In 2025, 19 of the world’s 20 poorest countries are in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with Afghanistan as the only non-African country on the list.

Despite being the second-fastest-growing region after Asia, SSA’s high population growth, political instability, extreme weather, and frequent coups hinder economic progress.

Below is a list of the top 10 poorest countries in 2025, ranked by GDP per capita (in USD):

Poorest Countries in the World (2025 GDP per Capita – USD)

1. South Sudan – $960.24 (Africa)
Currency: South Sudanese Pound (SSP) – 1 USD = 130.26 SSP

Since its independence in 2011, South Sudan has been marred by civil war, ethnic violence, and weak governance. The country heavily relies on oil exports, but frequent conflicts and mismanagement have hindered economic progress. Food insecurity is widespread, and the country remains dependent on international aid to support its population.

2. Burundi – $1,010 (Africa)
Currency: Burundian Franc (BIF) – 1 USD = 2,961 BIF

Burundi suffers from political instability, corruption, and high population density, which place immense pressure on its limited resources. Over 80% of the population depends on subsistence farming, yet frequent droughts and land degradation have led to chronic food shortages. Infrastructure remains underdeveloped, and foreign investments are minimal.

3. Central African Republic – $1,310 (Africa) Currency: Central African CFA Franc (XAF) – 1 USD = 637.49 XAF

The Central African Republic (CAR) is one of the world’s most conflict-ridden nations, with various armed groups controlling large parts of the country. Despite having rich natural resources (diamonds, gold, and timber), weak governance, corruption, and frequent coups have prevented economic growth. The lack of security and poor infrastructure continue to drive extreme poverty.

4. Malawi – $1,760 (Africa)
Currency: Malawian Kwacha (MWK) – 1 USD = 1,735 MWK

Malawi is a landlocked country heavily dependent on agriculture, which is vulnerable to climate shocks such as droughts and floods. The country also struggles with high population growth, food insecurity, and limited industrialization. Despite receiving international aid, Malawi faces high debt levels and rising inflation, worsening economic hardship.

5. Mozambique – $1,790 (Africa)
Currency: Mozambican Metical (MZN) – 1 USD = 63.91 MZN

Mozambique has vast natural gas reserves, yet its economic growth has been stunted by corruption, poor governance, and extremist insurgencies in the north. The Cabo Delgado insurgency, linked to ISIS, has displaced hundreds of thousands, disrupting businesses and investment. Frequent cyclones and floods further devastate livelihoods, increasing poverty rates.

6. Somalia – $1,900 (Africa)
Currency: Somali Shilling (SOS) – 1 USD = 572.13 SOS

Somalia has faced decades of conflict, terrorism, and weak governance, leaving it with one of the world’s most fragile economies. Al-Shabaab insurgencies, piracy, and political instability have deterred foreign investment and economic stability. Severe droughts and food shortages frequently push the population toward humanitarian crises.

7. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – $1,910 (Africa)
Currency: Congolese Franc (FC) – 1 USD = 2,852 FC

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is incredibly resource-rich, boasting vast reserves of cobalt, copper, and diamonds, yet it remains impoverished due to corruption, ongoing armed conflicts, and weak institutions. The M23 rebellion in the east, along with interference from neighboring countries, has further destabilized the economy. Infrastructure remains poor, and many regions lack access to basic services.

8. Liberia – $2,000 (Africa)
Currency: Liberian Dollar (LRD) – 1 USD = 189.21 LRD

Liberia, one of Africa’s oldest republics, continues to recover from the aftermath of civil wars (1989–2003) and the devastating Ebola outbreak (2014–2016). Corruption, a weak healthcare system, and poor infrastructure limit economic progress. The country remains heavily dependent on commodity exports such as rubber, iron ore, and palm oil, but fluctuating global prices often destabilize the economy.

9. Yemen – $2,020 (Asia)
Currency: Yemeni Rial (YER) – 1 USD = 249.10 YER

Yemen is the only non-African country on this list, suffering from an ongoing civil war since 2015. The conflict between Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed forces has led to severe economic collapse, famine, and mass displacement. The war has devastated infrastructure, and the country relies heavily on foreign aid. Inflation and food shortages continue to push millions into extreme poverty.

10. Madagascar – $2,060 (Africa)
Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA) – 1 USD = 4,706.69 MGA

Madagascar is burdened by chronic political crises, deforestation, and weak economic policies. The island nation frequently faces climate disasters such as cyclones and droughts, which damage agriculture and worsen food security. Over 75% of the population lives in extreme poverty, with limited access to healthcare, education, and clean water.

Credit: Vanguard