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5 Biggest And Richest Churches In Zimbabwe: A Look At Their Finances And Ministries

Zimbabwe, a predominantly Christian country, has witnessed the rapid growth of numerous churches over the past few decades. While many of these churches focus on spiritual development and social services, some have also become major economic powerhouses. These churches operate across various sectors, including media, real estate, education, healthcare, mining, and even hospitality.

This blog takes an in-depth look at the five biggest and richest churches in Zimbabwe, analyzing their estimated net worth, spiritual influence, and socio-economic contributions. Each church has built a reputation not only for powerful ministry but also for their remarkable ability to generate wealth and impact lives at scale.

1. Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD)

• Founder: Prophet Walter Magaya
• Headquarters: Harare, Zimbabwe
• Estimated Net Worth: Over $200 million
• Weekly Attendance: 20,000+

Founded by the charismatic Prophet Walter Magaya, PHD Ministries has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s most influential and wealthiest religious institutions. Known for its prophetic healing crusades, vibrant worship, and media reach, PHD has expanded into a multifaceted organization with heavy financial backing.

Prophet Magaya has diversified his investments significantly. He owns multiple television networks and is involved in real estate, agriculture, hospitality, exports, and manufacturing. He notably acquired 28 mining claims, rich in minerals such as dolomite, granite, marble, and lithium, which power his marble manufacturing and export business.

Magaya’s ambitious $10 billion Planet Africa Project aims to revolutionize Zimbabwe's infrastructure, covering sectors like mining, housing, and energy. Despite criticism about wealth accumulation, his followers continue to grow, and his philanthropic works—especially food relief and community outreach—have earned him respect across religious lines.

2. United Family International Church (UFIC)

• Founder: Emmanuel Makandiwa
• Headquarters: Harare, Zimbabwe
• Estimated Net Worth: $150 million
• Weekly Attendance: 35,000+

Emmanuel Makandiwa, the founder of UFIC, is one of Zimbabwe’s most recognized religious leaders. Known for his dynamic preaching and prophetic gifts, Makandiwa has built UFIC into a global brand. The church has branches in countries like South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, the UK, Australia, and the USA.

UFIC’s major revenue streams come from donations, international conferences, media production, and strategic business investments. Makandiwa is known to own a luxury mansion and expensive cars but maintains that his wealth stems from hard work and divine favor. He also owns the Ster-Kinekor franchise in Zimbabwe and Zambia.

One of the church's most ambitious projects is the construction of a 100,000-seat mega-church complex in Mt Hampden, which will include a Bible school, shopping center, luxury hotel, and recreational facilities. Makandiwa has also been involved in large-scale charity projects, including education sponsorship and food aid.

3. Forward in Faith Ministries International (FIFMI)

• Founder: Archbishop Ezekiel Guti
• Headquarters: Harare, Zimbabwe
• Estimated Net Worth: $130 million
• Global Presence: 2,000+ assemblies worldwide

Founded in 1960 by the late Archbishop Ezekiel Guti, Forward in Faith Ministries International (FIFMI) is arguably the most established indigenous Pentecostal church in Zimbabwe. With over six decades of consistent ministry, the church has grown to have thousands of assemblies in Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania.

The church is financially stable, with extensive investments in education, media, and health care. Its crown jewel is the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU)—one of the first private Christian universities in the country. FIFMI also operates Ezekiel Guti Primary School and Mbuya Dorcas Hospital in Harare, providing education and health services to thousands annually.

Despite its massive wealth, FIFMI is known for its emphasis on humility, discipleship, and self-sufficiency. Most of its funding comes from within—congregants are taught to give regularly while also encouraged to be economically independent through entrepreneurial teachings.

4. Spirit Embassy (Good News Church)

• Founder: Prophet Uebert Angel
• Headquarters: Harare and London
• Estimated Net Worth: $80 million
• Branches: Across Africa, Europe, and the USA

Spirit Embassy, also known as the Good News Church, was founded by Prophet Uebert Angel, a British-Zimbabwean businessman and preacher. He is also the Presidential Envoy and Ambassador at Large for Zimbabwe, tasked with attracting international investment.

Spirit Embassy’s brand is luxurious and international, with emphasis on prosperity, healing, and prophetic declarations. The church has branches in the UK, USA, South Africa, Botswana, and several European nations.

Uebert Angel’s business interests span real estate (The Angel Organization), banking, education, and fashion. He owns several properties in the UK and Africa and has launched multiple entrepreneurial empowerment initiatives.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Angel pledged over $1 million worth of food aid to struggling families in Zimbabwe. His philanthropic foundation has also supported orphans, widows, and the disabled across the country. Despite controversy, his global followers admire his success story and prophetic ministry.

5. Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Roman Catholic Church)

• Denomination: Roman Catholic
• Location: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
• Historical Significance: Elevated to Basilica in 2013
• Net Worth Estimate: $60 million+ (includes Catholic Church assets)

The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Bulawayo stands as one of Zimbabwe's most historic and wealthiest religious sites. As the seat of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Bulawayo, it represents the Roman Catholic Church's vast presence and influence in Zimbabwe.

Built in 1904 and elevated to Minor Basilica status in 2013 by Pope Francis, this Cathedral is central to the Catholic Church’s activities in Zimbabwe. The Church owns vast tracts of land, schools, hospitals, missions, farms, and real estate.

The Catholic Church is behind some of Zimbabwe’s most respected institutions, including St. George’s College, Dominican Convent High School, and Mater Dei Hospital. They continue to receive funding from international Catholic missions, charities, and dioceses.

Despite being more conservative and less media-driven compared to Pentecostal churches, the Catholic Church’s financial assets and long-term investments rank it among the richest in the country.

Summary Table

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What determines a church's wealth in Zimbabwe?

A: A church’s wealth is usually determined by its assets, weekly attendance, income from tithes and offerings, business investments, international branches, and value of properties and land owned.

Q2: Are these churches involved in charity or social work?

A: Yes. Most of these churches actively run schools, hospitals, food banks, and community outreach programs. For example, FIFMI runs ZEGU University, while Spirit Embassy has donated millions in food aid.

Q3: Why are Pentecostal churches wealthier than traditional ones?

A: Pentecostal churches often rely on charismatic leadership, high donation drives, international reach, and entrepreneurial ventures. Their use of social media, television, and global conferences also boosts their income.

Q4: Is there controversy around the wealth of Zimbabwean churches?

A: Yes. Critics argue that church leaders live lavishly while members remain poor. Others believe churches should be more transparent with their finances. However, many leaders defend their wealth as blessings and results of hard work.

Q5: Do these churches pay taxes?

A: In Zimbabwe, churches are generally exempt from paying tax on religious income, but any commercial businesses owned by the churches are required to comply with tax laws.

Conclusion

The biggest and richest churches in Zimbabwe wield immense power—spiritually, economically, and socially. Their influence stretches beyond the pulpit into industries like education, real estate, mining, and philanthropy. As the nation continues to evolve, these churches are likely to remain central players in shaping Zimbabwe’s future, both spiritually and financially.

Whether you're drawn by faith, leadership, or their economic footprint, there's no denying that these churches have built empires that continue to touch lives in Zimbabwe and far beyond.