Richest African Countries

Last updated September 18, 2024

Africa GNI Per Capita
Africa GDP
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Africa Gross National Income Per Capita 2022Question Mark
1.SeychellesSeychelles$15,874.5
2.MauritiusMauritius$10,216.3
3.GabonGabon$8,820.3
4.BotswanaBotswana$7,737.7
5.Equatorial GuineaEquatorial Guinea$7,053.5
6.South AfricaSouth Africa$6,776.5
7.LibyaLibya$6,716.1
8.NamibiaNamibia$4,911.3
9.EgyptEgypt$4,295.4
10.AlgeriaAlgeria$4,273.9
11.EswatiniEswatini$4,039.5
12.TunisiaTunisia$3,776.7
13.MoroccoMorocco$3,527.9
14.DjiboutiDjibouti$3,136.1
15.AngolaAngola$2,998.5
16.DR CongoDR Congo$2,448.0
17.Sao Tome and PrincipeSao Tome and Principe$2,404.3
18.MauritaniaMauritania$2,190.7
19.NigeriaNigeria$2,184.4
20.GhanaGhana$2,175.9
21.KenyaKenya$2,099.3
22.SenegalSenegal$1,598.7
23.CameroonCameroon$1,588.5
24.GuineaGuinea$1,531.7
25.ZambiaZambia$1,487.9
26.ComorosComoros$1,484.9
27.BeninBenin$1,303.2
28.ZimbabweZimbabwe$1,267.0
29.TanzaniaTanzania$1,192.4
30.LesothoLesotho$1,107.4
31.SudanSudan$1,102.1
32.South SudanSouth Sudan$1,071.8
33.EthiopiaEthiopia$1,027.6
34.RwandaRwanda$966.3
35.UgandaUganda$964.2
36.TogoTogo$918.4
37.GambiaGambia$840.0
38.MaliMali$833.3
39.Burkina FasoBurkina Faso$832.9
40.Guinea BissauGuinea Bissau$775.8
41.LiberiaLiberia$754.5
42.ChadChad$716.8
43.MalawiMalawi$645.2
44.Republic of the CongoRepublic of the Congo$586.5
45.MozambiqueMozambique$541.5
46.NigerNiger$533.0
47.MadagascarMadagascar$505.0
48.SomaliaSomalia$461.8
49.Sierra LeoneSierra Leone$461.4
50.Central African RepublicCentral African Republic$427.1
51.BurundiBurundi$238.4

Wealth and Prosperity in Africa

Africa, the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, encompasses a rich mosaic of cultures, ethnicities, languages, and climates. Alongside these vast diversities, there is a spectrum of economic disparities between its countries. This article focuses on understanding the economic standpoints of African nations, with a specific emphasis on the continent's wealthiest countries. Our analysis took into consideration the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, a measure that represents a country's total income divided by its population. It's an effective gauge of a country's economic wellbeing and people's living standards. Key findings from the data include:

  • Seychelles tops the list of Africa's richest countries by GNI per capita, at $15,874.5. This affluence is likely due to its booming tourism industry and relatively small population.
  • Mauritius comes in second with a GNI per capita of $10,216.3. The country's robust financial sector, firmly established tourism industry, and growing tech sector all contribute to its economic prosperity.
  • Gabon and Botswana take the next spots, with the GNI per capita of $8,820.3 and $7,737.7, respectively. Gabon's economy relies heavily on its oil production, whereas Botswana benefits from diamond mining and tourism.
  • More populous African countries such as South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria also make the list, with GNIs per capita ranging from $6,776.5 to $4,273.9. These findings provide a snapshot into the economic strength of countries in Africa. While it's encouraging to see this wealth, it's important to bear in mind that overall economic prosperity doesn't necessarily mean wealth is equally distributed, as income inequality is an issue in many African nations. Unpacking these complex economic realities can guide effective policies to promote broad-based growth and reduce poverty.

Richest African Countries

Region ↕Africa GNI Per Capita 2022↕Africa GDP↕
Algeria iconAlgeria$4,273.9
Angola iconAngola$2,998.5$117.9B
Benin iconBenin$1,303.2$19.2B
Botswana iconBotswana$7,737.7$19.6B
Burkina Faso iconBurkina Faso$832.9$21.1B
Burundi iconBurundi$238.4$3.2B
Cameroon iconCameroon$1,588.5$48.6B
Central African Republic iconCentral African Republic$427.1$2.7B
Chad iconChad$716.8$12.0B
Comoros iconComoros$1,484.9$1.3B
DR Congo iconDR Congo$2,448.0$69.5B
Djibouti iconDjibouti$3,136.1$3.9B
Egypt iconEgypt$4,295.4$378.1B
Equatorial Guinea iconEquatorial Guinea$7,053.5$15.1B
Eswatini iconEswatini$4,039.5$4.8B
Ethiopia iconEthiopia$1,027.6$156.1B
Gabon iconGabon$8,820.3$20.3B
Gambia iconGambia$840.0$2.3B
Ghana iconGhana$2,175.9$66.6B
Guinea iconGuinea$1,531.7$23.3B
Guinea Bissau iconGuinea Bissau$775.8$1.9B
Kenya iconKenya$2,099.3$118.1B
Lesotho iconLesotho$1,107.4$2.6B
Liberia iconLiberia$754.5$4.4B
Libya iconLibya$6,716.1$46.3B
Madagascar iconMadagascar$505.0$16.0B
Malawi iconMalawi$645.2$11.3B
Mali iconMali$833.3$20.8B
Mauritania iconMauritania$2,190.7$11.0B
Mauritius iconMauritius$10,216.3$14.6B
Morocco iconMorocco$3,527.9$138.8B
Mozambique iconMozambique$541.5$19.9B
Namibia iconNamibia$4,911.3$13.5B
Niger iconNiger$533.0$16.6B
Nigeria iconNigeria$2,184.4$506.6B
Republic of the Congo iconRepublic of the Congo$586.5
Rwanda iconRwanda$966.3$13.1B
Sao Tome and Principe iconSao Tome and Principe$2,404.3
Senegal iconSenegal$1,598.7$31.2B
Seychelles iconSeychelles$15,874.5$2.0B
Sierra Leone iconSierra Leone$461.4$3.5B
Somalia iconSomalia$461.8$8.7B
South Africa iconSouth Africa$6,776.5$399.0B
South Sudan iconSouth Sudan$1,071.8$7.0B
Sudan iconSudan$1,102.1$46.7B
Tanzania iconTanzania$1,192.4$85.4B
Togo iconTogo$918.4$9.0B
Tunisia iconTunisia$3,776.7
Uganda iconUganda$964.2$49.8B
Zambia iconZambia$1,487.9$29.3B
Zimbabwe iconZimbabwe$1,267.0$29.9B

10 Richest Countries in Africa

The first place goes to Seychelles, boasting a GNI per capita of $15,874.5. Thanks primarily to its tourism sector, Seychelles has topped the list. Its other noteworthy sectors include fisheries, offshore finance, business outsourcing, and renewable energy. Mauritius, known for its thriving tourism industry and strong financial sector, swiftly follows with a GNI per capita of $10,216.3. The country's push towards developing a stronger tech sector is also increasing its economic strength. Taking third and fourth place are Gabon and Botswana holding a GNI per capita of $8,820.3 and $7,737.7 respectively. Gabon's wealth is fuelled significantly by its oil production while Botswana brings in wealth through diamond mining and tourism. Securing the ranks further are Equatorial Guinea and South Africa with GNI per capita of $7,053.5 and $6,776.5 respectively. South Africa's wealth comes from a diversified economy with key contributions from sectors like mining, manufacturing, services, agriculture and tourism. Slide down further to Libya, Namibia, Egypt, and Algeria. These countries have GNIs per capita of $6,716.1, $4,911.3, $4,295.4, and $4,273.9 successively. Their skyward numbers reflect diverse economic bases that range from agriculture and manufacturing to oil and gas production.

10 Richest Countries in Africa (GNI per Capita):

  1. Seychelles - $15,874.5
  2. Mauritius - $10,216.3
  3. Gabon - $8,820.3
  4. Botswana - $7,737.7
  5. Equatorial Guinea - $7,053.5
  6. South Africa - $6,776.5
  7. Libya - $6,716.1
  8. Namibia - $4,911.3
  9. Egypt - $4,295.4
  10. Algeria - $4,273.9

By Region

Algeria

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Ranked in Africa

#10

Angola

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Ranked in Africa

#15

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$117.9B

Ranked in Africa

#7

Benin

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Ranked in Africa

#27

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$19.2B

Ranked in Africa

#25

Botswana

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Ranked in Africa

#4

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$19.6B

Ranked in Africa

#24

Burkina Faso

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Ranked in Africa

#39

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$21.1B

Ranked in Africa

#20

Burundi

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Ranked in Africa

#51

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$3.2B

Ranked in Africa

#42

Cameroon

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Ranked in Africa

#23

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$48.6B

Ranked in Africa

#13

Central African Republic

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Ranked in Africa

#50

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$2.7B

Ranked in Africa

#43

Chad

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Ranked in Africa

#42

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$12.0B

Ranked in Africa

#32

Comoros

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Ranked in Africa

#26

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$1.3B

Ranked in Africa

#50

DR Congo

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Ranked in Africa

#16

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$69.5B

Ranked in Africa

#10

Djibouti

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Ranked in Africa

#14

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$3.9B

Ranked in Africa

#40

Egypt

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Ranked in Africa

#9

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$378.1B

Ranked in Africa

#3

Equatorial Guinea

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Ranked in Africa

#5

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$15.1B

Ranked in Africa

#28

Eswatini

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Ranked in Africa

#11

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$4.8B

Ranked in Africa

#38

Ethiopia

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Ranked in Africa

#33

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$156.1B

Ranked in Africa

#4

Gabon

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Ranked in Africa

#3

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$20.3B

Ranked in Africa

#22

Gambia

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Ranked in Africa

#37

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$2.3B

Ranked in Africa

#47

Ghana

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Ranked in Africa

#20

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$66.6B

Ranked in Africa

#11

Guinea

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Ranked in Africa

#24

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$23.3B

Ranked in Africa

#19

Guinea Bissau

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Ranked in Africa

#40

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$1.9B

Ranked in Africa

#49

Kenya

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Ranked in Africa

#21

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$118.1B

Ranked in Africa

#6

Lesotho

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Ranked in Africa

#30

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$2.6B

Ranked in Africa

#45

Liberia

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Ranked in Africa

#41

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$4.4B

Ranked in Africa

#39

Libya

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Ranked in Africa

#7

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$46.3B

Ranked in Africa

#15

Madagascar

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Ranked in Africa

#47

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$16.0B

Ranked in Africa

#27

Malawi

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Ranked in Africa

#43

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$11.3B

Ranked in Africa

#33

Mali

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Ranked in Africa

#38

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$20.8B

Ranked in Africa

#21

Mauritania

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Ranked in Africa

#18

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$11.0B

Ranked in Africa

#34

Mauritius

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Ranked in Africa

#2

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$14.6B

Ranked in Africa

#29

Morocco

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Ranked in Africa

#13

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$138.8B

Ranked in Africa

#5

Mozambique

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Ranked in Africa

#45

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$19.9B

Ranked in Africa

#23

Namibia

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Ranked in Africa

#8

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$13.5B

Ranked in Africa

#30

Niger

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Ranked in Africa

#46

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$16.6B

Ranked in Africa

#26

Nigeria

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Ranked in Africa

#19

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$506.6B

Ranked in Africa

#1

Republic of the Congo

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Ranked in Africa

#44

Rwanda

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Ranked in Africa

#34

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$13.1B

Ranked in Africa

#31

Sao Tome and Principe

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Ranked in Africa

#17

Senegal

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Ranked in Africa

#22

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$31.2B

Ranked in Africa

#16

Seychelles

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Ranked in Africa

#1

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$2.0B

Ranked in Africa

#48

Sierra Leone

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Ranked in Africa

#49

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$3.5B

Ranked in Africa

#41

Somalia

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Ranked in Africa

#48

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$8.7B

Ranked in Africa

#36

South Africa

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Ranked in Africa

#6

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$399.0B

Ranked in Africa

#2

South Sudan

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Ranked in Africa

#32

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$7.0B

Ranked in Africa

#37

Sudan

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Ranked in Africa

#31

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$46.7B

Ranked in Africa

#14

Tanzania

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Ranked in Africa

#29

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$85.4B

Ranked in Africa

#8

Togo

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Ranked in Africa

#36

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$9.0B

Ranked in Africa

#35

Tunisia

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Ranked in Africa

#12

Uganda

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Ranked in Africa

#35

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$49.8B

Ranked in Africa

#12

Zambia

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Ranked in Africa

#25

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$29.3B

Ranked in Africa

#18

Zimbabwe

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Ranked in Africa

#28

Africa GDP

Question Mark

$29.9B

Ranked in Africa

#17

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