Introduction
When it comes to wealth, some countries in Africa are richer than others, as shown by their Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. GNI is a measure of a country’s income, including income from abroad. It is an essential indicator of a country’s wealth and its ability to provide its citizens with a good standard of living.
The richest African countries are located in the Eastern and Southern regions of Africa. Seychelles, Mauritius, and Equatorial Guinea are consistently ranked as the top three richest countries in Africa in terms of GNI per capita. These countries have experienced significant economic growth over the past few decades, driven by various factors including natural resources, tourism, and foreign investment. However, it is worth noting that despite being among the richest countries in Africa, they also face challenges such as income inequality and poverty, which continue to affect the lives of their citizens.
African Countries by Wealth
# | Country | GNI per capita | GDP per capita | GDP |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Seychelles | $14,540 | $14,653 | 1 billion |
2 | Mauritius | $9,920 | $9,106 | 12 billion |
3 | Libya | $8,700 | $6,357 | 43 billion |
4 | South Africa | $6,530 | $7,055 | 419 billion |
5 | Gabon | $6,440 | $8,635 | 20 billion |
6 | Botswana | $6,430 | $6,805 | 18 billion |
7 | Equatorial Guinea | $5,150 | $7,507 | 12 billion |
8 | Namibia | $4,650 | $4,866 | 12 billion |
9 | Algeria | $3,660 | $3,691 | 163 billion |
10 | Eswatini | $3,650 | $3,978 | 5 billion |
11 | Morocco | $3,620 | $3,795 | 143 billion |
12 | Tunisia | $3,540 | $3,807 | 47 billion |
13 | Egypt | $3,350 | $3,699 | 404 billion |
14 | Cape Verde | $3,190 | $3,293 | 2 billion |
15 | Djibouti | $3,080 | $3,150 | 3 billion |
16 | Ivory Coast | $2,420 | $2,549 | 70 billion |
17 | Ghana | $2,280 | $2,363 | 78 billion |
18 | São Tomé and Príncipe | $2,260 | $2,361 | 527 million |
19 | Kenya | $2,080 | $2,082 | 110 billion |
20 | Nigeria | $2,080 | $2,066 | 441 billion |
21 | Republic of the Congo | $1,970 | $2,290 | 13 billion |
22 | Mauritania | $1,950 | $2,166 | 10 billion |
23 | Angola | $1,710 | $1,954 | 67 billion |
24 | Cameroon | $1,590 | $1,667 | 45 billion |
25 | Comoros | $1,580 | $1,578 | 1 billion |
26 | Senegal | $1,570 | $1,637 | 28 billion |
27 | Zimbabwe | $1,530 | $1,774 | 28 billion |
28 | Benin | $1,350 | $1,319 | 17 billion |
29 | Lesotho | $1,210 | $1,094 | 2 billion |
30 | Tanzania | $1,100 | $1,099 | 68 billion |
31 | South Sudan | $1,040 | $1,072 | 12 billion |
32 | Zambia | $1,030 | $1,137 | 22 billion |
33 | Guinea | $1,020 | $1,189 | 16 billion |
34 | Togo | $960 | $973 | 8 billion |
35 | Ethiopia | $940 | $925 | 111 billion |
36 | Rwanda | $840 | $822 | 11 billion |
37 | Burkina Faso | $830 | $893 | 20 billion |
38 | Mali | $820 | $874 | 19 billion |
39 | Guinea-Bissau | $760 | $795 | 2 billion |
40 | Uganda | $760 | $884 | 41 billion |
41 | The Gambia | $740 | $772 | 2 billion |
42 | Sudan | $650 | $752 | 34 billion |
43 | Chad | $640 | $686 | 12 billion |
44 | Liberia | $630 | $676 | 4 billion |
45 | Malawi | $620 | $635 | 13 billion |
46 | Eritrea | $610 | $644 | 2 billion |
47 | Niger | $590 | $591 | 15 billion |
48 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | $550 | $577 | 55 billion |
49 | Sierra Leone | $500 | $480 | 4 billion |
50 | Madagascar | $490 | $501 | 14 billion |
51 | Central African Republic | $480 | $461 | 3 billion |
52 | Mozambique | $480 | $492 | 16 billion |
53 | Somalia | $430 | $447 | 8 billion |
54 | Burundi | $220 | $222 | 3 billion |
55 | Western Sahara | $56 |
Richest Countries in Africa
The ten richest African countries are Seychelles, Mauritius, Libya, South Africa, Gabon, Botswana, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia, Algeria, and Eswatini. Seychelles is the richest country in Africa, with a GNI per capita of $14,540. Mauritius follows closely with a GNI per capita of $9,920, while Libya is the third richest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $8,700. South Africa is the fourth richest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $6,530. Gabon is the fifth richest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $6,440 while Botswana comes in sixth position with a GNI per capita of $6,430. Equatorial Guinea is the seventh richest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $5,150. Namibia is the eighth richest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $4,650. Algeria comes in ninth place, with a GNI per capita of $3,660. Finally, Eswatini is the tenth richest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $3,650.
The top 10 richest African countries are:
1. Seychelles – $14,540
2. Mauritius – $9,920
3. Libya – $8,700
4. South Africa – $6,530
5. Gabon – $6,440
6. Botswana – $6,430
7. Equatorial Guinea – $5,150
8. Namibia – $4,650
9. Algeria – $3,660
10. Eswatini – $3,650
Richest Country in Africa
Seychelles is the richest country in Africa, with a GNI per capita of $14,540. This small island nation has a population of fewer than 100,000 people and the country’s economy is largely driven by tourism, which contributes to around 70% of its GDP. Seychelles’ high-income status is also attributed to its strong fisheries industry. Despite being a small island nation with a population of just over 97,000 people, Seychelles boasts a well-developed infrastructure and a high standard of living. The country has invested heavily in education and healthcare, with free primary and secondary education, and a public healthcare system that provides universal access to medical services. Additionally, Seychelles has a stable political environment, which has attracted foreign investment and boosted economic growth.
Wealth by Country
Algeria
$3,660
Ranked in the World
#9
$3,691
Ranked in the World
#13
163 billion
Ranked in the World
#4
Algeria is the ninth richest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $3,660. Its GDP per capita is $3,691, and its GDP is $163,044,400,000. Algeria is a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and its economy is heavily dependent on its oil and gas sector, which accounts for more than 95% of its export revenue. It also has a well-developed agriculture sector, which contributes to its economy. Despite its wealth, Algeria faces economic challenges such as high youth unemployment and a need for diversification of its economy.
Angola
$1,710
Ranked in the World
#23
$1,954
Ranked in the World
#23
67 billion
Ranked in the World
#11
Benin
$1,350
Ranked in the World
#28
$1,319
Ranked in the World
#28
17 billion
Ranked in the World
#25
Botswana
$6,430
Ranked in the World
#6
$6,805
Ranked in the World
#6
18 billion
Ranked in the World
#24
Botswana is the sixth richest country in Africa, with a GNI per capita of $6,430. Botswana has a GDP per capita of $6,805 and a GDP of $17,614,790,000. Botswana's diamond industry has been a major contributor to the country's economic growth over the years, while its well-established infrastructure and stable political environment have made it an attractive destination for foreign investment. Additionally, the government has implemented policies to promote economic diversification, with a particular focus on the tourism sector.
Burkina Faso
$830
Ranked in the World
#37
$893
Ranked in the World
#36
20 billion
Ranked in the World
#22
Burundi
$220
Ranked in the World
#54
$222
Ranked in the World
#54
3 billion
Ranked in the World
#45
Cameroon
$1,590
Ranked in the World
#24
$1,667
Ranked in the World
#25
45 billion
Ranked in the World
#14
Cape Verde
$3,190
Ranked in the World
#14
$3,293
Ranked in the World
#14
2 billion
Ranked in the World
#50
Central African Republic
$480
Ranked in the World
#51
$461
Ranked in the World
#52
3 billion
Ranked in the World
#46
Chad
$640
Ranked in the World
#43
$686
Ranked in the World
#43
12 billion
Ranked in the World
#35
Comoros
$1,580
Ranked in the World
#25
$1,578
Ranked in the World
#27
1 billion
Ranked in the World
#53
Democratic Republic of the Congo
$550
Ranked in the World
#48
$577
Ranked in the World
#48
55 billion
Ranked in the World
#12
Djibouti
$3,080
Ranked in the World
#15
$3,150
Ranked in the World
#15
3 billion
Ranked in the World
#44
Egypt
$3,350
Ranked in the World
#13
$3,699
Ranked in the World
#12
404 billion
Ranked in the World
#3
Egypt is the thirteenth richest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $3,350. Its GDP per capita is $3,699 and its GDP is $404,142,800,000. Egypt's economy is the largest in North Africa and the Middle East and is driven by a mix of services, manufacturing, and agriculture. Despite recent economic and political challenges, Egypt has maintained a relatively stable economy in recent years, with moderate growth rates and low inflation. The country has also implemented a number of economic reforms aimed at improving the business climate and attracting foreign investment.
Equatorial Guinea
$5,150
Ranked in the World
#7
$7,507
Ranked in the World
#4
12 billion
Ranked in the World
#33
Equatorial Guinea is the seventh richest country in Africa, with a GNI per capita of $5,150. Equatorial Guinea has a GDP per capita of $7,507 and a GDP of $12,269,390,000. Equatorial Guinea is considered one of the richest African countries due to its significant oil and gas reserves, which account for the majority of the country's export earnings. However, despite its natural resource wealth, Equatorial Guinea faces significant challenges related to poverty and inequality, as well as political instability and corruption.
Eritrea
$610
Ranked in the World
#46
$644
Ranked in the World
#45
2 billion
Ranked in the World
#48
Eswatini
$3,650
Ranked in the World
#10
$3,978
Ranked in the World
#9
5 billion
Ranked in the World
#41
Eswatini is the tenth richest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $3,650. Its GDP per capita is $3,978, and its GDP is $4,743,340,000. Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small landlocked country in Southern Africa. Its economy is largely dependent on its agriculture sector, specifically sugar, and forestry. It also has a growing manufacturing sector, including textiles and food processing. Eswatini has attracted foreign investment in recent years, but it still faces challenges such as high poverty and HIV/AIDS rates.
Ethiopia
$940
Ranked in the World
#35
$925
Ranked in the World
#35
111 billion
Ranked in the World
#6
Ethiopia is the thirty-fifth richest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $940. Its GDP per capita is $925 and its GDP is $111,271,100,000. Ethiopia has one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa and is projected to become a middle-income country by 2025. The country has a large agriculture sector, which employs most of the population, and has recently been diversifying into manufacturing and services. Additionally, Ethiopia has significant natural resources, including gold, coffee, and hydropower. However, Ethiopia also faces challenges such as political instability, ethnic tensions, and limited infrastructure.
Gabon
$6,440
Ranked in the World
#5
$8,635
Ranked in the World
#3
20 billion
Ranked in the World
#21
Gabon is the fifth richest country in Africa, with a GNI per capita of $6,440. Gabon has a GDP per capita of $8,635 and a GDP of $20,216,840,000. Gabon is considered one of the richest African countries due to its significant oil reserves, which account for the majority of the country's export earnings. Gabon has also pursued policies to promote economic diversification and has made significant investments in infrastructure and human capital development.
Ghana
$2,280
Ranked in the World
#17
$2,363
Ranked in the World
#17
78 billion
Ranked in the World
#8
Ghana is the seventeenth richest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $2,280. Its GDP per capita is $2,363 and its GDP is $77,594,280,000. Ghana's economy is one of the fastest-growing in Africa, driven by a mix of services, manufacturing, and agriculture. The country has made significant progress in reducing poverty and improving human development indicators in recent years. Ghana has also implemented a number of economic reforms aimed at improving the business climate and attracting foreign investment.
Guinea
$1,020
Ranked in the World
#33
$1,189
Ranked in the World
#29
16 billion
Ranked in the World
#26
Guinea-Bissau
$760
Ranked in the World
#39
$795
Ranked in the World
#40
2 billion
Ranked in the World
#51
Ivory Coast
$2,420
Ranked in the World
#16
$2,549
Ranked in the World
#16
70 billion
Ranked in the World
#9
Kenya
$2,080
Ranked in the World
#19
$2,082
Ranked in the World
#21
110 billion
Ranked in the World
#7
Kenya is the nineteenth richest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $2,080. Its GDP per capita is $2,082 and its GDP is $110,347,100,000. Kenya has a relatively diversified economy with agriculture, manufacturing, and services being its major sectors. The country is the leading tea and horticultural producer in the region and has a large tourism industry. Additionally, Kenya has a rapidly growing technology sector and is considered one of the top innovation hubs in Africa. However, despite its wealth, Kenya faces challenges such as high levels of unemployment, poverty, and inequality, as well as political instability and security threats.
Lesotho
$1,210
Ranked in the World
#29
$1,094
Ranked in the World
#32
2 billion
Ranked in the World
#47
Liberia
$630
Ranked in the World
#44
$676
Ranked in the World
#44
4 billion
Ranked in the World
#43
Libya
$8,700
Ranked in the World
#3
$6,357
Ranked in the World
#7
43 billion
Ranked in the World
#15
Libya is the third richest country in Africa, with a GNI per capita of $8,700. Libya has a GDP per capita of $6,357 and a GDP of $42,817,470,000. Libya's rich oil and gas reserves, coupled with its well-established infrastructure, have enabled it to develop a highly industrialized economy. Despite political instability and conflict in recent years, the country has maintained a significant level of economic activity and remains an important player in the global energy markets.
Madagascar
$490
Ranked in the World
#50
$501
Ranked in the World
#49
14 billion
Ranked in the World
#29
Malawi
$620
Ranked in the World
#45
$635
Ranked in the World
#46
13 billion
Ranked in the World
#31
Mali
$820
Ranked in the World
#38
$874
Ranked in the World
#38
19 billion
Ranked in the World
#23
Mauritania
$1,950
Ranked in the World
#22
$2,166
Ranked in the World
#20
10 billion
Ranked in the World
#38
Mauritius
$9,920
Ranked in the World
#2
$9,106
Ranked in the World
#2
12 billion
Ranked in the World
#36
Mauritius is the second richest country in Africa, with a GNI per capita of $9,920. Mauritius has a GDP per capita of $9,106 and a GDP of $11,529,040,000. The country is considered one of the richest African countries because of its highly diversified and thriving economy, supported by sectors such as financial services, tourism, and manufacturing. The country's government has pursued pro-business policies, and has implemented a range of initiatives to support entrepreneurship and innovation.
Morocco
$3,620
Ranked in the World
#11
$3,795
Ranked in the World
#11
143 billion
Ranked in the World
#5
Morocco is the eleventh richest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $3,620. Its GDP per capita is $3,795 and its GDP is $142,866,300,000. Morocco's economy is diversified and relatively open to foreign trade and investment. Its major industries include agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. Morocco has made significant progress in economic and social development in recent years, with poverty rates declining and human development indicators improving. The country has also implemented economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment and improving the business climate.
Mozambique
$480
Ranked in the World
#52
$492
Ranked in the World
#50
16 billion
Ranked in the World
#27
Namibia
$4,650
Ranked in the World
#8
$4,866
Ranked in the World
#8
12 billion
Ranked in the World
#32
Namibia is the eighth richest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $4,650. Its GDP per capita is $4,866, and its GDP is $12,310,600,000. Namibia's economy is heavily dependent on its mining sector, specifically diamonds, uranium, and other minerals. It has a stable legal and political environment, making it an attractive destination for foreign investment.
Niger
$590
Ranked in the World
#47
$591
Ranked in the World
#47
15 billion
Ranked in the World
#28
Nigeria
$2,080
Ranked in the World
#20
$2,066
Ranked in the World
#22
441 billion
Ranked in the World
#1
Nigeria is the twentieth richest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $2,080. Its GDP per capita is $2,066 and its GDP is $440,833,600,000. Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa and is heavily dependent on oil exports. Despite this, the country has made significant progress in diversifying its economy in recent years, with growth in non-oil sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Nigeria also has a large and growing consumer market, with a young and increasingly urban population. However, the country also faces a number of economic challenges, including high levels of poverty and inequality, and an unstable business environment.
Republic of the Congo
$1,970
Ranked in the World
#21
$2,290
Ranked in the World
#19
13 billion
Ranked in the World
#30
Rwanda
$840
Ranked in the World
#36
$822
Ranked in the World
#39
11 billion
Ranked in the World
#37
São Tomé and Príncipe
$2,260
Ranked in the World
#18
$2,361
Ranked in the World
#18
527 million
Ranked in the World
#54
Senegal
$1,570
Ranked in the World
#26
$1,637
Ranked in the World
#26
28 billion
Ranked in the World
#19
Seychelles
$14,540
Ranked in the World
#1
$14,653
Ranked in the World
#1
1 billion
Ranked in the World
#52
Seychelles is the richest country in Africa, with a GNI per capita of $14,540. It has a GDP per capita of $14,653 and a GDP of $1,454,460,000. Seychelles is considered one of the richest African countries due to its thriving tourism industry, as well as its strong financial sector and well-established infrastructure. The country's government has implemented policies to promote economic growth, resulting in a stable and prosperous economy.
Sierra Leone
$500
Ranked in the World
#49
$480
Ranked in the World
#51
4 billion
Ranked in the World
#42
Somalia
$430
Ranked in the World
#53
$447
Ranked in the World
#53
8 billion
Ranked in the World
#40
Somalia is the thirty-third richest country in Africa with a GNI per capita of $430. Its GDP per capita is $447 and its GDP is $7,628,000,000. Somalia is one of the poorest and most unstable countries in Africa, with a protracted conflict that has lasted for decades. The country has a large informal economy, with agriculture and livestock being the main sources of livelihood for most of the population. Additionally, Somalia has significant natural resources, including oil and gas, but has not been able to exploit them due to insecurity and lack of infrastructure. The country also faces challenges such as high levels of poverty, unemployment, and limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education.
South Africa
$6,530
Ranked in the World
#4
$7,055
Ranked in the World
#5
419 billion
Ranked in the World
#2
South Africa is the fourth richest country in Africa, with a GNI per capita of $6,530. South Africa has a GDP per capita of $7,055 and a GDP of $419,015,000,000. South Africa is considered one of the richest African countries due to its highly developed industrial and service sectors, supported by a well-established infrastructure and a large, skilled workforce. The country is also rich in mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, and platinum, which have helped to drive economic growth over the years.
South Sudan
$1,040
Ranked in the World
#31
$1,072
Ranked in the World
#33
12 billion
Ranked in the World
#34
Sudan
$650
Ranked in the World
#42
$752
Ranked in the World
#42
34 billion
Ranked in the World
#17
Tanzania
$1,100
Ranked in the World
#30
$1,099
Ranked in the World
#31
68 billion
Ranked in the World
#10
The Gambia
$740
Ranked in the World
#41
$772
Ranked in the World
#41
2 billion
Ranked in the World
#49
Togo
$960
Ranked in the World
#34
$973
Ranked in the World
#34
8 billion
Ranked in the World
#39
Tunisia
$3,540
Ranked in the World
#12
$3,807
Ranked in the World
#10
47 billion
Ranked in the World
#13
Uganda
$760
Ranked in the World
#40
$884
Ranked in the World
#37
41 billion
Ranked in the World
#16
Western Sahara
$56
Ranked in the World
#55
Zambia
$1,030
Ranked in the World
#32
$1,137
Ranked in the World
#30
22 billion
Ranked in the World
#20
Zimbabwe
$1,530
Ranked in the World
#27
$1,774
Ranked in the World
#24
28 billion
Ranked in the World
#18
FAQs
What is the richest country in Africa ?
The richest country in Africa is Seychelles, with a GNI per capita of $14,540.
Is South Africa the richest country in Africa ?
No, South Africa is not the richest country in Africa. It is the fourth richest country in Africa, with a GNI per capita of $6,530.
Is Nigeria the richest country in Africa ?
No, Nigeria is not the richest country in Africa. It is the twentieth richest country in Africa based on its GNI per capita of $1,970. Based on GDP however, Nigeria is the richest country in Africa with a GDP of $440,833,600,000.
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