Africa’s richest countries can be ranked in two ways: by nominal GDP and GDP per capita.
Richest Countries by Nominal GDP:
1. Nigeria: $510 billion, driven by oil, tech, agriculture, and services
2. South Africa: $399 billion, with a strong focus on mining, finance, and manufacturing
3. Egypt: $387 billion, fueled by tourism, agriculture, construction, and mega projects like the Suez Canal
4. Algeria: $240 billion, largely reliant on oil and gas exports
5. Ethiopia: $158 billion, with a growing economy in agriculture, textiles, and energy
Richest Countries by GDP Per Capita:
6. Seychelles: $14,500 to $42,009, with a strong tourism industry and stable governance
7. Mauritius: $10,500 to $33,954, a financial hub with a diverse economy
8. Libya: $11,200 to $26,527, driven by vast oil reserves
9. Gabon: $8,100 to $24,682, rich in oil and natural resources
10. Equatorial Guinea: $8,700 to $20,477, with significant oil wealth
Other notable countries include
11. Botswana: $6,800 to $20,311, with stable economic growth and diamond resources
12. South Africa: $5,200 to $16,008, a diversified economy with mining, finance, and manufacturing
13. Morocco: $4,100 to $10,926, with a strong focus on tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing
14. Kenya: $2,700, driven by services, tourism, and fintech
15. Ghana: $2,400, with a growing economy fueled by gold, oil, and cocoa.