Africa is a gigantic continent, with more than 50 sovereign countries. The continent still faces many social problems arising from external exploitation and very recent independence. Even the richest countries in Africa still face some difficulties.
In today’s post, we bring the 10 richest countries in Africa according to the GDP per capita, also called income per person.
This indicator does not take into account income inequality, which is why even the richest countries in Africa have a large part of the population living below the poverty level, because the wealth generated is concentrated in the hands of a few. We know that it is not only in Africa that this occurs!
Africa is not a poor continent, it has many mineral and natural wealth, but it is the concentration of income, weak and corrupt institutions, political instability and exploitation for centuries that cause the difficult living conditions that the population faces today.
Top 10 richest countries in Africa 2021
1. Seychelles
The Seychelles islands are a paradise in the Indian Ocean, sought after by the rich and famous to enjoy the best beaches in Africa.
Tourism money is what provides Seychelles with the highest per capita income in Africa.
Read Also: 10 Best Beaches in Africa – Resorts for Vacation
2. Mauritius Islands
Mauritius has a great natural beauty that has made it emerge as a tourist destination.
The country still has a strong financial area, attracting foreign investment.
3. Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea has a high per capita income due to its large oil production and small population.
However, a large part of the population lives precariously due to inequality and a government full of problems.
4. Gabon
Gabon is another example of a major oil producer, but with great income inequality.
Even with 40 years of oil production, the country has not managed to diversify its economy, a problem that large oil producers tend to face.
Read Also: Top 10 Best Tourist Destinations in Africa
5. Libya
Libya has oil and small population factors that make it one of the richest countries in Africa.
However, political instability in the region greatly affects the lives of the population and the country’s development.
6 Botswana
Botswana is a country that has been growing since its independence in the 1960s. Botswana’s economy revolves around tourism and services.
The country’s major problem is the high levels of AIDS/HIV in the population.
7. South Africa
One of the most beautiful and well-known countries on the African continent is South Africa.
Despite being an upper-middle income country, the problem of inequality, due to the exclusion of a considerable part of the population (black population), is the great challenge of the country.
Read Also: The 10 Most Beautiful Cities In Africa
8. Namibia
Namibia is one of the richest countries in Africa in terms of minerals, mainly diamonds.
But all of this wealth is not distributed to the population, who face serious difficulties in getting the basics.
9. Algeria
Algeria is the continent’s second largest oil producer and also produces many minerals.
After facing a bloody war of independence, the country has been recovering, but heavily dependent on oil.
10. Tunisia
Tunisia also suffers from political problems, which has led to a drop in the flow of tourists. This affects the country a lot, as tourism and mining are its main economic activities.