Hello my people! 🌍 Today, let’s take a journey across the golden sands of Libya, a land blessed with oil beneath its soil and history carved by both fortune and struggle. When you hear about Libya, you probably think of deserts, political battles, and oil. But behind those headlines are people—powerful individuals who have controlled wealth so massive it could build cities.

In this post, we’re diving into the lives of the top 10 richest people in Libya. Some gained their wealth through politics, others through oil, business, or inheritance. But one thing they all have in common is that their names echo in Libya’s story of riches and power.

So sit back, relax, and let me guide you through this list with the warmth of an African storyteller.

1. Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh

Next on our list is Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, a businessman-turned-politician. Before stepping into the limelight of politics, he was already a wealthy construction magnate. He ran a company called LIDCO, which handled huge projects during Gaddafi’s era—roads, housing estates, and infrastructure contracts worth billions.

Critics say he may have mismanaged or diverted large sums, with some estimates putting his fortune at around 7 billion dollars. Whether those claims are true or not, what we know for sure is that he used his influence to climb to the top of Libyan politics, eventually becoming the head of the Government of National Unity.

Dbeibeh is a perfect example of how business and politics are often intertwined in Libya.

2. Khalifa Haftar

Now let’s talk about the man in uniform—Khalifa Haftar. Known as the leader of the Libyan National Army, Haftar isn’t just a military general; he’s also a wealthy power player.

His control of oil ports and trade routes has made him a billionaire. Many put his net worth around 3.2 billion dollars. Just think about it—while soldiers march on the ground, billions are flowing into his pockets from oil revenues and international dealings.

In Libya, power is not only about guns; it’s also about controlling resources. And Haftar has shown time and time again that he knows how to hold both.

3. Fayez al-Sarraj

Unlike Haftar, Fayez al-Sarraj is not a general but a politician with an architect’s background. He comes from a wealthy Tripoli family known for their land and property holdings. When he became the head of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), people began to talk about his fortune.

Even though exact figures are hard to pin down, it’s clear that his family’s wealth, combined with his political influence, makes him one of Libya’s richest figures. His story shows how old family wealth, when mixed with politics, creates powerful dynasties in North Africa.

4. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi

Being the son of Gaddafi automatically put Saif al-Islam Gaddafi in the circle of wealth. He was groomed as the heir to his father’s throne and had access to unimaginable resources.

While nobody can say for sure how much he inherited or controls today, his life has been marked by privilege. From luxury homes to global connections, Saif has always been surrounded by wealth. Even after the fall of his father’s regime, his name continues to carry weight in Libyan politics and wealth discussions.

5. Ali Zeidan

A former Prime Minister, Ali Zeidan was not only known for his political influence but also for his wealth. His fortune is estimated at around 3 billion dollars.

Before his political career, Zeidan was a diplomat and lawyer, moving between Libya and international platforms. His global connections helped him build influence, which later translated into financial power. As Prime Minister, he became one of the wealthiest political figures of his time.

6. Mustafa Abdul Jalil

Another key figure is Mustafa Abdul Jalil, who became famous during the 2011 uprising. He was the Chairman of the National Transitional Council, guiding Libya during one of its most chaotic times.

Despite his soft-spoken nature, his estimated fortune of 3 billion dollars makes him one of the richest men in Libya. His wealth is tied to his political role and his long career in the Libyan judiciary system before rising into leadership.

7. Mohammed Yousef el-Magariaf

Mohammed Yousef el-Magariaf was once the head of the General National Congress, one of the transitional governments of Libya. Like others on this list, his position in politics brought both power and fortune.

His wealth is estimated at around 3 billion dollars. While he may not be as popular internationally as Gaddafi or Haftar, inside Libya his name is well known in discussions of political elites and their riches.

8. Mahmoud Jibril

During the early years of the Libyan revolution, Mahmoud Jibril became a familiar face. He briefly served as the interim Prime Minister and was one of the key figures pushing for international recognition of Libya’s new leadership.

Although his tenure was short, he reportedly accumulated wealth estimated at 2.5 billion dollars. His career shows how quickly fortunes can rise in a country where politics is constantly shifting.

9. Nouri Abusahmain

Closing our list is Nouri Abusahmain, who served as the head of the General National Congress. Though not as wealthy as the others, his estimated fortune of around 1 billion dollars still puts him firmly among Libya’s richest men.

His political influence and access to state resources gave him financial power, even if not on the same scale as Gaddafi or Haftar.

What About Other Figures?

Apart from these ten, there are other wealthy Libyans worth mentioning. Businessmen like Mustafa Sanalla, who headed Libya’s National Oil Corporation, and Basit Igtet, an entrepreneur and activist, also command significant wealth. However, their net worth doesn’t place them in the top ten.

Reflection: Wealth, Power, and the Libyan Scene

In Libya, wealth and politics are like twins—you can hardly separate them. Almost every name on this list either held political office, led a military faction, or was born into a powerful family. That’s because Libya’s greatest resource—oil—has always been controlled by those in power.

Oil makes up about 95% of Libya’s exports and around 60% of its GDP. Whoever controls the oil controls the money. And whoever controls the money, controls the country. Sadly, while billions flow into the pockets of a few, ordinary Libyans often struggle with poverty, unemployment, and instability.

This is the paradox of Libya: a country so rich in resources, yet so many of its people lack access to that wealth.

Final Thoughts from Your African Blogger’s Heart

Oh my people, isn’t it fascinating? A land where desert winds whisper stories of wealth, where oil flows like a river of gold, and where power often decides who becomes rich. From Gaddafi’s phantom billions to Haftar’s oil empire, from Dbeibeh’s construction fortune to Sarraj’s family estates, Libya’s wealthiest remind us that money and power walk hand in hand.

But as Africans, we know that true wealth should not just sit in the hands of a few. Real prosperity is when a nation’s resources uplift everyone, not just the powerful elite.

One day, may Libya’s riches bring light not only to the pockets of the rich but also to the lives of its ordinary people. Until then, we continue to tell these stories—with hope in our hearts.

Summary Table: Top 10 Richest in Libya