Africa’s debt profile varies widely across countries. Leading in low debt-to-GDP ratio is the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a strikingly low debt-to-GDP ratio of just 11.1%—far below the continental average of 63.2%. This implies that DR Congo’s public debt is relatively minimal compared to the size of its economy, giving it greater fiscal flexibility compared to its heavily indebted peers.
Other countries, such as Botswana (18.1%), Ethiopia (31.2%), and Guinea (31.5%), also maintain relatively low debt levels. While this doesn't automatically mean these economies are stronger, it suggests they may be under less pressure from debt servicing costs. Notably, Nigeria, despite being one of Africa’s largest economies, still maintains a modest debt-to-GDP ratio of 41.3%, slightly below Tanzania at 41.9%. These figures show that having a large economy doesn't necessarily mean having higher debt burdens.
Burundi recorded its highest GDP per capita in 2015 ($280.97).
By 2024, GDP per capita dropped to $153.93, a decline of nearly 45% from its peak.
Burundi’s population exceeds 13 million (2024), which dilutes income per person even when overall GDP grows.
Structural challenges like limited industrialization, reliance on subsistence farming, and political instability contribute to stagnation.
Since 2015, Burundi has held the lowest GDP per capita in Africa—and at $153.9 in 2024, it is the poorest country in the world by GDP per capita.
