In Africa, a continent rich with natural resources, many see politics as a way for leaders to enrich themselves. This view paints politics as a corrupt game, where leaders seem more interested in their wealth than in improving the lives of their people.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
Africa is home to over a billion people, including a large youth population. It has abundant oil, gold, platinum, and diamonds that are important to the world economy. Yet, despite these riches, many Africans struggle with poverty and lack basic things like clean water and good schools.
Leaders in Africa, whether elected presidents or traditional monarchs, are often thought to use their power mainly to increase their wealth. This belief is strong among Africans who see their leaders as some of the richest people on the continent.
10. Joseph Kabila
Serving as the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo. With an estimated fortune of $100 million, he ranks as the tenth wealthiest leader in Africa. He assumed the presidency in 2001 after the assassination of his father, President Laurent-Désiré Kabila.
Joseph Kabila’s numerous investments in Congo contributed to his wealth. However, his governance has been challenged by ongoing conflicts in Eastern Congo, which have undermined his administration.
9. Isaias Afwerki
Isaias holds the position of President in Eritrea and has a net worth of about $120 million, making him the ninth wealthiest African president. Remarkably, he has been the sole leader of Eritrea since the country gained independence in 1993.
His authoritative leadership has drawn criticism and accusations of human rights abuses by organisations like the United Nations and Amnesty International. His control over the national finances places him on this list, despite the poor economic state of his country.
8. Paul Biya
The President of Cameroon has a net worth estimated at $200 million and is the eighth richest African president. Biya has led Cameroon since 1982 and is known for his extravagant lifestyle, including spending around $40,000 on accommodations alone during vacations.
He also owns various properties and businesses worldwide. His long tenure and autocratic rule have led to growing dissatisfaction among Cameroonians.
7. Cyril Ramaphosa
The President of South Africa has amassed a fortune of $450 million, ranking him as the seventh richest African president. Before entering politics, he was a businessman and activist and took over the presidency from Jacob Zuma in 2017. Ramaphosa also served as the head of South Africa’s National Planning Commission.
6. Patrice Talon
The President of Benin is the sixth wealthiest with a net worth of $500 million. Before his presidency, which began in 2016, Forbes listed him as one of the richest people in sub-Saharan Africa. He earned his wealth through various enterprises, particularly in the cotton industry and managing the port of Cotonou.
5. Paul Kagame
The President of Rwanda ranks fifth with a net worth of $600 million. He became president in 2000 and has been a pivotal figure in Rwandan politics, noted for his role in ending the Rwandan Genocide in 1994. Despite his economic successes, his leadership has faced scrutiny from international human rights groups.
4. Teodoro Obiang
Teodoro of Equatorial Guinea is the fourth richest president in Africa with a wealth of $700 million. He has been in power since a 1979 military coup that deposed his uncle.
A portion of his wealth is believed to come from exploiting his nation’s oil resources, and despite the nation’s poverty, his personal wealth includes lavish properties and expensive cars.
3. Uhuru Kenyatta
The President of Kenya ranks third with an $800 million fortune. Since taking office in 2013, he has been one of Kenya’s wealthiest individuals, with investments in real estate, media, and banking. His business interests have greatly added to his wealth.
2. Ali Bongo Ondimba
Ali Bongo leading Gabon since 2009, is the second richest with $2 billion. Gabon relies heavily on oil, yet many citizens live in poverty. Reports indicate that Bongo Ondimba has spent substantial amounts on luxury properties abroad.
1. Mohammed VI of Morocco
Mohammed VI of Morocco tops the list with a net worth of $5 billion. He ascended to the throne in 1999 following his father’s death and has pursued efforts to address poverty and corruption in Morocco, leveraging his extensive education and royal lineage to bolster his governance.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE
