobiles including a bulletproof Hummer jeep, Porsche Cayenne, and a Range Rover Sport. The Nigerian pastor owns several high-priced properties in Nigeria, United States, and the United Kingdom.
Ashimolowo is an accomplished writer with several best-selling Christian literature works to his credit. Ideally, the pastor earns a considerable amount from royalties and book sales. He also owns several businesses, including Matthew Ashimolowo Media Company.
18. Pastor Lazarus Muoka
- Net Worth: $8 million
- Name of Church: The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement
- Role in the Ministry: Founder/Senior Pastor
- Country of Origin: Nigeria
Muoka was born in the Southeastern part of Nigeria. In 1994, he started what would later grow to become the largest charismatic movement in Nigeria. As an astute preacher of humility, it goes against Muoka’s core belief to show off his wealth. However, that doesn’t in any way make him any less wealthy.
Assets & Investments
Pastor Lazarus Muoka has seen his wealth grow in leaps and bounds over the years. According to online sources, the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement founder has a net worth of about $8 million. Not much is known about the assets and investments owned by the Nigerian pastor. Regardless, he still remains one of the richest pastors in Nigeria.
19. Archbishop Duncan Williams
- Net Worth: $6.9 million
- Name of Church: Christian Action Faith Ministries
- Role in the Ministry: Founder/Presiding Archbishop/General Overseer
- Church of Origin: Ghana
With a net worth of $6.9 million, Archbishop Duncan Williams is unarguably the richest pastor in Ghana and one of the richest pastors in the world. He began his charismatic ministry over four decades ago in Accra. Thankfully, the ministry has metamorphosed into a full-fledged Christian movement with over 2000+ affiliate ministries and branches across Africa, Asia, North America, and Europe. The Ghanaian-born preacher is the founder of the popular Prayer Summit International (PSI).
Assets & Investments
Archbishop Williams has vested interests in many business ventures. His wife, Rosa Whitaker, runs the foremost Whitaker Group. Duncan Williams is the founder and President of Dominion University Ghana. The Ghanaian preacher is also an accomplished author with over 20 publications to his credit.
20. Apostle Kwadwo Safo
- Net Worth: $6.5 million
- Name of Church: Christian Action Faith Ministries
- Role in the Ministry: Founder/Presiding Archbishop/General Overseer
- Church of Origin: Ghana
Apostle Kwadwo Safo is the founder and leader of Kristo Asafo Church. Safo, popularly known as Kantanka all over Ghana, started his ministry in 1969. Kantanka is first and foremost a scientist. He is married and blessed with several children.
Assets & Investments
Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s net worth is pegged at $6.5 million. The Ghanaian preacher is the patriarch of the Great KOSA Network of Companies. The company has several divisions including Mechanical and Automobile, Plant Medicine, Building and Construction, Radio and Transmission, Foundry and Pattern, Electricals and Electronics Division.
Reports have it that a significant proportion of Safo’s wealth is derived from his automobile company and farming business. More so, Kantanka has interests in several other business ventures, including educational institutions.
Breakdown of the Richest Pastors in Africa By Country
Nigeria
According to several reports, Bishop David Oyedepo currently occupies the number one spot of the richest pastors in Nigeria. More so, he is the second richest pastor in Africa and one of the top richest pastors in the world. The founder and presiding bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide has a net worth of $200 million.
South Africa
Alph Lukau is undoubtedly the richest pastor in South Africa. The South African-born preacher is the general overseer of Alleluia Ministries International. More so, Lukau is currently the richest pastor in Africa.
Ghana
Ghanaian pastors have not been left out in terms of wealth. We’ve seen several Ghanaian pastors wallow in massive prosperity. However, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams tops the chart of richest pastors in Ghana with a net worth of $6.9 million.
The charismatic Ghanaian preacher is the founder and presiding bishop of Christian Action Faith Ministries headquartered in Accra, Ghana. He is happily married to Rose Whitaker and the union is blessed with 4 lovely children.
Kenya
The founding pastors of Jubilee Christian Church (JCC), Bishop Allan Kiuna and Reverend Kathy Kiuna, have been named as joint richest pastors in Kenya. Besides Kenya, JCC has branches in Atlanta, Dallas, London, and Johannesburg. The church is also considered the richest church in Kenya.