Poorest Countries in Africa


Poorest Countries in Africa


When discussing the poorest countries in Africa, it's important to clarify how "poverty" is measured. Economists and development organisations often rely on metrics such as Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita (often adjusted for purchasing power parity, PPP), and the Human Development Index (HDI). GNI/GDP per capita: These figures represent the average income or economic output per person. Low figures typically indicate widespread material deprivation. Human Development Index (HDI): Developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the HDI offers a broader perspective by combining life expectancy at birth, average and expected years of schooling, and GNI per capita.



This table provides a list of the poorest countries in Africa despite the billions of $s in international aid invested in Africa over the past few decades. Data taken from a number of sources and all estimates are approzimate.





Country Name % of Population Living in Poverty
Zambia 86
Chad 80
Liberia 80
Sierra Leone 70
Mozambique 70
Nigeria 70
Swaziland 69
Zimbabwe 68
Burundi 68
Niger 63
Comoros 60
Rwanda 60
Sao Tome and Principe 54
Senegal 54
Malawi 53
Madagascar 50
Kenya 50
South Africa 50
Eritrea 50
Colombia 49
Lesotho 49
Cameroon 48
Guinea 47
Burkina Faso 46
Djibouti 42
East Timor 42
Cote d'Ivoire 42
Angola 41
Mauritania 40
Sudan 40
Ethiopia 39
Benin 37
Papua New Guinea 37
Mali 36







Poorest Countries in Africa: Street Children

African Street Children


The poorest countries in Africa are also home to the continent's highest number of street children who have often left home to escape that poverty and violence. Facts, figures and videos complete with details of projects and programs working with street children in each country of Africa.

More >







Poorest Countries in Africa: Africa Health

Africa Health Expenditure


The poorest countries in Africa are traditionally those with the poorest health care services, outcomes and high infant mortality rates. A table showing health expenditure in Africa by country per capita and where help is needed.

More >




Back  



Main sections of this site:


Volunteer by Country
African Volunteer Work

Details of current volunteer work
opportunities in each of the
countries of Africa.

More >


Sponsor a Child
Sponsor a Child in Africa

Find how to sponsor a child in Africa
with our list of organisations,
charities, programs and projects.

More >


All About Africa
About Africa

Discover all about Africa, its tourist
attractions, history, people, culture
and daily life there.

More >


African Resources
African Resources

A treasure trove of African
resources from webcams to
free downloads and news.

More >