In this article, we take a look at the 10 least developed countries in Africa. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of African development, go directly to the 25 Least Developed Countries in Africa.
10. Madagascar
HDI Ranking: 18
GDP Per Capita Ranking: 6
Average Ranking: 12
Madagascar is an island country off the coast of East Africa. As of 2021, Madagascar has a GDP per Capita of $501, making it one of the least developed countries in Africa.
9. South Sudan
HDI Ranking: 1
GDP Per Capita Ranking: 22
Average Ranking: 11.5
South Sudan was featured as the most corrupt country in the world by the Corruption Perception Index of 2021. Corruption has significantly hampered the prospects of economic development in the country, among other factors.
8. Democratic Republic of Congo
HDI Ranking: 12
GDP Per Capita Ranking: 7
Average Ranking: 9.5
The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the least developed countries in Africa, with a GDP per Capita of $577 as of 2021.
7. Sierra Leone
HDI Ranking: 11
GDP Per Capita Ranking: 4
Average Ranking: 7.5
Sierra Leone is a West African country with a GDP per Capita of $480 as of 2021. It is the second worst country in Africa when it comes to infrastructure. The state of infrastructure was already subpar in the country, but the problem was exacerbated by the destruction caused by the country’s civil war.
6. Chad
HDI Ranking: 2
GDP Per Capita Ranking: 12
Average Ranking: 7
Chad is located in Central Africa. Chad has a higher GDP per Capita due to oil production despite one of the lowest levels of human development in the region. It is primarily the result of its legacy of civil war and political instability.
5. Mozambique
HDI Ranking: 8
GDP Per Capita Ranking: 5
Average Ranking: 6.5
Mozambique has a GDP per Capita of $492 as of 2021. The country has experienced decades of civil war, which has left its infrastructure and human capital in shambles. Nearly 67% of the country’s population is below the poverty line.
4. Niger
HDI Ranking: 3
GDP Per Capita Ranking: 8
Average Ranking: 5.5
Niger is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It suffers from poor infrastructure, ranking in 148th position out of 167 countries on the aggregate Logistics Performance Index.
Other factors that make Niger one of the least developed countries in Africa are corruption, income inequality, and lack of diversification in the economy, which is heavily dependent on agriculture and Uranium extraction.
3. Central African Republic (CAR)
HDI Ranking: 5
GDP Per Capita Ranking: 3
Average Ranking: 4
The Central African Republic’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and diamond extraction, with 44% of it being informal. On the other hand, there is widespread corruption and wealth inequality in the country, adding to the underdevelopment.
2. Burundi
HDI Ranking: 6
GDP Per Capita Ranking: 1
Average Ranking: 3.5
Burundi is located in East Africa and as of 2021, the country has the lowest GDP per Capita in Africa, at $221. Its economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, with 86% of the workforce in Burundi employed in the agricultural sector as of 2019. Burundi also suffers from poor infrastructure, ranking in 154th position out of 167 countries on the aggregate logistics performance index.
1. Somalia
LPI Ranking: 1
GDP Per Capita Ranking: 2
Average Ranking: 1.5
Somalia is the least developed country in Africa, with the country being the worst on the continent when it comes to infrastructure. Prolonged conflict in Somalia has devastated its infrastructure and human capital. Its economy also heavily relies on agriculture, employing 80% of the country’s workforce.
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