At the turn of the millennium, Zimbabwe’s nominal GDP per capita was roughly $562.6, a reflection of lingering economic strain. By 2008, the economy had plunged into a full-scale collapse, with GDP per capita plummeting to $340.7 as inflation skyrocketed into hyperinflation.
In April 2009, Zimbabwe abandoned its own currency and adopted a multi-currency system, chiefly using the US dollar. This marked a turning point. GDP per capita recovered to around US $735.4 in 2009 and continued climbing to approximately US $1,037.2 by 2011. Between 2012 and 2017, GDP per capita rose steadily from about US $1,238.6 to a peak of US $3,448.1, which is still the highest in the country's history.
The country experienced a dip in 2018 and the GDP per capita fell to $2,271.9, marking [a] $1,176.2 (34.1%) decrease, and further declining to $1,683.9 in 2019, a $507.7 (22.4%) decrease. The economy showed resilience and the GDP per capita was able to increase to $1,730.5 in 2020 despite Covid 19. By 2024, Zimbabwe achieved a remarkable turnaround. The GDP per capita rose to $2,656.4, recording more than fivefold growth in 25 years.
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.
