Burundi and Mozambique consistently rank lowest in African worker productivity since 1991

  • The same countries—Burundi, Malawi, DR Congo, Mozambique, Niger, Liberia, Madagascar, Central African Republic, Chad, and Ethiopia—consistently occupy the bottom ranks over the years.
  • These countries remain far below the continent's average, often with GDP per person employed under $5,000 even in recent years.
  • Progress is marginal: while some, like Ethiopia and Mozambique, show slow growth, many fluctuate or even regress across periods.
  • Structural economic weaknesses, conflict, and low industrialisation seem to persist across the bottom group.

The bottom 10 African countries by GDP per person employed have demonstrated a persistent pattern of economic underperformance in 33 years since 1991.

Countries like Burundi, Malawi, and DR Congo have remained at the lowest end of the scale for over three decades, rarely crossing the $3,000 mark in GDP per person employed. While nations such as Ethiopia and Mozambique show incremental improvement—climbing from near or below $2,000 in the 1990s to the $4,000–$6,000 range recently—the overall trajectory across this group reflects chronic economic stagnation.

Source:

World Bank - World Development Indicators

Period:

1991-2023
HTML code to embed chart
Want a bespoke report?
Reach out
Click to copy HTML embed code
Tags
Related Insights
Gabon has topped worker productivity in Africa for 21 of 33 years; Nigeria stays outside top 20
  • Gabon led Africa in GDP per person employed for 21 years, the most of any country, thanks largely to its oil wealth and smaller labour force.
  • Equatorial Guinea was a close second, topping the list for 12 straight years, particularly during its oil boom.
  • Libya never came first but held second place in 18 different years, showing long-term stability in productivity.
  • Algeria and Egypt frequently ranked in the top three but never led.
  • Nigeria, despite being Africa’s most populous country and once its largest economy, never made it into the top 3 and has consistently ranked around 23rd to 26th.
  • The leading countries tend to share a pattern: resource-driven economies with relatively smaller workforces, while lower-ranked ones often struggle.
Nigeria, the fourth-largest economy in Africa, experienced a constant annual growth rate (CAGR) of -16.02% in its GDP per capita over the past five years
  • At -16.02% CAGR, Nigeria's GDP per capita is shrinking fast, signalling deep economic strain on its population despite being a top 4 African economy.
  • Angola recorded 8.28% CAGR, showing that smaller economies can drive significant per capita progress when policies and investments align with citizen welfare.
  • With 8.23% CAGR, Algeria continues to transform national wealth into measurable benefits for its people.
  • Ethiopia’s 6.86% annual growth in GDP per capita highlights how consistent development efforts can raise living standards even in densely populated, developing nations.
  • A modest 2.52% CAGR for South Africa might not sound like much, but in a mature economy, this reflects resilience and relative stability in per capita income.
  • Egypt has a -1.41% CAGR, showing mild contraction, but far less severe than Nigeria’s economic shrinkage.
With an impressive GDP of $199.72 billion, Nigeria is still the lowest-performing of Africa's top 10 economies
  • Despite being among the top 4 economies by size, Nigeria ranks low in GDP per capita, revealing a disconnect between total wealth and individual prosperity.
  • With the highest nominal GDP and highest per capita GDP, South Africa showcases balanced growth and better wealth distribution.
  • Countries like Ethiopia and Nigeria have huge populations, which dilutes their GDP and drags down per capita figures.
  • Though fifth in total GDP, Morocco performs better in GDP per capita, highlighting efficiency in wealth distribution.
  • This proves that a country’s economic “size” doesn’t always translate to individual opportunity, wealth, or standard of living.
  • Economies like Nigeria and Ethiopia must focus not just on increasing GDP but on ensuring that economic growth improves lives at the grassroots level.
All ten countries with the lowest GDP per capita, each below $2,000, are located in Africa
  • All ten of the world’s lowest GDP per capita countries are in Africa, signalling deep economic inequality at the global level.
  • South Sudan has the lowest GDP per capita at just $763, reflecting its ongoing economic struggles and instability.
  • Burundi and the Central African Republic follow, both under $1,300.
  • Even the highest GDP per capita country in this bottom ten, Niger, at $1,978, remains below $2,000.
  • Low GDP per capita directly impacts standard of living, limiting access to quality healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Tuvalu, the smallest economy, is projected to have an annual GDP of only $80m, less than what Amazon earns in a day
  • With a projected GDP of $80 million, Tuvalu ranks as the smallest economy globally, producing less in a year than many corporations earn in a day.
  • Even when put together, these small economies still fall far behind the economic output of many mid-sized countries or cities.
  • Nigeria’s $199.72 billion GDP overshadows the economies of these nations.
  • Many of the world’s smallest economies are Pacific and Caribbean island nations, which often depend on tourism, remittances, and international aid.
  • With limited industries and small populations, these economies are highly vulnerable to external shocks like climate change, supply chain disruptions, or shifts in global tourism trends.
Nigerian financial institutions contributed approximately ₦6.40 out of every ₦100 generated nationally in Q1 2024, up from about ₦4.60 contributed in 2023
  • At 6.40%, financial institutions now contribute more than ever to Nigeria’s GDP.
  • From 3.60% in 2022 to 6.40% in Q1 2024, the sector’s share has nearly doubled in record time.
  • Between 2016 and 2019, the financial sector's contribution remained mostly flat at 2.60%–2.70%, showing little progress.
  • The financial sector started expanding post-2019, aligning with increased fintech adoption, digital banking growth, and financial inclusion policies.
  • The increasing role of financial institutions suggests more businesses and individuals are engaging with formal banking systems.
  • Despite economic uncertainties, Nigeria’s financial sector has successfully adapted and expanded, proving its ability to drive growth.
POPULAR TOPICS
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Get periodic updates about the African startup space, access to our reports, among others.
Subscribe Here
Subscription Form
A product of Techpoint Africa. All rights reserved