While the massive salaries seen in European and Middle Eastern leagues are still a world away, a new era of professionalism and financial investment is taking hold in some of Africa's top domestic competitions. The highest salaries are concentrated in a few key leagues, particularly the Egyptian Premier League, the South African Premier Division, and the Tanzanian Premier League, which are leading the way in offering competitive compensation to attract and retain top talent.

The financial dominance of Egyptian clubs like Al Ahly and Zamalek, who are regular contenders for the CAF Champions League title, is especially evident. These clubs have the financial backing to pay top dollar for both local and continental stars.

Taking a look at some of the highest-paid players in local African football leagues, based on recent reports and analyses, we have the following:

1. Ali Maaloul (Al Ahly, Egypt)

The Tunisian international left-back is widely considered one of the highest-paid players on the continent. A key figure for Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Maaloul reportedly commands a salary in the range of $1.5 million annually. His consistency and attacking prowess have made him an invaluable asset to the club's success.

2. Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly, Egypt)

Al Ahly's and Egypt's number one goalkeeper, El Shenawy, is another top earner. His leadership and shot-stopping abilities have been crucial for the team, and his salary, reported to be over $850,000 per year, reflects his importance to the club.

3. Abdallah El-Said (Zamalek, Egypt)

A veteran midfielder for Zamalek, Abdallah El-Said continues to be a high-earning player in the Egyptian league. His experience and playmaking ability have earned him a salary reportedly over $860,000 annually, cementing his place among the top-paid African-based players.

4. Aliou Dieng (Al Ahly, Egypt)

The Malian defensive midfielder is a key engine for Al Ahly and reportedly earns a salary in the region of $900,000 annually. Dieng's tireless work rate and defensive solidity make him one of the most valuable players in the Egyptian league.

5. Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)

As a star player for South African powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns and captain of the South Africa national team, Williams is one of the highest-paid players in the South African Premier Division. His annual salary is estimated to be around $320,000, reflecting his status as one of the best goalkeepers on the continent.

6. Tiago Azulão (Petro de Luanda, Angola)

The Angolan league has also seen an increase in player wages, and Tiago Azulão of Petro de Luanda is a prime example. The Brazilian striker, known for his goal-scoring exploits, reportedly earns an annual salary of around $263,000.

7. Stephane Aziz Ki (Young Africans SC, Tanzania)

Tanzania's Young Africans SC, one of the most successful clubs in East Africa, is also home to a top earner. Stephane Aziz Ki, a Burkinabé attacking midfielder, reportedly earns an annual salary of around $240,000, highlighting the growing financial power of the Tanzanian league.

8. Khama Billiat (Scotland FC, Zimbabwe)

While a significant disparity exists between leagues, some players in smaller leagues still command high salaries relative to their local markets. Khama Billiat, a well-known Zimbabwean international, reportedly earns around $72,000 annually at Scotland FC.

9. Richmond Lamptey (APR FC, Rwanda)

In the Rwandan league, midfielder Richmond Lamptey of APR FC is among the top earners, with an estimated annual salary of $120,000.

10. Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars, Nigeria)

While the Nigerian Premier Football League has a different salary structure, some players are still well-compensated. Sikiru Alimi of Remo Stars is an example, with an estimated annual salary of around $10,000, which, while a lot lower than the top earners, is still a notable figure within the NPFL context.

The salaries listed are based on publicly available data and are subject to change. The overall trend, however, is clear: a new class of highly-paid players is emerging in Africa, led by the continent's most financially powerful clubs. This trend is a sign of the growing investment and professionalization of football on the continent.