Insight

• Infinity Media
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Central African Republic Billionaires: Top 10 Richest Men In Central African Republic (Car)

The Central African Republic (CAR), despite being one of the most resource-rich countries in Africa, continues to face deep-rooted political instability, security challenges, and underdevelopment. However, amidst these challenges, a small class of elite businessmen, politicians, and entrepreneurs have emerged, wielding significant influence and amassing substantial wealth over the years.

This blog post uncovers the top 10 richest men in the Central African Republic in 2025 — spotlighting their net worth, businesses, political ties, and contributions to the national economy.

1. Fidèle Gouandjika

Estimated Net Worth: $500 Million
Main Sectors: Telecommunications, Agriculture, Politics

Fidèle Gouandjika is a renowned businessman and political figure in the CAR. Originally trained as an engineer, he made his mark in telecommunications before branching into agribusiness and public service. Gouandjika’s early influence stemmed from his role as Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, which gave him access to high-value contracts and critical infrastructure development projects.

Over the years, his wealth has grown thanks to his strategic investments in agricultural production, particularly in rural areas where he owns large farms. His political career also amplified his influence, securing state-backed ventures and partnerships. Gouandjika stands as a symbol of elite dominance in post-conflict CAR.

2. Joseph Ichame Kamach

Estimated Net Worth: $400 Million
Main Sectors: Retail, Timber, Construction

Founder of KGROUP (Kamach Group), Joseph Ichame Kamach is a pioneer in the private sector. The Kamach Group began in the 1970s and has grown to become CAR’s largest private conglomerate, spanning industries such as retail supermarkets, building materials, mining, and even sports facilities like golf courses.

Kamach’s strategic expansion into timber and logging — a lucrative sector in the CAR due to its vast rainforests — allowed his wealth to flourish. His group is also credited with generating thousands of local jobs. Kamach’s model of vertical integration makes him a key contributor to the nation's economic framework.

3. Sylvain Ndoutingai

Estimated Net Worth: $300 Million
Main Sectors: Mining, Energy, Politics

Sylvain Ndoutingai, nephew of former President François Bozizé, rose to prominence as Minister of Finance and later as the Minister of Mines, Energy, and Water Resources. His close ties to political power enabled him to take control of strategic mining and resource contracts, especially in the diamond sector.

During his time in government, Ndoutingai accumulated wealth through partnerships, mining concessions, and international deals. Though his political career faced setbacks, his business empire in the extractive sector remains strong. His story exemplifies the intersection of political authority and personal enrichment in the CAR.

4. Bienvenu Patrick Setem Bonguende

Estimated Net Worth: $250 Million
Main Sectors: Diamond Trade, Mining

Bonguende is a powerful figure in CAR’s lucrative diamond industry. As the founder of a major trading company that deals in gold and diamonds, he plays a central role in international exports of precious stones. His company has grown despite controversies involving foreign influences and opaque business practices.

He owns warehouses, processing centers, and maintains trade links with partners across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Bonguende’s personal fortune is heavily tied to global diamond prices, and his name is now synonymous with the country’s resource wealth.

5. Mahamat Said Abdel Kani

Estimated Net Worth: $200 Million
Main Sectors: Mining, Local Trade, Armed Groups

Mahamat Said Abdel Kani emerged as a warlord-turned-businessman. Initially active within armed groups during the civil war era, he leveraged control over key diamond mining areas, particularly around Bria and Nzacko, to generate wealth.

Despite facing international legal action for his past military roles, Kani transitioned into mining operations. He is known to manage complex trade routes for unregistered diamonds, earning significant revenue and reinvesting it into security businesses and local trade. His wealth is controversial but undeniable.

6. Dimitri Sytyi

Estimated Net Worth: $180 Million
Main Sectors: Mining, Media, Foreign Contracts

A unique presence on this list, Dimitri Sytyi is a foreign-born businessman operating extensively within the CAR. Sytyi built his fortune through mining deals, but what sets him apart is his control of media outlets and influence operations in the country.

He manages private investment vehicles and acts as an intermediary for foreign interests in Central African mining. His wealth is largely derived from logistics, coordination, and large-scale extraction contracts with external firms. His dual role as businessman and public influencer makes him highly strategic in CAR’s business environment.

7. Jean-Baptiste Mokoko

Estimated Net Worth: $150 Million
Main Sectors: Logging, Export, Transport

Mokoko is a leading figure in the forestry sector, known for operating one of the largest logging enterprises in the country. His business focuses on hardwood exports to Asia and Europe. He owns multiple sawmills and transportation networks, giving him a powerful position in the supply chain.

Despite criticism from environmental activists over deforestation, Mokoko continues to grow his enterprise, advocating for “sustainable exploitation.” His profits come not just from timber, but also from ownership of transport companies that move goods across the region.

8. André Nzapayeké

Estimated Net Worth: $120 Million
Main Sectors: Finance, Banking, Governance

André Nzapayeké is one of the most internationally respected figures from the CAR, with a career spanning economics, development, and government. He served as the country’s Prime Minister and also worked with global financial institutions such as the African Development Bank.

Nzapayeké’s wealth primarily stems from consultancy, advisory services, and board positions across financial firms in Africa. He has helped draft economic frameworks and has shares in several financial ventures. While less flamboyant than others on this list, his quiet influence and consistent earnings have made him exceptionally wealthy.

9. François Bozizé

Estimated Net Worth: $100 Million
Main Sectors: Politics, Mining, Private Holdings

François Bozizé, the former President of the CAR, held office from 2003 to 2013. During his decade in power, he was linked to various contracts in the mining and timber sectors. Though ousted from power, Bozizé remains financially secure due to property holdings, royalties, and investments accumulated during his presidency.

His family also continues to control various local enterprises and land. Though controversial, Bozizé’s financial network remains intact, sustained by loyalists and legacy deals from his administration.

10. Jean-Paul Ngoupandé

Estimated Net Worth: $90 Million
Main Sectors: Consultancy, Economics, International Affairs

Jean-Paul Ngoupandé is a scholar, politician, and economist. He once served as Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Much of his wealth has come from his roles with international organizations and foreign consultancies focusing on African governance and policy.

Ngoupandé owns shares in consulting firms and acts as a private advisor for development initiatives across Central Africa. His intellectual capital and network of elite contacts contribute heavily to his financial position. He represents the intellectual elite whose influence is more subtle but significant.

Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Men in the Central African Republic (2025)

Conclusion

The Central African Republic is a land of paradoxes: abundant in natural wealth but plagued by instability and poverty. In such an environment, those with the right mix of political access, foreign partnerships, and entrepreneurial acumen have risen to the top. The richest men in the CAR reflect not only individual success but also the broader systemic realities — where control of resources often trumps innovation or market competition.

As the country moves toward greater stability, there is hope that future wealth will be more inclusive and that economic development will benefit the broader population.