NewzBy Mmesoma Goodness Based on 2026 estimates from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), several of the countries with the lowest GDP per capita in the world are located in Africa. Using nominal GDP per capita in current US dollars as the measure, the IMF’s April 2026 World Economic Outlook provides projections for most countries. GDP per capita is calculated by dividing a country’s total economic output by its population.
However, it should not be interpreted as a direct measure of poverty, average income or living standards. The following are the 10 African countries with the lowest GDP per capita based on the available 2026 figures: 1. South Sudan — $488 South Sudan is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa and became independent from Sudan in 2011.
Its economy depends heavily on oil exports, while conflict, displacement, food insecurity and limited infrastructure have affected economic development. The IMF projects a nominal GDP per capita of about $488 for 2026. Burundi — $546 Burundi is a small, landlocked country in East Africa.
Agriculture is a major source of employment, with coffee and tea among its important exports. Poverty, limited industrial development, population pressures and the effects of past political instability continue to pose economic challenges. The country’s projected GDP per capita for 2026 is $546.
Central African Republic — $613 The Central African Republic is a landlocked country in Central Africa. It has natural resources including diamonds, gold, timber and uranium, but political instability and armed conflict have made it difficult to fully develop its economic potential. Its projected GDP per capita for 2026 is $613.
Mozambique — $632 Mozambique is located on the southeastern coast of Africa. It has significant natural gas, coal and mineral resources, as well as an important agricultural sector. However, poverty, natural disasters, infrastructure challenges and conflict in the north continue to affect economic development.
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