Extreme poverty remains a major challenge in several parts of Africa, with new data revealing that millions of people continue to live on less than three dollars a day. Recent figures from Visual Capitalist, citing World Bank data, highlight that several African countries are among the most affected globally.
Extreme poverty refers to the percentage of people living on less than three dollars a day, adjusted for purchasing power parity.
According to the data, Africa accounts for 20 of the 30 countries with the highest levels of extreme poverty worldwide, underscoring ongoing challenges such as slow industrial growth, weak infrastructure, and limited access to essential social services.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo ranks first on the continent, with 85.3% of its population living below the poverty line. Mozambique follows with 82.2%, while Malawi and Burundi register 75.4% and 74.2%, respectively.
Concentration of Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa
Poverty remains heavily concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa, where agriculture and informal trade continue to dominate local economies.
In many countries, the slow pace of industrial growth and limited access to modern services have constrained income opportunities and living standards. Even in relatively diversified economies such as Kenya and Uganda, nearly half of the population still lives in extreme poverty.
The situation has been affected by inflationary pressures and ongoing protests in some parts of Kenya, while institutional challenges, weak job creation, and limited access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure persist in Uganda.
Persistent Inequality Amid Growth
Although Zambia and Zimbabwe have recorded modest GDP growth in recent years, the benefits have not been evenly distributed among their populations.
In resource-rich nations such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, strong mining revenues have yet to bring widespread economic improvement, as public investment remains constrained by governance issues and persistent infrastructure gaps.
The data reflect a persistent imbalance between economic growth and social well-being across the continent. While certain sectors—such as energy, telecommunications, and agriculture—have expanded, poverty levels remain high, particularly in rural areas where development has lagged behind.
As Africa continues to pursue its long-term development goals, the figures highlight the urgency of addressing inequality and improving access to essential services to ensure that economic progress benefits a broader share of the population.
Source: Business Insider Africa
