Lived Poverty Stays High Across 38 African Nations
Afrobarometer's Pan-Africa Profile finds moderate or high lived poverty affects about six in 10 citizens across the surveyed countries.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Africa
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Afrobarometer released a Pan-Africa Profile showing lived poverty remains high across 38 African countries, affecting an average of six in 10 citizens. Lived poverty ranges above eight in 10 citizens in Chad and Gabon.
Why it matters
Lived poverty worsened steadily between 2014 and 2023 and shows no sign of improving in the latest survey round. The findings point to persistent barriers to basic services for travelers and residents alike across the region.
Surveys covering 38 countries found an average of six in 10 citizens facing moderate or high lived poverty, with the poorest roughly twice as likely to report difficulty obtaining health care, government ID documents, or police help. The report does not explain the drivers behind the worsening trend.
The players
Afrobarometer
A pan-African research network that conducts nationally representative public attitude surveys across African countries.
The details
Lived poverty is associated with difficulty accessing health care, police assistance, and government documents, and individuals experiencing high levels of lived poverty are less likely to own a bank account. Mobile money is relatively accessible across the lived-poverty gradient, and many respondents relied on family, friends, and community organisations to make ends meet.
Timeline
Lived poverty worsened steadily between 2014 and 2023.
The latest survey round showed no sign of improvement.
Seasonal Patterns
Afrobarometer's multi-country survey series, which underpins this Pan-Africa Profile, tracks citizen conditions over time across 38 countries. The 2014 to 2023 deterioration it records shows lived poverty rising rather than following a cyclical pattern.
Travelers should expect that basic services such as health care and government documentation may be harder to access in some areas, so arranging insurance and carrying copies of key documents is sensible. Mobile money is relatively accessible, which can simplify payments during trips.
The takeaway
Lived poverty trends across the surveyed countries suggest that service access gaps persist and may widen. Build flexibility into travel plans and budgets when visiting the region.
Further reading
Explore more on Africa travel and regional context.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Afrobarometer.
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