Sub-Saharan Africa continues to dominate the list of poorest countries:
When looking at our Consensus Forecasts for the economies with the lowest GDP per capita (in U.S. dollars, current market prices) in 2025, one thing jumps out: 19 of the 20 poorest are from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
The only non-African nation in the top 20 is the conflict-riven, internationally isolated country of Afghanistan. Though SSA has been the second-fastest growing economic region after Asia in recent years, exceedingly high population growth—over 2% per annum—means that GDP per capita has risen far slower. Moreover, factors such as extreme weather, political turmoil—the continent has experienced nine coups since 2020—and insecurity continue to stop SSA from reaching its full potential.
When looking at our Consensus Forecasts for the economies with the lowest GDP per capita (in U.S. dollars, current market prices) in 2025, one thing jumps out: 19 of the 20 poorest are from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
The only non-African nation in the top 20 is the conflict-riven, internationally isolated country of Afghanistan. Though SSA has been the second-fastest growing economic region after Asia in recent years, exceedingly high population growth—over 2% per annum—means that GDP per capita has risen far slower. Moreover, factors such as extreme weather, political turmoil—the continent has experienced nine coups since 2020—and insecurity continue to stop SSA from reaching its full potential.
