These pastors have redefined what it means to be wealthy in Africa

Pastors in Africa have come to capture the life of wealth and respect that most people crave. On a continent where Christian faith continues to grow, these church leaders and their churches fill more than just a spiritual gap. They provide education, daily life guides ,financial services among others.

This has led to several of them becoming wealthy people in their own rights.

Business insider SSA lists the richest of these on the continent including one surprising new comer to the list from Ghana.

Christopher Oghenebrorie Okotie $5m - (Household of God Church, Nigeria)

The Delta State born preacher made his name as a singer back in the 80’s before his transformation into a show stopping man of God.

Renowned for his love of the flashy life, Okotie has preached himself to a fortune . Not one to shy away from controversy, he has been engaged in a feud with another pastor on this list, T.B Joshua while also pursuing a life as a politician. Quite the busy man.

Matthew Ashimilowo - $6m (Kingsway International Christian Center ,Nigeria)

The Hackney based church is regarded as the largest Pentecostal Congregation in the United Kingdom and its leader, Matthew Ashimilowo has made a fortune from it.

A pioneer of televangelism in Africa, Ashimilowo preaches about health and wealth with “Let’s talk about Sex” and “Sweatless Health” among his most popular recorded sermons. The church also has several branches around the world, allowing Ashimilowo to build a small fortune. Controversy is however never far away when KICC is involved. The church was investigated by the Charity Commission of the United Kingdom for “misconduct and mismanagement”. The church was also the victim of fraud when one of its congregants, former Premier League footballer, Richard Rufus duped them of over $6.5m.

Dag Heyward Mills- $9m (United Denomination-Originating From Lighthouse Group of Churches , Ghana )

Hayward- Mills has on the quiet grown his church, formerly known as Lighthouse Chapel into a continental congregation that specialises in missions . A medical doctor by training, his charisma has drawn several young practitioners into missionary work for the church. The church has now spawned several branches under different names with massive building projects all over the world.

Its Qodesh headquarters is one of the biggest church complexes in Africa and they recently completed a mammoth bible school project named Anagkazo.

Temitope Balogun Joshua –$15m ( Synagogue Church of All Nations, Nigeria)

Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua is Nigeria’s most powerful, controversial and philanthropic preacher. He heads the Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN), a congregation he founded in 1987.

The christian minister, televangelist and faith healer is a big giver; his humanitarian works include education, health care and rehabilitation programs.

Chris Oyakhilome - $ 40m (Christ Embassy Church, Nigeria)

The last time Oyakhilome visited Ghana, he was met at the nation’s airport by the president’s chief of staff and treated like a head of state . That is the measure of the influence of the charismatic preacher. With branches all over the world supported by satellite tv, he is able to reach millions. He owns fast food chains, hotels , TV stations and is also a best selling author.

Uebert Angel - $45m (Good News Church, Zimbabwe/ UK)

The man formerly known as Uebert Mudzanire is perhaps the most astute business man on this list. A former lecturer in finance, he has degrees from the University of Salford and Wales. He has made a name for his prophetic gifts and but it is his network of extensive contacts that sets him apart. He has investments in real estate, a music label and is also a prolific writer. He regularly denies his net worth .

Ayodele Oristejafor - $60m (Word of Life Bible Church ,Nigeria)

Ayodele Joseph Oritsegbubemi Oritsejafor, known as Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, is the founding and Senior Pastor of Word of Life Bible Church.

He became the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) on February 7, 2005, a position he held for five years.

Oritsejafor is also known for his sense of style.

Oritsejafor is not only a pastor; he is a teacher, evangelist, prophet, author, philosopher, and philanthropist.

His Africa Broadcast Network (ABN) is available in over 75 countries.

E.A Adeboye -$70m (Redeemed Christian Church of God, Nigeria)

Do not mess with a man who has a PHD in applied mathematics. This soft spoken preacher has grown the RCCG since he took over in 1981 to one of Africa’s largest churches with braces in several countries.

He is not known for public displays of wealth and flamboyance but do not let the fool you. He is reported to be worth an estimated $100m

Bishop David Oyedepo – $110m (Living Faith World Outreach Ministry, Nigeria)

Bishop David Oyedepo is the founder of the Living Faith World Outreach Ministry.

Ever since he founded this ministry in 1981, it has grown to become one of Africa’s largest congregations. He hosts three services every Sunday in The Faith Tabernacle,considered the largest church in the world.

He owns 4 private jets and homes in the US and the UK.