Poorest Countries in Africa

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Table

Introduction

Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, and its countries vary widely in terms of wealth and development. Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is a widely used indicator of a country’s wealth, as it measures the total income earned by a country’s residents divided by its population. However, it does not take into account income inequality within a country, which can vary widely even within the same region.

According to the World Bank’s latest data, the poorest countries in Africa by GNI per capita are mostly located in sub-Saharan Africa. One of the regional trends that can be observed is that the top 10 poorest countries in Africa are mainly those that have suffered from political instability, conflicts, and a lack of economic development. These factors often lead to high poverty rates, low life expectancy, and poor education outcomes.

African Countries Ranked by Poverty

#CountryGNI per capitaGDP per capitaGDP
1Western Sahara$56
2Burundi$220$2223 billion
3Somalia$430$4478 billion
4Central African Republic$480$4613 billion
5Mozambique$480$49216 billion
6Madagascar$490$50114 billion
7Sierra Leone$500$4804 billion
8Democratic Republic of the Congo$550$57755 billion
9Niger$590$59115 billion
10Eritrea$610$6442 billion
11Malawi$620$63513 billion
12Liberia$630$6764 billion
13Chad$640$68612 billion
14Sudan$650$75234 billion
15The Gambia$740$7722 billion
16Guinea-Bissau$760$7952 billion
17Uganda$760$88441 billion
18Mali$820$87419 billion
19Burkina Faso$830$89320 billion
20Rwanda$840$82211 billion
21Ethiopia$940$925111 billion
22Togo$960$9738 billion
23Guinea$1,020$1,18916 billion
24Zambia$1,030$1,13722 billion
25South Sudan$1,040$1,07212 billion
26Tanzania$1,100$1,09968 billion
27Lesotho$1,210$1,0942 billion
28Benin$1,350$1,31917 billion
29Zimbabwe$1,530$1,77428 billion
30Senegal$1,570$1,63728 billion
31Comoros$1,580$1,5781 billion
32Cameroon$1,590$1,66745 billion
33Angola$1,710$1,95467 billion
34Mauritania$1,950$2,16610 billion
35Republic of the Congo$1,970$2,29013 billion
36Kenya$2,080$2,082110 billion
37Nigeria$2,080$2,066441 billion
38São Tomé and Príncipe$2,260$2,361527 million
39Ghana$2,280$2,36378 billion
40Ivory Coast$2,420$2,54970 billion
41Djibouti$3,080$3,1503 billion
42Cape Verde$3,190$3,2932 billion
43Egypt$3,350$3,699404 billion
44Tunisia$3,540$3,80747 billion
45Morocco$3,620$3,795143 billion
46Eswatini$3,650$3,9785 billion
47Algeria$3,660$3,691163 billion
48Namibia$4,650$4,86612 billion
49Equatorial Guinea$5,150$7,50712 billion
50Botswana$6,430$6,80518 billion
51Gabon$6,440$8,63520 billion
52South Africa$6,530$7,055419 billion
53Libya$8,700$6,35743 billion
54Mauritius$9,920$9,10612 billion
55Seychelles$14,540$14,6531 billion

Poorest African Countries

The ten poorest countries in Africa are Western Sahara, Burundi, Somalia, Central African Republic (CAR), Mozambique, Madagascar, Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Niger, and Eritrea.

Western Sahara is the poorest country in Africa, with a GNI per capita of $56. Burundi is the second poorest in Africa, with a GNI per capita of $220. Somalia, the third poorest African country, has a GNI per capita of $430. The Central African Republic, which ranks fourth, has a GNI per capita of $480. Mozambique is the fifth poorest country in Africa, and Madagascar, the sixth poorest African country, both have a GNI per capita of $490. Sierra Leone, the seventh poorest African country, has a GNI per capita of $500. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the eighth poorest country in Africa and has a GNI per capita of $550. Niger, the ninth-poorest, has a GNI per capita of $590. Finally, Eritrea is the tenth poorest country in Africa, with a GNI per capita of $610.

The top 10 poorest African countries by GNI per capita are:

1. Western Sahara – $56
2. Burundi – $220
3. Somalia – $430
4. Central African Republic – $480
5. Mozambique – $490
6. Madagascar – $490
7. Sierra Leone – $500
8. Democratic Republic of the Congo – $550
9. Niger – $590
10. Eritrea – $610

Poorest Country in Africa

Western Sahara is the poorest country in Africa, with a GNI per capita of only $56. The country is located in the Maghreb region of North Africa, and its economy is mostly based on fishing and phosphate mining. The Western Sahara War, which started in 1975 when Spain withdrew from the territory, has led to a long-standing dispute between Morocco, which claims sovereignty over the region, and the Polisario Front, which seeks independence. The conflict has had a severe impact on the country’s economy and development, as the region’s resources and potential for economic growth are largely untapped due to political instability and insecurity.

Despite being the poorest country in Africa, Western Sahara has a relatively high Human Development Index (HDI) compared to some other low-income countries. This is due to the country’s relatively high life expectancy, low mortality rates, and improving education outcomes. However, the country still faces significant challenges in terms of poverty and access to basic services.

Poverty in Africa

Algeria

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GNI per capita

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$3,660

Ranked in the World

#47

$3,691

Ranked in the World

#42

GDP

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163 billion

Ranked in the World

#51

Angola

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GNI per capita

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$1,710

Ranked in the World

#33

$1,954

Ranked in the World

#32

GDP

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67 billion

Ranked in the World

#44

Benin

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GNI per capita

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$1,350

Ranked in the World

#28

$1,319

Ranked in the World

#27

GDP

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17 billion

Ranked in the World

#30

Botswana

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GNI per capita

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$6,430

Ranked in the World

#50

$6,805

Ranked in the World

#49

GDP

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18 billion

Ranked in the World

#31

Burkina Faso

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GNI per capita

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$830

Ranked in the World

#19

Ranked in the World

#19

GDP

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20 billion

Ranked in the World

#33

Burkina Faso is the nineteenth poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $830. The country's GDP per capita is $893, and its GDP is $19,737,620,000. Burkina Faso is a landlocked country with limited natural resources and a high dependency on agriculture. The country faces significant development challenges, including poor infrastructure, limited access to education and healthcare, and political instability. Burkina Faso has also experienced recurrent droughts, which have led to food insecurity and displacement of people.

Burundi

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GNI per capita

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$220

Ranked in the World

#2

Ranked in the World

#1

GDP

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3 billion

Ranked in the World

#10

Burundi is the second poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $220. Its GDP per capita is $222, and its GDP is $2.8 billion. The country has suffered from political instability and violence, which has hindered economic development. Additionally, Burundi is a landlocked country with limited natural resources, making it difficult to generate income.

Cameroon

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GNI per capita

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$1,590

Ranked in the World

#32

$1,667

Ranked in the World

#30

GDP

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45 billion

Ranked in the World

#41

Cape Verde

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GNI per capita

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$3,190

Ranked in the World

#42

$3,293

Ranked in the World

#41

GDP

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2 billion

Ranked in the World

#5

Central African Republic

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GNI per capita

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$480

Ranked in the World

#4

Ranked in the World

#3

GDP

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3 billion

Ranked in the World

#9

Central African Republic is the fourth poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $480. Its GDP per capita is $461, and its GDP is $2.5 billion. The country has been plagued by political instability, violence, and conflict, which have led to a breakdown in infrastructure and basic services. Additionally, the country is landlocked and heavily dependent on subsistence agriculture.

Chad

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GNI per capita

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$640

Ranked in the World

#13

Ranked in the World

#12

GDP

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12 billion

Ranked in the World

#20

Chad is the thirteenth poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $640. Its GDP per capita is $686 and its GDP is $11,779,980,000. Chad is a landlocked country that faces significant challenges with desertification and droughts, which have impacted agricultural production and food security. The country is also heavily dependent on oil exports, which account for around 60% of government revenue. However, the volatility of oil prices has led to significant fluctuations in Chad's economy, and the country has struggled with high levels of poverty and inequality.

Comoros

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GNI per capita

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$1,580

Ranked in the World

#31

$1,578

Ranked in the World

#28

GDP

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1 billion

Ranked in the World

#2

Democratic Republic of the Congo

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GNI per capita

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$550

Ranked in the World

#8

Ranked in the World

#7

GDP

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55 billion

Ranked in the World

#43

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the eighth poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $550. Its GDP per capita is $577, and its GDP is $55.4 billion. The country has been plagued by conflict and instability, particularly in the eastern part of the country. This has led to a breakdown in infrastructure and basic services. Additionally, the country is heavily dependent on mining exports, which are vulnerable to fluctuations in global prices.

Djibouti

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GNI per capita

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$3,080

Ranked in the World

#41

$3,150

Ranked in the World

#40

GDP

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3 billion

Ranked in the World

#11

Egypt

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GNI per capita

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$3,350

Ranked in the World

#43

$3,699

Ranked in the World

#43

GDP

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404 billion

Ranked in the World

#52

Equatorial Guinea

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GNI per capita

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$5,150

Ranked in the World

#49

$7,507

Ranked in the World

#51

GDP

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12 billion

Ranked in the World

#22

Eritrea

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GNI per capita

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$610

Ranked in the World

#10

Ranked in the World

#10

GDP

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2 billion

Ranked in the World

#7

Eritrea is the tenth poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $610. Its GDP per capita is $644 and its GDP is $2,065,000,000. The country has faced significant economic challenges due to a lack of natural resources and a history of conflict with neighboring Ethiopia. Eritrea's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and the mining sector. Additionally, the country has limited access to international markets and has been subject to international sanctions due to its poor human rights record.

Eswatini

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GNI per capita

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$3,650

Ranked in the World

#46

$3,978

Ranked in the World

#46

GDP

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5 billion

Ranked in the World

#14

Ethiopia

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GNI per capita

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$940

Ranked in the World

#21

Ranked in the World

#20

GDP

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111 billion

Ranked in the World

#49

Gabon

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GNI per capita

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$6,440

Ranked in the World

#51

$8,635

Ranked in the World

#52

GDP

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20 billion

Ranked in the World

#34

Ghana

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GNI per capita

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$2,280

Ranked in the World

#39

$2,363

Ranked in the World

#38

GDP

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78 billion

Ranked in the World

#47

Guinea

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GNI per capita

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$1,020

Ranked in the World

#23

$1,189

Ranked in the World

#26

GDP

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16 billion

Ranked in the World

#29

Guinea-Bissau

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GNI per capita

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$760

Ranked in the World

#16

Ranked in the World

#15

GDP

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2 billion

Ranked in the World

#4

Guinea-Bissau is the sixteenth poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $760. The country's GDP per capita is $795 and its GDP is $1,638,520,000. The country has a history of political instability, with a series of coups and political assassinations affecting the country's development. Guinea-Bissau is also prone to natural disasters such as floods and droughts, which have further contributed to its poverty. The country has a high unemployment rate, and a large portion of the population lives below the poverty line.

Ivory Coast

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GNI per capita

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$2,420

Ranked in the World

#40

$2,549

Ranked in the World

#39

GDP

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70 billion

Ranked in the World

#46

Kenya

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GNI per capita

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$2,080

Ranked in the World

#36

$2,082

Ranked in the World

#34

GDP

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110 billion

Ranked in the World

#48

Lesotho

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GNI per capita

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$1,210

Ranked in the World

#27

$1,094

Ranked in the World

#23

GDP

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2 billion

Ranked in the World

#8

Liberia

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GNI per capita

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$630

Ranked in the World

#12

Ranked in the World

#11

GDP

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4 billion

Ranked in the World

#12

Liberia is the twelfth poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $630. Its GDP per capita is $676 and its GDP is $3,509,000,000. Liberia has a history of political instability and civil conflict, which has hindered its economic development. The country is heavily dependent on agriculture and mining, but these sectors have been negatively impacted by poor infrastructure and limited access to international markets. Liberia also has a high prevalence of infectious diseases, including malaria and Ebola, which have had a significant impact on the country's health and economy.

Libya

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GNI per capita

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$8,700

Ranked in the World

#53

$6,357

Ranked in the World

#48

GDP

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43 billion

Ranked in the World

#40

Madagascar

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GNI per capita

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$490

Ranked in the World

#6

Ranked in the World

#6

GDP

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14 billion

Ranked in the World

#26

Madagascar is the sixth poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $490. Its GDP per capita is $501, and its GDP is $14.5 billion. The country is heavily dependent on agriculture, which is vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change. Madagascar has also experienced political instability and a lack of investment in infrastructure.

Malawi

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GNI per capita

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$620

Ranked in the World

#11

Ranked in the World

#9

GDP

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13 billion

Ranked in the World

#24

Malawi is the eleventh poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $620. Its GDP per capita is $635 and its GDP is $12,626,720,000. Malawi is heavily dependent on agriculture, which accounts for around 30% of its GDP and employs over 80% of the population. The country has faced challenges with droughts and floods in recent years, which have impacted crop yields and led to food shortages. Malawi also has a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, which has had a significant impact on the country's health and workforce.

Mali

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GNI per capita

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$820

Ranked in the World

#18

Ranked in the World

#17

GDP

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19 billion

Ranked in the World

#32

Mali is the eighteenth poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $820. The country's GDP per capita is $874, and its GDP is $19,140,460,000. Mali faces a range of development challenges, including poor infrastructure, limited access to education and healthcare, and political instability. The country has been affected by conflict and violence in recent years, including attacks by Islamist militants and ethnic militias. Mali's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and mining, which are vulnerable to weather-related shocks and fluctuations in global commodity prices.

Mauritania

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GNI per capita

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$1,950

Ranked in the World

#34

$2,166

Ranked in the World

#35

GDP

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10 billion

Ranked in the World

#17

Mauritius

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GNI per capita

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$9,920

Ranked in the World

#54

$9,106

Ranked in the World

#53

GDP

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12 billion

Ranked in the World

#19

Morocco

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GNI per capita

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$3,620

Ranked in the World

#45

$3,795

Ranked in the World

#44

GDP

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143 billion

Ranked in the World

#50

Mozambique

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GNI per capita

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$480

Ranked in the World

#5

Ranked in the World

#5

GDP

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16 billion

Ranked in the World

#28

Mozambique is the fifth poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $480. Its GDP per capita is $492, and its GDP is $15.8 billion. The country has a history of political instability and conflict, which has hindered economic growth. Additionally, Mozambique is vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones and floods, which have caused significant damage to its infrastructure and economy.

Namibia

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GNI per capita

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$4,650

Ranked in the World

#48

$4,866

Ranked in the World

#47

GDP

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12 billion

Ranked in the World

#23

Niger

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GNI per capita

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$590

Ranked in the World

#9

Ranked in the World

#8

GDP

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15 billion

Ranked in the World

#27

Niger is the ninth poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $590. Its GDP per capita is $591, and its GDP is $14.9 billion. The country is heavily dependent on agriculture, which is vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change. Additionally, Niger is a landlocked country with limited natural resources, making it difficult to generate income.

Nigeria

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GNI per capita

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$2,080

Ranked in the World

#37

$2,066

Ranked in the World

#33

GDP

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441 billion

Ranked in the World

#54

Republic of the Congo

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GNI per capita

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$1,970

Ranked in the World

#35

$2,290

Ranked in the World

#36

GDP

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13 billion

Ranked in the World

#25

Rwanda

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GNI per capita

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$840

Ranked in the World

#20

Ranked in the World

#16

GDP

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11 billion

Ranked in the World

#18

Rwanda is the twentieth poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $840. The country's GDP per capita is $822, and its GDP is $11,070,360,000. Rwanda has made significant progress in economic development in recent years, but it still faces significant challenges, including high rates of poverty and limited access to education and healthcare. The country has a high population density, and its economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, which is vulnerable to weather-related shocks. Rwanda has also experienced political instability and conflict, which have affected its development.

São Tomé and Príncipe

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GNI per capita

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$2,260

Ranked in the World

#38

$2,361

Ranked in the World

#37

GDP

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527 million

Ranked in the World

#1

Senegal

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GNI per capita

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$1,570

Ranked in the World

#30

$1,637

Ranked in the World

#29

GDP

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28 billion

Ranked in the World

#36

Seychelles

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GNI per capita

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$14,540

Ranked in the World

#55

$14,653

Ranked in the World

#54

GDP

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1 billion

Ranked in the World

#3

Sierra Leone

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GNI per capita

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$500

Ranked in the World

#7

Ranked in the World

#4

GDP

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4 billion

Ranked in the World

#13

Sierra Leone is the seventh poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $500. Its GDP per capita is $480, and its GDP is $4.0 billion. The country has experienced decades of conflict and instability, which have severely impacted its economy. Additionally, Sierra Leone is heavily dependent on mining exports, which are vulnerable to fluctuations in global prices.

Somalia

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GNI per capita

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$430

Ranked in the World

#3

Ranked in the World

#2

GDP

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8 billion

Ranked in the World

#15

Somalia is the third poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $430. Its GDP per capita is $447, and its GDP is $7.6 billion. The country has experienced decades of conflict and instability, which have severely impacted its economy. Somalia's weak government has also made it difficult to attract foreign investment.

South Africa

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GNI per capita

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$6,530

Ranked in the World

#52

$7,055

Ranked in the World

#50

GDP

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419 billion

Ranked in the World

#53

South Sudan

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GNI per capita

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$1,040

Ranked in the World

#25

$1,072

Ranked in the World

#22

GDP

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12 billion

Ranked in the World

#21

Sudan

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GNI per capita

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$650

Ranked in the World

#14

Ranked in the World

#13

GDP

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34 billion

Ranked in the World

#38

Sudan is the fourteenth poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $650. Its GDP per capita is $752 and its GDP is $34,326,060,000. Sudan has a diverse economy, with agriculture, mining, and oil production all playing significant roles. However, the country has faced significant challenges with conflict and political instability, particularly in the Darfur region. This has hindered economic growth and development, and the country has also been subject to international sanctions due to its human rights record. Additionally, Sudan has struggled with high levels of inflation and currency depreciation in recent years.

Tanzania

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GNI per capita

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$1,100

Ranked in the World

#26

$1,099

Ranked in the World

#24

GDP

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68 billion

Ranked in the World

#45

The Gambia

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GNI per capita

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$740

Ranked in the World

#15

Ranked in the World

#14

GDP

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2 billion

Ranked in the World

#6

The Gambia is the fifteenth poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $740. Its GDP per capita is $772 and its GDP is $2,038,420,000. The Gambia is a small country located on the west coast of Africa, and its economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and tourism. The country has faced significant challenges with climate change and deforestation, which have impacted agricultural production and food security. The Gambia also has a high prevalence of infectious diseases, including malaria and HIV/AIDS, which have had a significant impact on the country's health and economy.

Togo

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GNI per capita

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$960

Ranked in the World

#22

Ranked in the World

#21

GDP

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8 billion

Ranked in the World

#16

Tunisia

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GNI per capita

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$3,540

Ranked in the World

#44

$3,807

Ranked in the World

#45

GDP

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47 billion

Ranked in the World

#42

Uganda

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GNI per capita

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$760

Ranked in the World

#17

Ranked in the World

#18

GDP

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41 billion

Ranked in the World

#39

Uganda is the seventeenth poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $760. The country's GDP per capita is $884, and its GDP is $40,529,790,000. Uganda has experienced rapid population growth, resulting in a high dependency ratio and limited resources to meet the basic needs of its citizens. The country also faces significant challenges in the health sector, with high rates of infant and maternal mortality. Uganda's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, which is vulnerable to weather-related shocks and fluctuations in global commodity prices.

Western Sahara

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GNI per capita

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$56

Ranked in the World

#1

Western Sahara is the poorest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $56. The main reason for Western Sahara's poverty is its ongoing territorial dispute with Morocco, which has led to a lack of investment in the country's infrastructure and economy.

Zambia

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GNI per capita

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$1,030

Ranked in the World

#24

$1,137

Ranked in the World

#25

GDP

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22 billion

Ranked in the World

#35

Zimbabwe

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GNI per capita

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$1,530

Ranked in the World

#29

$1,774

Ranked in the World

#31

GDP

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28 billion

Ranked in the World

#37

FAQs

What is the poorest country in Africa ?

The poorest country in Africa is Western Sahara, with a GNI per capita of only $56.

Is Ghana a poor country ?

Compared to some of the other countries in Africa, Ghana has a higher GNI per capita of $2,280. However, Ghana is still considered a developing country, and poverty remains a significant challenge.

Is Uganda a poor country ?

Uganda is classified as a low-income country, with a GNI per capita of $760, which is among the lowest in the region.

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