Who Is Paul Biya? Age, Biography and Wiki
Paul Biya was born on February 13, 1933, and has been the President of Cameroon since 1982, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the world. As of 2025, Biya is 92 years old. His extensive political career has made him a significant figure in African politics. His wiki page can be accessed for more detailed information on his life and achievements: Paul Biya - Wikipedia.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 13, 1933 |
| Age | 92 Years |
| Birth Place | Mvomeka'a, then part of French Cameroon |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Cameroon |
Popularity
Paul Biya's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While Paul Biya's exact height and weight are not publicly disclosed, he is noted for maintaining a dignified presence throughout his long political career. Assuming an average elder's stature, it's common for individuals of his age to experience changes in body measurement; however, specific stats for Biya remain elusive.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Paul Biya is married to Chantal Biya, whom he wed in 1994. They have a strong partnership, with Chantal often appearing alongside him in public events. Biya has children from his previous marriage and is known for keeping his family life relatively private. Publicly, he is committed to his marriage and there is no indication of any affairs or relationships outside his marital status.
Because Biya is a Catholic from the southern region of Cameroon, it was considered surprising that he was chosen by Ahidjo, a Muslim from the north, as his successor. Biya's father, who was a catechist, wanted him to join the clergy, but at the age of 16, while in Catholic school, he was expelled.
After Biya became president, Ahidjo initially remained head of the ruling Cameroon National Union (CNU/ UNC). Biya was brought into the CNU Central Committee and Political Bureau and was elected as the vice-president of the CNU. On 11 December 1982, he was placed in charge of managing party affairs in Ahidjo's absence.
During the first months after Biya's succession, he continued to show loyalty to Ahidjo, and Ahidjo continued to show support for Biya, but in 1983, a deep rift developed between the two. Ahidjo went into exile in France, and from there, he publicly accused Biya of abuse of power and paranoia about plots against him.
After Ahidjo resigned as CNU leader, Biya took the helm of the party at an "extraordinary session" of the CNU party held on 14 September 1983.
Net Worth and Salary
Paul Biya's net worth is estimated to be around $200 million as of 2025. His wealth comes from various sources, including his political career and personal business investments. As President, his official salary is reported to be approximately $30,000 a month, which, over the years, has contributed to his substantial accumulation of wealth.
In November 2010, Bertrand Teyou published a book titled La belle de la république bananière: Chantal Biya, de la rue au palais (English: "The beauty of the banana republic: Chantal Biya, from the streets to the palace"), tracing Chantal Biya's rise from humble origins to become Paul Biya's First Lady.
He was subsequently given a two-year prison term on charges of "insult to character" and organizing an "illegal demonstration" for attempting to hold a public reading.
Amnesty International and International PEN's Writers in Prison Committee both protested his arrest and issued appeals on his behalf; Amnesty International also named him a prisoner of conscience.
He was freed on 2 May 2011 when the London chapter of International PEN agreed to pay his fine in order that he might seek treatment for his worsening health condition.
Career, Business and Investments
Biya’s political career began in 1962 when he became a member of the Cameroonian government. Over the years, he has held various positions, ultimately becoming the Prime Minister in 1975, and President in 1982. His administration has been marked by significant economic policies and infrastructure developments. Additionally, Biya has made various investments in sectors like agriculture and real estate, further boosting his wealth and influence.
His regime is supported by France, one of the former colonial powers in Cameroon, which supplies it with weapons and trains its military forces. France is also the leading foreign investor in Cameroon.
Social Network
Paul Biya maintains a low profile on social media, focusing more on political announcements than personal updates. However, his official accounts do share information on governmental policies and state affairs. He is not known for personal interactions on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
As a Chargé de Mission in post-independence 1960s Cameroon, Biya rose to prominence under President Ahmadou Ahidjo.
After becoming director of the Cabinet of the minister of national education in January 1964 and secretary-general of the ministry of national education in July 1965, he was named director of the civil cabinet of the president in December 1967 and secretary-general of the presidency (while remaining director of the civil cabinet) in January 1968.
He gained the rank of minister in August 1968 and the rank of minister of state in June 1970, while remaining secretary-general of the presidency. Following the creation of a unitary state in 1972, he became Prime Minister of Cameroon on 30 June 1975. In June 1979, a new law designated the prime minister as the president's constitutional successor.
Ahidjo unexpectedly announced his resignation on 4 November 1982, and Biya accordingly succeeded him as president of Cameroon on 6 November.
Education
Biya attended secondary school in France before studying law and political science at the University of Paris. His educational background laid the groundwork for his long and impactful political career, enabling him to navigate complex political landscapes and governance issues in Cameroon.
He studied at the Lycée General Leclerc, Yaoundé, and in France at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand, Paris, going on to the Institut des hautes études d'Outre-Mer, where he graduated in 1961 with a higher education diploma in public law.
