Chad Billionaires: Top 10 Richest Men In Chad
Chad, located in the heart of Central Africa, is often portrayed in global headlines for its political challenges, security concerns, and economic instability. However, beneath the surface of hardship lies a powerful elite—individuals who have amassed significant wealth through political dominance, military control, business ventures, and foreign alliances.
In this article, we present the Top 10 Richest Men in Chad (2025), offering insight into their estimated net worth, roles in national development, and sources of influence.
1. Mahamat Idriss Déby – Net Worth: $50 Million
Mahamat Idriss Déby, the current transitional president and de facto leader of Chad, tops the list of the richest men in the country. Following the death of his father Idriss Déby in 2021, Mahamat inherited vast influence, military command, and access to the country’s financial systems.
As head of the Transitional Military Council and now transitional president, Mahamat controls key contracts in the oil sector, infrastructure, and arms. His estimated $50 million net worth reflects not only inheritance but also continued patronage networks and control over national budgets.
2. Haroun Kabadi – Net Worth: $25 Million
A long-time political figure, Haroun Kabadi has served as Chad’s Prime Minister, Speaker of the National Assembly, and now Senate President. With deep ties to the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), Kabadi has played kingmaker in many political appointments and transitions.
His estimated $25 million fortune is linked to contracts in agriculture, government allocations, and influence over state institutions. Kabadi also maintains rural businesses in cotton and food production.
3. Mahamat Zene Cherif – Net Worth: $15 Million
Mahamat Zene Cherif is a respected international diplomat and former Foreign Minister of Chad. He served at the United Nations and led various diplomatic initiatives, making him one of Chad’s most globally recognized faces.
His net worth is an estimated $15 million, derived from diplomatic salaries, international consultancies, and indirect influence in policy-making that opened doors to foreign investment.
4. Succès Masra – Net Worth: $10 Million
Succès Masra is an economist turned politician and leader of the “Les Transformateurs” party. As a reformist and anti-corruption advocate, Masra briefly served as Prime Minister in 2024 before stepping down.
With a solid background at the African Development Bank and other global institutions, Masra’s $10 million wealth was acquired through international financial management, consulting, and fundraising during his political campaigns. His urban support base also includes small enterprises and civil society initiatives.
5. Ahmat Mahamat Bachir – Net Worth: $8 Million
Former Minister of Security, Ahmat Mahamat Bachir, played a significant role in maintaining internal order and security under the Déby regime. He is known for managing policing institutions and crisis response operations.
Bachir’s estimated $8 million net worth is linked to defense contracts, domestic security funding, and influence over border operations and transport systems.
6. Abakar Tollimi – Net Worth: $6 Million
Once a rebel commander, Abakar Tollimi transitioned into peace negotiations and became a respected advisor in national unity and political reconciliation efforts. His role in the 2022–2023 peace dialogues was pivotal.
Now part of Chad’s advisory elite, his $6 million net worth reflects income from mediation efforts, consultancy roles, and behind-the-scenes influence in political settlements.
7. Ahmat Acyl – Net Worth: $5 Million
Ahmat Acyl is a self-made businessman active in Chad’s commercial and agricultural industries. He manages a network of logistics and import/export firms across Central Africa, dealing in food supply, livestock, and basic commodities.
Known for staying out of politics, Acyl’s estimated $5 million wealth is built on strategic partnerships with multinationals and local producers.
8. Abdelkerim Idriss Déby – Net Worth: $4 Million
Abdelkerim Idriss Déby, a half-brother of the transitional president, is an influential figure in Chad’s business and political circles. He has held roles in oil logistics, defense consultancy, and telecommunications.
With family access and direct government influence, his $4 million net worth comes from petroleum distribution deals, telecom shares, and international joint ventures.
9. Bichara Issa Djadallah – Net Worth: $3.5 Million
Serving as the Secretary-General of the Government, Bichara Issa Djadallah is a power broker in administrative and executive decision-making. He’s worked in finance, civil service reform, and strategic planning.
Djadallah’s $3.5 million in wealth stems from procurement deals, budget coordination, and policy influence that positions him to benefit from contract awards and donor negotiations.
10. Rakhis Ahmat Saleh – Net Worth: $3 Million
A rising star in Chad’s private sector, Rakhis Ahmat Saleh is known for pioneering tech innovations in mobile finance and rural connectivity. He runs a company that provides digital payment solutions and internet access to underserved communities.
With an entrepreneurial mindset, Saleh’s estimated $3 million comes from ICT investments, donor-backed initiatives, and equity in startups supported by regional partners.
Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Men in Chad (2025)
Rank | Name | Estimated Net Worth | Profession/Position | Source of Wealth |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mahamat Idriss Déby | $50 million | Transitional President | Inheritance, military leadership |
2 | Haroun Kabadi | $25 million | President of Senate | Politics, agriculture contracts |
3 | Mahamat Zene Cherif | $15 million | Diplomat, Ex-Foreign Minister | Diplomacy, foreign relations |
4 | Succès Masra | $10 million | Economist, Politician | International finance, reforms |
5 | Ahmat Mahamat Bachir | $8 million | Former Minister of Security | State contracts, internal affairs |
6 | Abakar Tollimi | $6 million | Peace Advisor, Former Rebel Leader | Political settlements, consultations |
7 | Ahmat Acyl | $5 million | Businessman | Agriculture, trading, logistics |
8 | Abdelkerim Idriss Déby | $4 million | Businessman, Presidential Advisor | Petroleum contracts, telecoms |
9 | Bichara Issa Djadallah | $3.5 million | Cabinet Secretary-General | Governance, elite influence |
10 | Rakhis Ahmat Saleh | $3 million | Entrepreneur, Tech Investor | ICT, private enterprise |
Final Thoughts: Wealth and Power in Chad’s Political Economy
In Chad, wealth is deeply intertwined with politics and power structures. Most of the country’s richest men are either in government or closely tied to it, often gaining influence through political loyalty, military service, or diplomatic prowess. While Chad remains one of the least developed countries in the world, these individuals navigate high-stakes environments to secure contracts, manage national resources, or attract foreign partnerships.
However, the emergence of younger and more business-minded elites—like Rakhis Saleh—signals a slow but promising shift toward private sector entrepreneurship. As economic diversification takes root in digital finance, agriculture, and renewable energy, new avenues of wealth are emerging beyond traditional political dominance.
📌 Did You Know?
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Chad ranks among the top 10 oil-producing countries in Africa.
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Over 80% of the population relies on subsistence farming, despite political elites controlling vast commercial lands.
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The wealthiest 1% control more than 40% of Chad’s financial and land-based assets.
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