Equitorial Guinea Billionaires: The Top 10 Richest Men In Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea, a small Central African country with a population of around 1.5 million, is one of the wealthiest nations in Sub-Saharan Africa on a per capita basis—largely due to its significant oil and gas reserves. Since the discovery of oil in the 1990s, the country has seen a substantial inflow of revenue. However, much of this wealth has been concentrated in the hands of a political and business elite, leaving the majority of the population in poverty.
In this blog post, we explore the top 10 richest men in Equatorial Guinea. Their fortunes are largely derived from oil, gas, politics, and control over key sectors of the economy. These individuals form a powerful web of influence that spans the country’s political, financial, and industrial institutions.
1. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo – President and Patriarch of Power
Estimated Net Worth: $600 Million to $1 Billion
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has ruled Equatorial Guinea since 1979, making him the longest-serving president in the world. His regime is characterized by authoritarian governance, tight control over the country’s oil wealth, and a political dynasty that permeates every level of government.
Obiang’s wealth is believed to come from his grip on the national economy. He is reported to control major decisions regarding oil contracts, infrastructure projects, and foreign investments. Through an opaque network of state institutions and loyal associates, Obiang has built a fortune that remains difficult to quantify but is conservatively estimated to be between $600 million and $1 billion.
His rule has attracted international criticism due to widespread reports of human rights abuses, lack of transparency, and systemic corruption. Nevertheless, he remains firmly in control, with key positions in government and business held by family members and trusted allies.
2. Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue – The Vice President with a Taste for Luxury
Estimated Net Worth: $600 Million
Commonly referred to as "Teodorín," the eldest son of President Obiang has served in various government roles, including Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and currently Vice President in charge of national defense and security. While his official salary would suggest modest means, Teodorín’s lifestyle tells a different story.
He is known internationally for his extravagant taste: multimillion-dollar mansions in Paris and Malibu, a fleet of luxury cars, private jets, and a $150 million yacht. His wealth has sparked legal action in multiple countries, leading to asset seizures in the United States, France, and Switzerland. Despite these setbacks, Teodorín remains a key figure in his father's administration and is widely considered the heir apparent to the presidency.
3. Gabriel Mbega Obiang Lima – The Oil Strategist
Estimated Net Worth: Undisclosed, Likely in the Hundreds of Millions
Another of President Obiang’s sons, Gabriel Mbega Obiang Lima has long been a central figure in the management of Equatorial Guinea’s natural resources. He has served as Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Minister of Planning, and as of 2025, continues to play an essential role in the country’s economic planning and oil diplomacy.
Unlike Teodorín, Gabriel maintains a lower public profile and is often seen as more professional and technocratic. He has brokered deals with foreign oil companies and was instrumental in stabilizing oil production during the global price shocks of the 2010s and 2020s.
His access to the inner workings of the state and involvement in lucrative contracts has undoubtedly made him one of the wealthiest individuals in Equatorial Guinea.
4. Armengol Ondo Nguema – The Silent Enforcer
Estimated Net Worth: Undisclosed
Armengol Ondo Nguema, President Obiang’s brother, has been a powerful figure in Equatorial Guinea’s internal security apparatus for decades. As the former head of national security, he has wielded immense influence behind the scenes. His tenure is marked by tight surveillance of the opposition and an iron grip on dissent.
While less flamboyant than some of his relatives, Armengol has reportedly been involved in various business ventures, ranging from construction to logistics. His power lies in his control over sensitive state information and loyalty from elite security units, making him both feared and respected.
His financial worth, while undisclosed, is believed to be considerable due to his proximity to national projects and state contracts.
5. Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua – The Technocrat Prime Minister
Estimated Net Worth: Undisclosed
Appointed Prime Minister in 2024, Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua rose to prominence as a banker and former CEO of the Banco Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial (BANGE). He is widely credited with professionalizing the banking sector and steering it toward profitability at a time when it was under serious threat of collapse.
His technocratic leadership and financial acumen earned him the favor of the ruling elite, and his elevation to Prime Minister marked a strategic move to stabilize Equatorial Guinea’s image on the international stage.
While his personal fortune remains undisclosed, his long-standing involvement in banking and government points to considerable wealth.
6. Baltasar Ebang Engonga – The Financial Watchdog
Estimated Net Worth: Undisclosed
Baltasar Ebang Engonga is a prominent government figure known for heading the National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF), the institution tasked with monitoring financial crimes and ensuring compliance with international banking standards.
Being a close relative of the president, his position not only comes with prestige but also influence over key financial decisions. His role has given him access to sensitive information on state revenue flows and transactions, particularly those linked to oil and infrastructure.
His wealth is believed to stem from behind-the-scenes deals and advisory roles in major financial decisions.
7. Florencio Mayé – The Businessman with Elite Ties
Estimated Net Worth: Undisclosed
Florencio Mayé is one of the few individuals on this list not directly involved in politics, though he maintains close ties to the ruling family. As the father-in-law of Gabriel Obiang Lima, Mayé's construction and real estate businesses have benefited from government contracts and partnerships with foreign investors.
Operating in sectors like construction, mining, and logistics, Mayé has amassed wealth through public infrastructure projects funded by the state. His deep connections ensure a steady flow of opportunities and protection, making him a formidable businessman in the country.
8. Antonio Oburu Ondo – Oil and Gas Executive
Estimated Net Worth: Undisclosed
Antonio Oburu Ondo succeeded Gabriel Obiang Lima as Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, putting him at the helm of the nation’s most critical economic sector. His career has included senior roles in state-owned oil companies and negotiation of contracts with international firms.
Ondo’s leadership during periods of global energy transition has been instrumental in shaping Equatorial Guinea’s energy future, including efforts to diversify into natural gas and renewable energy.
Given the importance of his role, he is almost certainly among the wealthier elites in the country, particularly through indirect benefits from oil licensing and royalties.
9. Fausto Abeso Fuma – Diplomatic Gatekeeper
Estimated Net Worth: Undisclosed
Fausto Abeso Fuma has served in numerous diplomatic roles, including postings in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His responsibilities include shaping foreign policy and managing relationships with donor countries, international organizations, and investors.
As a gatekeeper to Equatorial Guinea’s international engagements, Fausto plays a crucial role in foreign aid agreements, investment deals, and visa diplomacy. His wealth, while not publicly declared, is assumed to be substantial due to his access to foreign networks and influence in decision-making circles.
10. Crisantos Obama Ondo – The Face Abroad
Estimated Net Worth: Undisclosed
Crisantos Obama Ondo serves as Equatorial Guinea’s ambassador to the United States. His job entails maintaining relations with one of the world’s most powerful nations and defending his government’s interests in Washington, D.C.
While traditionally a diplomatic role, in Equatorial Guinea such a position often includes lobbying for favorable trade terms, managing public relations crises, and acting as a liaison for international financial transactions.
Given the strategic importance of his post and the backing of the ruling family, his status places him among the nation’s wealthiest and most influential men.
Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Men in Equatorial Guinea (2025)
Rank | Name | Estimated Net Worth | Primary Role/Industry |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo | $600M - $1B | President, Oil & Gas |
2 | Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue | ~$600M | Vice President, Government |
3 | Gabriel Mbega Obiang Lima | Undisclosed | Minister of Finance, Oil & Gas |
4 | Armengol Ondo Nguema | Undisclosed | National Security, Government |
5 | Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua | Undisclosed | Prime Minister, Banking |
6 | Baltasar Ebang Engonga | Undisclosed | Financial Regulation, Government |
7 | Florencio Mayé | Undisclosed | Businessman, Construction |
8 | Antonio Oburu Ondo | Undisclosed | Minister of Mines, Oil & Gas |
9 | Fausto Abeso Fuma | Undisclosed | Diplomat, Government |
10 | Crisantos Obama Ondo | Undisclosed | Ambassador to the U.S., Diplomacy |
Conclusion: The Faces Behind the Fortune
Equatorial Guinea is a unique case study in wealth concentration. Its oil riches have not translated into broad-based economic development or social equity. Instead, a small group of politically connected men have amassed extraordinary wealth while the majority of citizens struggle to access basic services like healthcare and education.
Most of the top 10 richest men in Equatorial Guinea are either members of President Obiang’s family or close allies. Their fortunes are tightly intertwined with political power, state institutions, and control over the country’s vast natural resources.
This scenario illustrates a fundamental challenge: how can a country so rich in natural resources ensure that its wealth benefits all citizens rather than just a powerful elite? Until significant reforms are undertaken, Equatorial Guinea’s wealth will remain in the hands of a few, continuing a cycle of inequality and missed potential.