Poorest Countries in Africa
The 15 African countries with the lowest GDP per capita.
Last updated: September 2026
By nominal GDP per person, South Sudan is the poorest country in Africa (and in the world), at roughly $250 per person in IMF estimates for 2025, followed by Burundi and the Central African Republic. Conflict is a common factor: South Sudan, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Somalia and eastern DR Congo have all been affected by war.
| Rank | Country | GDP per capita (approx.) | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Sudan | ~$250 | East Africa |
| 2 | Burundi | ~$490 | East Africa |
| 3 | Central African Republic | ~$530 | Central Africa |
| 4 | Malawi | ~$580 | East Africa |
| 5 | Madagascar | ~$600 | East Africa |
| 6 | Sudan | ~$620 | North Africa |
| 7 | Mozambique | ~$660 | East Africa |
| 8 | DR Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo) | ~$740 | Central Africa |
| 9 | Niger | ~$750 | West Africa |
| 10 | Somalia | ~$770 | East Africa |
| 11 | Nigeria | ~$810 | West Africa |
| 12 | Liberia | ~$880 | West Africa |
| 13 | Sierra Leone | ~$920 | West Africa |
| 14 | Mali | ~$940 | West Africa |
| 15 | The Gambia | ~$990 | West Africa |
Approximate nominal GDP per capita in current US dollars, IMF World Economic Outlook (April 2025) estimates for 2025, rounded. Eritrea is not included because the IMF does not publish comparable figures; it would likely rank among the poorest. Rankings shift with exchange rates: Nigeria and Sudan appear because of sharp currency falls, not only falling output.
Why Are These Countries Poor?
- Conflict and instability: war in Sudan since April 2023, South Sudan's civil war and fragile peace, armed groups in the Central African Republic and eastern DR Congo, and insurgencies in the Sahel.
- Landlocked geography: Burundi, Malawi, the Central African Republic, Niger, Mali and South Sudan must trade through neighbours' ports (see landlocked countries in Africa).
- Climate shocks: droughts, floods and cyclones hit farm-based economies such as Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique.
- Currency falls: devaluations in Malawi, Nigeria, South Sudan and Sudan cut dollar-based GDP figures sharply.
Measuring Poverty
GDP per capita is an average and does not show how income is shared. The World Bank's extreme-poverty measure (people living on less than $3.00 a day at 2021 prices) and the UN Human Development Index, which also counts health and education, give a fuller picture. On the HDI, South Sudan, Somalia, the Central African Republic, Chad and Niger are among the lowest-ranked countries in the world. For the other end of the scale, see the richest countries in Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the poorest country in Africa?
South Sudan has the lowest GDP per capita in Africa, roughly $250 per person in IMF estimates for 2025. Burundi and the Central African Republic are next.
Why is South Sudan so poor?
South Sudan became independent in 2011 but fell into civil war in 2013. Its economy depends almost entirely on oil exported by pipeline through Sudan, which was disrupted by Sudan's war, and its currency has lost most of its value.
Is Burundi still the poorest country in Africa?
Burundi was ranked poorest by GDP per capita for many years. In recent IMF estimates South Sudan has fallen below it, but Burundi remains among the three poorest.