The Poorest 10 Countries In Africa: A Complete List (Updated)

Africa, a continent rich in resources and culture, is paradoxically home to some of the world's poorest nations. The poverty in these countries stems from a complex mix of factors, including political instability, inadequate infrastructure, poor governance, and the aftershocks of past conflicts. This post provides an updated list of the ten poorest countries in Africa for 2024, highlighting the economic challenges they face based on Gross National Income (GNI) per capita and other key economic indicators.

1. Burundi

Burundi remains the poorest country in Africa, with a GNI per capita of approximately $238.4. Despite its potential in agriculture, the country has been mired in poverty due to prolonged political instability, limited resources, and high population density, leading to land scarcity. The challenges are compounded by poor infrastructure and limited access to education and healthcare, which stymie economic growth.

2. Central African Republic (CAR)

The Central African Republic is another country plagued by poverty, with a GNI per capita of $427.1. Rich in natural resources like diamonds, gold, and uranium, CAR struggles with internal conflicts, political instability, and a lack of infrastructure, which severely hampers its economic development. The country’s reliance on subsistence farming leaves it vulnerable to environmental shocks, further deepening its poverty levels.

3. Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone ranks third with a GNI per capita of $461.4. The country is still recovering from a devastating civil war that ended two decades ago. Although rich in minerals, particularly diamonds, the benefits have not trickled down to the wider population due to corruption and mismanagement. Sierra Leone also faces significant challenges in healthcare and education, which are critical to breaking the cycle of poverty.

4. Somalia

Somalia, with a GNI per capita of $461.8, continues to be one of the most challenging environments in Africa. Decades of civil war, terrorism, and drought have left the country’s economy in ruins. Despite its strategic location and potential for maritime trade, the persistent instability and lack of effective governance have made it difficult to attract investment and spur economic growth.

5. Madagascar

Madagascar’s GNI per capita stands at $505.0. Known for its biodiversity and natural beauty, Madagascar struggles economically due to political instability, frequent cyclones, and poverty. The island nation has significant potential in agriculture and tourism, but these sectors have been underdeveloped due to a lack of investment and infrastructure.

6. Niger

Niger, with a GNI per capita of $533.0, is one of the poorest countries despite its rich natural resources, including uranium. The country faces numerous challenges, including a rapidly growing population, low literacy rates, and a largely subsistence agriculture sector. Niger's economy is highly vulnerable to climate change, which affects agricultural productivity and exacerbates food insecurity.

7. Mozambique

Mozambique’s GNI per capita is $541.5. Despite having vast natural resources, including natural gas and coal, Mozambique struggles with high levels of poverty due to internal conflicts, high debt levels, and poor infrastructure. The country is working on diversifying its economy, but progress has been slow due to these persistent challenges.

8. Republic of the Congo

The Republic of the Congo, with a GNI per capita of $586.5, is another example of a resource-rich nation plagued by poverty. Despite its oil wealth, the country suffers from corruption, poor governance, and a lack of infrastructure, which have prevented economic benefits from reaching the general population.

9. Malawi

Malawi’s GNI per capita is $645.2. The country faces significant challenges in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Agriculture, which is the backbone of Malawi’s economy, is highly vulnerable to climate shocks, further exacerbating poverty. Efforts to diversify the economy and improve education and healthcare are ongoing, but progress has been slow.

10. Chad

Chad, with a GNI per capita of $716.8, rounds out the list of the poorest countries in Africa. The country’s economy is heavily dependent on oil exports, but political instability, corruption, and security issues have hindered economic development. Like many of its neighbors, Chad faces significant challenges in diversifying its economy and improving living standards.

Conclusion

The plight of these nations underscores the need for comprehensive development strategies that address the root causes of poverty. While natural resources offer some of these countries a potential pathway out of poverty, issues like political instability, corruption, and poor infrastructure continue to hold them back. Targeted investments in education, healthcare, and governance reforms are crucial for fostering sustainable economic growth in these nations.