According to the IMF, Seychelles has the highest GDP per capita in Africa at $22,000, making it the continent’s leader in average income per person. Mauritius comes next with $13,100, while Gabon follows with $9,000.
GDP per capita measures how much money, on average, each person in a country would have if the nation’s total income was shared equally. It’s calculated by taking the country’s total economic output (GDP) and dividing it by the population.
In Africa, this figure varies significantly, reflecting the continent’s vast economic disparities, structural challenges, and growth opportunities.
Africa has some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, but also some of the poorest. In some areas, GDP per capita is relatively high, especially where industries, trade, and natural resources like oil or minerals drive wealth.
Many African economies are heavily dependent on natural resources such as oil, gas, minerals, and agriculture. In resource-rich areas, GDP per capita can be relatively high, especially where revenue is efficiently managed.
However, relying too much on natural resources like oil, gold, and minerals can be a risky game. When global prices go up, economies boom. But when they crash, things can go south fast.
At the same time, not all parts of Africa are growing at the same pace. In many areas, conflict, bad leadership, and economic instability keep incomes low. Big cities and industrial centres tend to have higher incomes, while rural communities—where most people depend on farming—often struggle to keep up.
Another big factor is Africa’s rapidly growing population. More people means more demand for jobs, food, and services. Even though some economies are growing, if the population grows even faster, the average income per person can stall or even drop, making it harder for people to improve their quality of life.
According to the IMF, Seychelles has the highest GDP per capita in Africa at $22,000, making it the continent’s leader in average income per person. Mauritius comes next with $13,100, while Gabon follows with $9,000.
Below are the top 10 African countries with the highest GDP per capita in 2025:
| Rank | Country | GDP per capita | GDP growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seychelles | $22,000 | 3.9% |
| 2 | Mauritius | $13,100 | 4% |
| 3 | Gabon | $9,000 | 2.6% |
| 4 | Botswana | $8,000 | 5.2% |
| 5 | Equatorial Guinea | $7,890 | 4.8% |
| 6 | Libya | $6,870 | 13.7% |
| 7 | South Africa | $6,520 | 1.5% |
| 8 | Algeria | $5,590 | 3% |
| 9 | Cabo Verde | $5,710 | 4.7% |
| 10 | Namibia | $4,710 | 4.2% |
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