Nigeria and South Africa have been among Africa’s top three economies since 1960

Over the past six decades, African economies have experienced both rapid growth and severe contractions.

Nigeria and South Africa, often considered the continent’s economic heavyweights, have consistently ranked among Africa's top three economies since 1960.

North African Libya, Algeria and Egypt have also been in the top three in the period.

As of 2023, Egypt led the continent's GDP rankings.

Source:

World Bank

Period:

1960 - 2023
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Morocco’s GDP per capita has more than doubled since 2000, reaching a new high ($3,993) in 2024
  • Morocco’s GDP per capita has shown a fluctuating pattern in the last 25 years, with periods of steady growth and also fall.
  • The years 2003–2008 stand out as a high-growth phase, with GDP per capita rising rapidly from $1,941.9 to $3,183.2.
  • In 2021, a dramatic 15.9% rebound took GDP per capita up to $3,785.9.
  • In 2024, nominal GDP per capita stood at $3,993.4.
  • The last 25 years depict a more than twofold increase in Morocco’s GDP per capita, moving from $1,499.1 to $3,993.4.
South Africa’s GDP per capita has grown in 21 of the past 24 years, climbing to a record high in 2024
  • South Africa’s GDP per capita rose from $440 in 2000 to an all-time high of $2,692 in 2024.
  • Growth was relatively steady in the 2000s, with notable jumps after 2006 and again in the post-pandemic years.
  • Despite dips in 2008 (global financial crisis) and 2020 (COVID-19 shock), the economy showed resilience with quick rebounds.
  • By 2024, South Africa achieved its strongest per capita GDP on record, cementing its role as one of Africa’s leading middle-income economies.
  • The country recorded growth in 21 of the past 24 years.
Algeria’s GDP per capita has risen four straight years since 2020, edging closer to its 2014 oil-driven peak
  • Algeria’s GDP per capita more than tripled in 25 years, rising from $1,772.9 in 2000 to $5,631.2 in 2024.
  • The 2000s boom saw rapid growth, peaking at $5,180.9 in 2008, fuelled by high oil and gas prices.
  • Between 2014 and 2016, GDP per capita fell from $6,094.7 to $4,425.0, reflecting oil price collapses and domestic fiscal strain.
  • After pandemic-era lows in 2020 ($3,743.5), Algeria rebounded to its second-highest level on record in 2024 ($5,631.2), regaining its regional standing.
Egypt’s GDP per capita has more than doubled since 2000, but has fallen sharply since its 2022 peak
  • Egypt’s GDP per capita grew from $1,366 in 2000 to $3,339 in 2024, a 144% increase over 25 years.
  • The economy peaked at $4,233 in 2022, marking the highest point in the series before a two-year decline.
  • Sustained growth was driven by the 2000s and 2010s, with resilience after the 2008 financial crisis and Arab Spring disruptions.
  • The dip after 2022 reflects external pressures, currency adjustments, and inflationary challenges, though per capita levels remain well above early 2000s baselines.
Burundi’s GDP per capita rose to $280.97 in 2015, its highest point in 25 years, before falling to $153.93 in 2024

  • 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.

Zimbabwe’s GDP per capita recorded a 472% increase over the 25-year period from 2000 to 2024
  • Zimbabwe’s GDP per capita nearly quintupled since 2000, marking a 472% increase over 25 years.
  • The country's GDP per capita declined consistently from 2001 to 2008.
  • It soared to $3,448.1 in 2017, which is still the highest in the country's history.
  • The GDP per capita plummeted to $2,271.9 in 2019, recording a (34.1%) decrease.
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