Africa is challenged in many aspects, and despite this, the heads of state are among the most paid leaders. Unemployment, inflation, and corruption are notorious problems cutting across the continent. Government officials take home big cheques as most of the population lives below a dollar.
This article digs deep down into the highest-paid African presidents.
- Cameroon: Paul Biya $610,000 per year
Paul Biya is one of the world’s worst dictators who has been ruling Cameroon since 1982. He earns about 229 times more than the average salary, which speaks volumes about his type of ruling. The leader has been on several occasions being accused of misappropriation. This is evident when he went on a holiday in France, where he spent $700,000 for 20 days.
- Morocco: Mohammed VI $480,000 per year
Mohammed VI took over power in 1999, and he meant good for ordinary people. He showed empathy and was dubbed the “king of the poor.” His attempts to lift Moroccans out of poverty were greatly praised, but the president takes home 68 times more than an average citizen.
- South Africa: Cyril Ramaphosa $305,000 per year
Cyril Ramaphosa took over Jacob Zuma, who was among the most paid presidents in the world. The South African constitution grants the president lots of power, and Zuma took advantage of this because he increased his salary by 5.5 percent and other public servants.
- Algeria: Abdelmadjid Tebboune $168,000 per year
Abdelmadjid Tebboune is the second-highest-paid African president regarding allowances and annual salary.
- Kenya: Uhuru Kenyatta $132,000 per year
Being the son of Jomo Kenyatta, Uhuru Kenyatta grew up in a wealthy family, and it is by no chance that he is the 4th most paid president on the continent. His good deeds were evident when he took a salary cut from $14,000 to $10,000.
- Comoros: Azali Assoumani $115,000
Azali has been the president of Comoros on two occasions. The first time was when he ousted the then president Tadjidine Ben Massounde in a coup in 1999. The second time was his reelection in 2016.
- Namibia: Hage Geingob $1110,000
Mr. Geingoba has been the President of Namibia since 21st March 2015, and currently, he is the third president of the state. He is among the most educated African presidents, completing his Ph.D. in 2004 from the University of Leeds in Britain.
- Republic of Congo: Danis Sassou Nguesso $110,000
Danis Nguesso has ruled Congo from 1979 to 1997. He is a former commando, having received training in Algeria and France. He is still the president from 1997 to date.
- Ivory Coast: Alassane Ouattara $100,000
Alassane made the headlines for the right reasons. He is hardworking, transparent, and promotes good governance. Being an economist by profession is no surprise why he is among the most paid presidents.
- Liberia: Ellen Johnson $90,000 per year
Ellen Johnson made history as the first elected female president, and she is the 24th head of state. She has been the president for the past 12 years.
The above list is only the tip of the iceberg of the most paid African presidents. It is essential to iron things out that the annual salaries are according to governments and do not contain allowances and other privileges.
