Religion is big business in Africa, and many churches have grown into massive organizations with global influence, multimillion-dollar assets, and millions of followers. These churches own schools, universities, media outlets, jets, and vast properties—making them some of the wealthiest in the world.
1. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) – Estimated Net Worth: $3 Billion
- Founder: Rev. Josiah Akindayomi (continued by Pastor E.A. Adeboye)
- Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
- Key Assets: Redeemer’s University, Dove TV, global branches
RCCG is arguably the most influential Pentecostal church in Africa, with branches in over 190 countries and millions of members. Its yearly “Holy Ghost Congress” draws millions.
2. Winners’ Chapel (Living Faith Church Worldwide) – $2.5 Billion
- Founder: Bishop David Oyedepo
- Headquarters: Ota, Nigeria
- Key Assets: Covenant University, Faith Tabernacle, Dominion Publishing
Winners’ Chapel owns Africa’s largest church auditorium (Faith Tabernacle). Bishop Oyedepo is Africa’s richest pastor, and the church owns multiple jets, schools, and banks.
3. Christ Embassy (LoveWorld Inc.) – $1.5 Billion
- Founder: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
- Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
- Key Assets: LoveWorld TV, Healing School, Rhapsody of Realities
Christ Embassy is known for healing programs and mass crusades. Its media reach spans across Africa, Europe, and the U.S.
4. Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) – $900 Million
- Founder: Late Prophet T.B. Joshua
- Current Leader: Pastor Evelyn Joshua
- Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
- Key Assets: Emmanuel TV, international tourism
Despite the founder’s death, SCOAN continues to attract global visitors. It was a major religious tourism hub and still holds massive online followership.
5. Church of Jesus Christ on Earth by His Special Envoy Simon Kimbangu (Kimbanguist Church) – $850 Million
- Founder: Simon Kimbangu
- Headquarters: Democratic Republic of Congo
- Key Assets: Properties across Congo and central Africa
This church is deeply rooted in Congolese culture and has millions of members, making it one of the richest and oldest African indigenous churches.
6. Zion Christian Church (ZCC) – $700 Million
- Founder: Engenas Lekganyane
- Headquarters: Limpopo, South Africa
- Key Assets: ZCC Star, vast land holdings, member contributions
ZCC is one of the largest churches in Southern Africa, attracting over 4 million attendees to its Easter pilgrimage.
7. Methodist Church Nigeria – $650 Million
- Founded: 1842 by Wesleyan missionaries
- Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
- Key Assets: Schools, hospitals, universities
With deep roots in education and health, the Methodist Church has strong financial backing and asset portfolios.
8. Apostolic Faith Mission of Africa – $600 Million
- Founded: Pentecostal mission in early 20th century
- Headquarters: South Africa
- Key Assets: Church branches, schools, retreat centers
One of the oldest Pentecostal movements in Africa, with millions of members across southern and eastern Africa.
9. Deeper Life Bible Church – $500 Million
- Founder: Pastor W.F. Kumuyi
- Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
- Key Assets: Massive headquarters in Gbagada, schools, publications
Known for holiness preaching and strict doctrine, the church has extensive real estate and educational facilities.
10. United Family International Church (UFIC) – $400 Million
- Founder: Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa
- Headquarters: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Key Assets: Mega church building, schools, media
UFIC is one of Zimbabwe’s largest churches, drawing tens of thousands to its services and known for miracle crusades.
Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Churches in Africa (2025)
Rank |
Church Name |
Net Worth |
Country |
Founder(s) |
1 |
RCCG |
$3 Billion |
Nigeria |
Josiah Akindayomi |
2 |
Winners’ Chapel |
$2.5 Billion |
Nigeria |
Bishop David Oyedepo |
3 |
Christ Embassy |
$1.5 Billion |
Nigeria |
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome |
4 |
SCOAN |
$900 Million |
Nigeria |
Prophet T.B. Joshua |
5 |
Kimbanguist Church |
$850 Million |
DR Congo |
Simon Kimbangu |
6 |
Zion Christian Church (ZCC) |
$700 Million |
South Africa |
Engenas Lekganyane |
7 |
Methodist Church Nigeria |
$650 Million |
Nigeria |
Wesleyan Missionaries |
8 |
Apostolic Faith Mission |
$600 Million |
South Africa |
Pentecostal Missionaries |
9 |
Deeper Life Bible Church |
$500 Million |
Nigeria |
Pastor W.F. Kumuyi |
10 |
United Family International Church |
$400 Million |
Zimbabwe |
Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa |
FAQs
Which is the richest church in Africa in 2025?
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is the richest, with an estimated net worth of $3 billion.
Which countries have the wealthiest churches in Africa?
Nigeria leads by far, followed by South Africa, DR Congo, and Zimbabwe.
Do African churches pay taxes?
Most churches operate as non-profit religious organizations and are tax-exempt in their countries. However, regulations vary by country.
Conclusion
African churches have become global powerhouses—spiritually and financially. Through real estate, media, schools, and member donations, they’ve built empires that stretch across the world. Whether you view them as spiritual institutions or economic giants, these churches continue to shape Africa's faith and economy.