With an impressive GDP of $199.72 billion, Nigeria is still the lowest-performing of Africa's top 10 economies
Key takeaways:
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.
Nigeria has a nominal GDP of $199.72 billion, the fourth highest among Africa’s top 10 economies in 2024. However, when it comes to GDP per capita, which measures how much of that wealth touches the average citizen, Nigeria ranks last (among the top 10 economies) with just $877.07. This is the paradox: a massive economy with minimal impact on individual livelihoods.
In comparison, South Africa not only tops the list in total GDP but also leads with a GDP per capita of over $6,300. This suggests that total economic size doesn’t reflect high standards of living if growth doesn’t reach the people.
From recession to recovery, Nigeria’s GDP growth journey reveals three decades of economic volatility and slow transformation.
Nigeria's economy grew by 14.6% in 2002, which is still the highest in the country's history.
The country entered a recession in 2016, with the economy shrinking by -1.6%.
Nigeria enjoyed a long period of strong growth between 2003 and 2010: The economy grew between 7% and 11%, powered by high oil prices and booming sectors like telecoms and banking.
At independence in 1960, Nigeria contributed about 10% of Africa’s GDP, establishing itself early as one of the continent’s largest economies.
Nigeria’s share peaked at 31% in 1981 during the oil boom, highlighting the dramatic impact of natural resources on the economy.
Between the mid-1980s and 2000s, Nigeria’s share fluctuated significantly, dropping to 9.2% in 1999 due to political instability, economic mismanagement, and external shocks.
By 2024, Nigeria’s share fell to 7.1%, despite a GDP of $187.8 billion, showing slower relative growth compared to other African economies and the ongoing need for economic diversification.
This share reflects Nigeria’s relative position in Africa’s economy over time, showing how it moved in relation to the growth of the rest of the continent.
At independence in 1960, Nigeria contributed about 10% of Africa’s GDP, establishing itself early as one of the continent’s largest economies.
Nigeria’s share peaked at 31% in 1981 during the oil boom, highlighting the dramatic impact of natural resources on the economy.
Between the mid-1980s and 2000s, Nigeria’s share fluctuated significantly, dropping to 9.2% in 1999 due to political instability, economic mismanagement, and external shocks.
By 2024, Nigeria’s share fell to 7.1%, despite a GDP of $187.8 billion, showing slower relative growth compared to other African economies and the ongoing need for economic diversification.
This share reflects Nigeria’s relative position in Africa’s economy over time, showing how it moved in relation to the growth of the rest of the continent.
