Eswatini and Morocco have remained in the World Bank's lower-middle-income band for at least 38 consecutive years

  • Nigeria has remained in the World Bank’s lower-middle-income category for 17 consecutive years.
  • Eswatini and Morocco have spent at least 38 consecutive years in the category, the longest among African countries.
  • Africa has 23 lower-middle-income economies in the World Bank’s Fiscal Year 2026 classification.
  • Tunisia, Angola, and Namibia entered the category after falling from upper-middle-income status.

Nigeria has spent 17 consecutive years in the World Bank's lower-middle-income band, making it one of the longest-standing economies in the category.

Eswatini and Morocco have remained there for at least 38 consecutive years, while Djibouti and Egypt have spent 35 and 30 years respectively.

Africa has 23 lower-middle-income economies in the World Bank's Fiscal Year 2026 classification. Most entered from low income, but Tunisia, Angola, and Namibia were downgraded from upper-middle income.

Source:

World Bank; Intelpoint calculations

Period:

1989-2026
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