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
# | Country | GNI per capita | GDP per capita | GDP |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Western Sahara | $56 | ||
2 | Burundi | $220 | $222 | 3 billion |
3 | Somalia | $430 | $447 | 8 billion |
4 | Central African Republic | $480 | $461 | 3 billion |
5 | Mozambique | $480 | $492 | 16 billion |
6 | Madagascar | $490 | $501 | 14 billion |
7 | Sierra Leone | $500 | $480 | 4 billion |
8 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | $550 | $577 | 55 billion |
9 | Niger | $590 | $591 | 15 billion |
10 | Eritrea | $610 | $644 | 2 billion |
11 | Malawi | $620 | $635 | 13 billion |
12 | Liberia | $630 | $676 | 4 billion |
13 | Chad | $640 | $686 | 12 billion |
14 | Sudan | $650 | $752 | 34 billion |
15 | The Gambia | $740 | $772 | 2 billion |
16 | Guinea-Bissau | $760 | $795 | 2 billion |
17 | Uganda | $760 | $884 | 41 billion |
18 | Mali | $820 | $874 | 19 billion |
19 | Burkina Faso | $830 | $893 | 20 billion |
20 | Rwanda | $840 | $822 | 11 billion |
21 | Ethiopia | $940 | $925 | 111 billion |
22 | Togo | $960 | $973 | 8 billion |
23 | Guinea | $1,020 | $1,189 | 16 billion |
24 | Zambia | $1,030 | $1,137 | 22 billion |
25 | South Sudan | $1,040 | $1,072 | 12 billion |
26 | Tanzania | $1,100 | $1,099 | 68 billion |
27 | Lesotho | $1,210 | $1,094 | 2 billion |
28 | Benin | $1,350 | $1,319 | 17 billion |
29 | Zimbabwe | $1,530 | $1,774 | 28 billion |
30 | Senegal | $1,570 | $1,637 | 28 billion |
31 | Comoros | $1,580 | $1,578 | 1 billion |
32 | Cameroon | $1,590 | $1,667 | 45 billion |
33 | Angola | $1,710 | $1,954 | 67 billion |
34 | Mauritania | $1,950 | $2,166 | 10 billion |
35 | Republic of the Congo | $1,970 | $2,290 | 13 billion |
36 | Kenya | $2,080 | $2,082 | 110 billion |
37 | Nigeria | $2,080 | $2,066 | 441 billion |
38 | São Tomé and Príncipe | $2,260 | $2,361 | 527 million |
39 | Ghana | $2,280 | $2,363 | 78 billion |
40 | Ivory Coast | $2,420 | $2,549 | 70 billion |
41 | Djibouti | $3,080 | $3,150 | 3 billion |
42 | Cape Verde | $3,190 | $3,293 | 2 billion |
43 | Egypt | $3,350 | $3,699 | 404 billion |
44 | Tunisia | $3,540 | $3,807 | 47 billion |
45 | Morocco | $3,620 | $3,795 | 143 billion |
46 | Eswatini | $3,650 | $3,978 | 5 billion |
47 | Algeria | $3,660 | $3,691 | 163 billion |
48 | Namibia | $4,650 | $4,866 | 12 billion |
49 | Equatorial Guinea | $5,150 | $7,507 | 12 billion |
50 | Botswana | $6,430 | $6,805 | 18 billion |
51 | Gabon | $6,440 | $8,635 | 20 billion |
52 | South Africa | $6,530 | $7,055 | 419 billion |
53 | Libya | $8,700 | $6,357 | 43 billion |
54 | Mauritius | $9,920 | $9,106 | 12 billion |
55 | Seychelles | $14,540 | $14,653 | 1 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
$3,660
Ranked in the World
#47
$3,691
Ranked in the World
#42
163 billion
Ranked in the World
#51
Angola
$1,710
Ranked in the World
#33
$1,954
Ranked in the World
#32
67 billion
Ranked in the World
#44
Benin
$1,350
Ranked in the World
#28
$1,319
Ranked in the World
#27
17 billion
Ranked in the World
#30
Botswana
$6,430
Ranked in the World
#50
$6,805
Ranked in the World
#49
18 billion
Ranked in the World
#31
Burkina Faso
$830
Ranked in the World
#19
$893
Ranked in the World
#19
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
$220
Ranked in the World
#2
$222
Ranked in the World
#1
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
$1,590
Ranked in the World
#32
$1,667
Ranked in the World
#30
45 billion
Ranked in the World
#41
Cape Verde
$3,190
Ranked in the World
#42
$3,293
Ranked in the World
#41
2 billion
Ranked in the World
#5
Central African Republic
$480
Ranked in the World
#4
$461
Ranked in the World
#3
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
$640
Ranked in the World
#13
$686
Ranked in the World
#12
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
$1,580
Ranked in the World
#31
$1,578
Ranked in the World
#28
1 billion
Ranked in the World
#2
Democratic Republic of the Congo
$550
Ranked in the World
#8
$577
Ranked in the World
#7
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
$3,080
Ranked in the World
#41
$3,150
Ranked in the World
#40
3 billion
Ranked in the World
#11
Egypt
$3,350
Ranked in the World
#43
$3,699
Ranked in the World
#43
404 billion
Ranked in the World
#52
Equatorial Guinea
$5,150
Ranked in the World
#49
$7,507
Ranked in the World
#51
12 billion
Ranked in the World
#22
Eritrea
$610
Ranked in the World
#10
$644
Ranked in the World
#10
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
$3,650
Ranked in the World
#46
$3,978
Ranked in the World
#46
5 billion
Ranked in the World
#14
Ethiopia
$940
Ranked in the World
#21
$925
Ranked in the World
#20
111 billion
Ranked in the World
#49
Gabon
$6,440
Ranked in the World
#51
$8,635
Ranked in the World
#52
20 billion
Ranked in the World
#34
Ghana
$2,280
Ranked in the World
#39
$2,363
Ranked in the World
#38
78 billion
Ranked in the World
#47
Guinea
$1,020
Ranked in the World
#23
$1,189
Ranked in the World
#26
16 billion
Ranked in the World
#29
Guinea-Bissau
$760
Ranked in the World
#16
$795
Ranked in the World
#15
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
$2,420
Ranked in the World
#40
$2,549
Ranked in the World
#39
70 billion
Ranked in the World
#46
Kenya
$2,080
Ranked in the World
#36
$2,082
Ranked in the World
#34
110 billion
Ranked in the World
#48
Lesotho
$1,210
Ranked in the World
#27
$1,094
Ranked in the World
#23
2 billion
Ranked in the World
#8
Liberia
$630
Ranked in the World
#12
$676
Ranked in the World
#11
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
$8,700
Ranked in the World
#53
$6,357
Ranked in the World
#48
43 billion
Ranked in the World
#40
Madagascar
$490
Ranked in the World
#6
$501
Ranked in the World
#6
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
$620
Ranked in the World
#11
$635
Ranked in the World
#9
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
$820
Ranked in the World
#18
$874
Ranked in the World
#17
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
$1,950
Ranked in the World
#34
$2,166
Ranked in the World
#35
10 billion
Ranked in the World
#17
Mauritius
$9,920
Ranked in the World
#54
$9,106
Ranked in the World
#53
12 billion
Ranked in the World
#19
Morocco
$3,620
Ranked in the World
#45
$3,795
Ranked in the World
#44
143 billion
Ranked in the World
#50
Mozambique
$480
Ranked in the World
#5
$492
Ranked in the World
#5
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
$4,650
Ranked in the World
#48
$4,866
Ranked in the World
#47
12 billion
Ranked in the World
#23
Niger
$590
Ranked in the World
#9
$591
Ranked in the World
#8
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
$2,080
Ranked in the World
#37
$2,066
Ranked in the World
#33
441 billion
Ranked in the World
#54
Republic of the Congo
$1,970
Ranked in the World
#35
$2,290
Ranked in the World
#36
13 billion
Ranked in the World
#25
Rwanda
$840
Ranked in the World
#20
$822
Ranked in the World
#16
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
$2,260
Ranked in the World
#38
$2,361
Ranked in the World
#37
527 million
Ranked in the World
#1
Senegal
$1,570
Ranked in the World
#30
$1,637
Ranked in the World
#29
28 billion
Ranked in the World
#36
Seychelles
$14,540
Ranked in the World
#55
$14,653
Ranked in the World
#54
1 billion
Ranked in the World
#3
Sierra Leone
$500
Ranked in the World
#7
$480
Ranked in the World
#4
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
$430
Ranked in the World
#3
$447
Ranked in the World
#2
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
$6,530
Ranked in the World
#52
$7,055
Ranked in the World
#50
419 billion
Ranked in the World
#53
South Sudan
$1,040
Ranked in the World
#25
$1,072
Ranked in the World
#22
12 billion
Ranked in the World
#21
Sudan
$650
Ranked in the World
#14
$752
Ranked in the World
#13
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
$1,100
Ranked in the World
#26
$1,099
Ranked in the World
#24
68 billion
Ranked in the World
#45
The Gambia
$740
Ranked in the World
#15
$772
Ranked in the World
#14
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
$960
Ranked in the World
#22
$973
Ranked in the World
#21
8 billion
Ranked in the World
#16
Tunisia
$3,540
Ranked in the World
#44
$3,807
Ranked in the World
#45
47 billion
Ranked in the World
#42
Uganda
$760
Ranked in the World
#17
$884
Ranked in the World
#18
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
$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
$1,030
Ranked in the World
#24
$1,137
Ranked in the World
#25
22 billion
Ranked in the World
#35
Zimbabwe
$1,530
Ranked in the World
#29
$1,774
Ranked in the World
#31
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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