As of April 2025, South Africa's GDP was estimated at over 410 billion U.S. dollars, the highest in Africa. Egypt followed, with a GDP worth around 347 billion U.S. dollars, and ranked as the second-highest on the continent. Algeria ranked third, with nearly 269 billion U.S. dollars. These African economies are among some of the fastest-growing economies worldwide. Dependency on oil For some African countries, the oil industry represents an enormous source of income. In Nigeria, oil generates over five percent of the country’s GDP in the third quarter of 2023. However, economies such as the Libyan, Algerian, or Angolan are even much more dependent on the oil sector. In Libya, for instance, oil rents account for over 40 percent of the GDP. Indeed, Libya is one of the economies most dependent on oil worldwide. Similarly, oil represents for some of Africa’s largest economies a substantial source of export value. The giants do not make the ranking Most of Africa’s largest economies do not appear in the leading ten African countries for GDP per capita. The GDP per capita is calculated by dividing a country’s GDP by its population. Therefore, a populated country with a low total GDP will have a low GDP per capita, while a small rich nation has a high GDP per capita. For instance, South Africa has Africa’s highest GDP, but also counts the sixth-largest population, so wealth has to be divided into its big population. The GDP per capita also indicates how a country’s wealth reaches each of its citizens. In Africa, Seychelles has the greatest GDP per capita.

South Africa concentrated the largest amount of private wealth in Africa as of 2021, some 651 billion U.S. dollars. Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and Kenya followed, establishing the five wealthier markets in the continent. The wealth value referred to assets, such as cash, properties, and business interests, held by individuals living in each country, with liabilities discounted. Overall, Africa counted in the same year approximately 136,000 high net worth individuals (HNWIs), each with net assets of one million U.S. dollars or more.

 COVID-19 and wealth constraints  

Africa held 2.1 trillion U.S. dollars of total private wealth in 2021. The amount slightly increased in comparison to the previous year, when the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic led to job losses, drops in salaries, and the closure of many local businesses. However, compared to 2011, total private wealth in Africa declined 4.5 percent, constrained by poor performances in Angola, Egypt, and Nigeria. By 2031, however, the private wealth is expected to rise nearly 40 percent in the continent.

 The richest in Africa 

Besides 125 thousand millionaires, Africa counted 6,700 multimillionaires and 305 centimillionaires as of December 2021. Furthermore, there were 21 billionaires in the African continent, each with a wealth of one billion U.S. dollars and more. The richest person in Africa is the Nigerian Aliko Dangote. The billionaire is the founder and chairman of Dangote Cement, the largest cement producer on the whole continent. He also owns salt and sugar manufacturing companies.

Seychelles had the largest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in Africa as of 2024. The value amounted to 21,630 U.S. dollars. Mauritius followed with around 12,330 U.S. dollars, whereas Gabon registered 8,840 U.S. dollars. GDP per capita is calculated by dividing a country’s GDP by its population, meaning that some of the largest economies are not ranked within the leading ten. Impact of COVID-19 on North Africa’s GDP When looking at the GDP growth rate in Africa in 2024, Libya had the largest estimated growth in Northern Africa, a value of 7.8 percent compared to the previous year. Niger and Senegal were at the top of the list with rates of 10.4 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact on the economy was severe. The growth of the North African real GDP was estimated at minus 1.1 percent in 2020. However, estimations for 2022 looked much brighter, as it was set that the region would see a GDP growth of six percent, compared to four percent in 2021.
Contribution of Tourism Various countries in Africa are dependent on tourism, contributing to the economy. In 2023, travel and tourism were estimated to contribute 182.6 billion U.S. dollars, a clear increase from 96.5 in 2020 following COVID-19. As of 2024, South Africa, Mauritius, and Egypt led tourism in the continent according to the Travel & Tourism Development Index.

This dataset provides values for GDP PER CAPITA reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

This dataset provides values for GDP reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

South Africa was home to the highest number of millionaires in Africa as of 2023. The country had ****** high net worth individuals (HNWIs), corresponding to roughly ********* of the total number of millionaires on the continent. Second, in rank, Egypt counted ****** HNWIs. According to the source, approximately ******* HNWIs lived in Africa, each with *** million U.S. dollars or more net assets, excluding government funds. The wealth value refers to assets such as cash, properties, and business interests held by individuals living in a country with fewer liabilities. The rich in Africa Compared to 2020, the number of African millionaires increased by nearly **** percent. This means that ****** people joined the group of individuals with minimum net assets of *** million U.S. dollars. The number of centi- and multimillionaires has increased as well. In 2022, the Nigerian Aliko Dangote held the title of the wealthiest person in Africa. Founder and chairman of Dangote Cement, the largest cement producer in the whole African continent, the billionaire also owns salt and sugar manufacturing companies. His net worth is estimated at nearly ** billion U.S. dollars. Trillions of U.S. dollars in riches Total private wealth in Africa amounted to *** trillion U.S. dollars in 2021, a slight increase from 2020. That year, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had led to job losses, drops in salaries, and the closure of many local businesses. Compared to other African countries, South Africa concentrated the largest private wealth. Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and Kenya completed the leading wealth markets. The five nations accounted for over ** percent of Africa’s total wealth in 2021.

As of January 2023, Aliko Dangote was the richest man in Africa. He had a net worth of around 13.5 billion U.S. dollars and ranked 128th worldwide. From Nigeria, he is the founder and chairman of the Dangote Group, a large conglomerate operating in several sectors including cement and sugar. The South African Johann Rupert and family followed as the second-richest people in Africa, with a net worth of 10.7 billion U.S. dollars.

Dangote Group continues to expand

Founded in 1981, the Dangote Group (Dangote Industries Limited) is among the largest conglomerates in Africa. Its main subsidiary, Dangote Cement Plc, is the main cement manufacturer on the African continent. The business went public in 2010 and is the largest company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. In addition to the cement industry, the Group also manufactures and processes food products, such as sugar, flour, and salt. With Nigeria being the leading African country for oil production, Dangote expanded his business into the oil industry in recent years. For this purpose, the Group built Africa’s biggest oil refinery near Lagos, Nigeria.

Africa’s wealthiest countries

Wealth in Africa is concentrated in a few countries and, within those, in a few families. Counting the highest numbers of billionaires, South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria are the wealthiest nations, having also the largest gross domestic products (GDPs) in Africa. These countries count the highest number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), which amounts to over 39,000 in South Africa. Not surprisingly, Johannesburg and Cape Town have the highest concentration of private wealth in Africa. Moreover, South Africa has the highest wealth per capita after Mauritius.

This dataset provides values for GOLD RESERVES reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

South Africa's GDP amounted to just over 418 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, the highest in Southern Africa. Zimbabwe ranked second, with a GDP worth around 37 billion U.S. dollars. Lesotho, on the other hand, ranked the lowest with a GDP of over 2.4 billion U.S. dollars.

This dataset provides values for CORRUPTION RANK reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

In recent years, the African continent has emerged as a hub of growth, progress, and cultural diversity. With 54 recognized sovereign nations, Africa boasts a tapestry of vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and promising economies. From the vast deserts of the Sahara to the lush rainforests of the Congo Basin, each African nation has a unique story to tell. In this article, we will delve into the diverse and dynamic African nations, shedding light on their rich history, cultural heritage, and economic advancements. Africa, often referred to as the cradle of civilization, is home to some of the oldest human civilizations on Earth. Egypt, with its iconic pyramids and ancient pharaohs, stands as a testament to the continent's remarkable heritage. The Nile River, the lifeblood of ancient Egyptian civilization, continues to be a source of sustenance and culture today. Moving southwards, we encounter nations like Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, and South Africa, known for its vibrant multicultural society. Nigeria, with its rich cultural tapestry, has produced renowned artists, musicians, and authors who have made significant contributions to the global cultural landscape. South Africa, on the other hand, is celebrated for its remarkable post-apartheid transition, vibrant democracy, and impressive economic growth. Venturing into East Africa, we encounter Ethiopia, often referred to as the "cradle of humanity" due to the discovery of the oldest known human remains in the region. Ethiopia showcases a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern development, with its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich historical sites attracting visitors from around the world. In West Africa, Ghana stands as a shining example of political stability and economic progress. Known as the "Gateway to Africa," Ghana has made significant strides in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, positioning itself as an attractive investment destination. The continent's southern region features nations like Botswana, known for its commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. With its vast national parks and awe-inspiring wildlife, Botswana offers visitors a chance to experience Africa's natural wonders firsthand. As we travel across the continent, it becomes evident that Africa's potential for growth and development is immense. From the technological advancements in countries like Rwanda to the agricultural innovations in Kenya, African nations are harnessing their resources and investing in their future. Furthermore, regional collaborations such as the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are fostering deeper economic integration and creating new opportunities for trade and investment across the continent. These initiatives aim to unlock Africa's vast potential and promote sustainable development for the benefit of all African nations and their people. In conclusion, the African continent is a mosaic of nations that captivate with their diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and a shared commitment to progress. From the ancient wonders of Egypt to the vibrant democracies of South Africa and Ghana, African nations are forging their paths towards a prosperous future. As the world focuses its attention on Africa's growth story, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the achievements and potential of each African nation on the continent.

As of January 2024, Johann Rupert and his family are the richest people in South Africa with a net worth of 9.6 billion U.S. dollars. The Rupert family are ranked at 224 globally and are the second richest people in Africa after Nigerian billionaire, Aliko Dangote, reclaimed the title. Rupert's net worth dropped by 2.2 billion U.S. dollars from 2023, mainly due to a decline in the market value of luxury goods company Richemont, where he owns an estimated 9.14 percent stake. Nicky Oppenheimer and his family placed as the second richest in South Africa, with a net worth of 9.4 billion U.S. dollars and ranking at 232 worldwide. Their net worth source was mostly founded via the diamond market. They were followed by Koos Bekker, the chairman of media group Naspers, with 2.6 billion U.S. dollars who placed 1,202 globally. Patrice Motsepe, the first black African on the Forbes list and founder of African Rainbow Minerals, ranked 1,208 out of the global billionaires list, with a net worth of 2.6 billion U.S. dollars.

Where does the wealth reside in the continent?

The three largest economies in the continent in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), namely Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa saw the highest concentration of private wealth in the continent, with South Africa ranking first when it came to private wealth. In fact, out of Africa’s 20 wealthiest families and individuals, 14 of them were from these economies. Since 2010, the number of high net worth individuals in the continent fluctuated peaking at 148 individuals in 2017 and reaching its lowest in 2020 at 125. High net worth individuals are people whose net assets exceed one million U.S. dollars. On the other hand, South Africa suffered from severe income inequality ranking as the most unequal country in the world with a Gini coefficient of 62.73 percent.

The average for 2022 based on 53 countries was 554.77 million short tons. The highest value was in South Africa: 10905.15 million short tons and the lowest value was in Angola: 0 million short tons. The indicator is available from 2008 to 2023. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

BackgroundOil is the mainstay revenue for a number of African countries. However, extraction can result in multiple impacts on the health and wellbeing of communities living in oil-rich areas. This review explored evidence of oil industry-related social exclusion on community health and wellbeing on the African continent.MethodsWe used a systematic approach guided by PRISMA to search six databases for empirical and descriptive sources focused on oil industry impacts, in any African country, between 1960 to 2021. Findings were grouped according to four dimensions of the Social Exclusion Knowledge Network (SEKN) framework: political, social, economic, and cultural.ResultsFifteen articles were identified, of which 13 articles focused on Nigeria; while one focused on Sudan, and one on Côte d'Ivoire and South Africa. Evidence relating to political aspects of social exclusion encompassed marginalization of indigenous communities through land grabs and unequal representation in political decision making. Limited compensation for environmental damage and livelihood displacement caused by oil-extraction, and high rates of unemployment and poverty were key themes of the economic dimension. Evidence of social impacts included lack of government, or oil-industry investment in social infrastructure; poor health and wellbeing linked to land, air, and water pollution; homelessness and lack of social cohesion. The cultural dimension of social exclusion was comparatively underexplored and only six sources included data collection with indigenous residents, and comparatively more sources were written by non-citizens or non-residents of oil-industry affected areas. Major themes included impacts on collective identity, ways of life and values, particularly where loss of ownership or access to land was experienced.ConclusionOil industry activities in African countries are clearly associated with multiple exclusionary impacts. However, the narrow body of empirical research limits understanding of the lived experiences and management of social exclusion by residents of oil-rich areas themselves and is an area deserving of further attention.

Seychelles recorded the highest Gross National Income (GNI) per capita in Africa as of 2023, at 16,940 U.S. dollars. The African island was, therefore, the only high-income country on the continent, according to the source's classification. Mauritius, Gabon, Botswana, Libya, South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Algeria, and Namibia were defined as upper-middle-income economies, those with a GNI per capita between 4,516 U.S. dollars and 14,005 U.S. dollars. On the opposite, 20 African countries recorded a GNI per capita below 1,145 U.S. dollars, being thus classified as low-income economies. Among them, Burundi presented the lowest income per capita, some 230 U.S. dollars. Poverty and population growth in Africa Despite a few countries being in the high income and upper-middle countries classification, Africa had a significant number of people living under extreme poverty. However, this number is expected to decline gradually in the upcoming years, with experts forecasting that this number will decrease to almost 400 million individuals by 2030 from nearly 430 million in 2023, despite the continent currently having the highest population growth rate globally. African economic growth and prosperity In recent years, Africa showed significant growth in various industries, such as natural gas production, clean energy generation, and services exports. Furthermore, it is forecast that the GDP growth rate would reach 4.5 percent by 2027, keeping the overall positive trend of economic growth in the continent.

Background: Typically, African healthcare providers use immunological reference intervals adopted from Europe and the United States (US). This may be inappropriate in a setting with many differences including exposure to different environmental stimuli and pathogens. We compared immunological reference intervals for children from Europe and the US with South African children to explore whether healthy children living in settings with high rates of infectious diseases have different baseline immunological parameters.Methodology: Blood was taken from 381 HIV-uninfected children aged between 2 weeks and 13 years of age from a Child Wellness Clinic in an informal settlement in Cape Town to establish local hematological and lymphocyte reference intervals for South African children. Flow-cytometry quantified percentage and absolute counts of the B-cells, NK-cells, and T-cells including activated, naïve, and memory subsets. These parameters were compared to three separate studies of healthy children in Europe and the US.Results: Increased activated T-cells, and natural killer cells were seen in the younger age-groups. The main finding across all age-groups was that the ratio of naïve/memory CD4 and CD8 T-cells reached a 1:1 ratio around the first decade of life in healthy South African children, far earlier than in resource-rich countries, where it occurs around the fourth decade of life.Conclusions: This is the largest data set to date describing healthy children from an African environment. These data have been used to create local reference intervals for South African children. The dramatic decline in the naïve/memory ratio of both CD4 and CD8 T-cells alongside increased activation markers may indicate that South African children are exposed to a wider range of environmental pathogens in early life than in resource-rich countries. These marked differences illustrate that reference intervals should be relevant to the population they serve. The implications for the developing pediatric immune system requires further investigation.

This dataset provides values for FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

The average for 2023 based on 3 countries was 48019 kilograms. The highest value was in South Africa: 124870 kilograms and the lowest value was in Ethiopia: 8 kilograms. The indicator is available from 1998 to 2023. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Regular consumption of legumes is recommended worldwide for its environmental and health benefits. Cowpea, the most-frequently consumed pulse in West African countries, is rich in nutrients and health-promoting bioactive compounds. In southern Benin, a wide variety of cowpea-based dishes are observed. To quantify the consumption of cowpea-based dishes by the Beninese population, a one-week retrospective Food Frequency Questionnaire and a food atlas were used. Participants were 1217 adults (19-65 years) from three urban or rural areas in southern Benin : 641 adults in Cotonou (surveyed in 2017), and 576 in Adjohoun and Allada (288 respondents per rural area, surveyed in 2019). Data were collected on digital tablets using SurveyCTO™. The FFQ included two parts. In the first part, data on the household head's socio-professional characteristics, household income and expenses, household belongings, and housing characteristics were collected to characterize the household socio-economic index. In the second part, data on the consumption of cowpea-based dishes and the estimation of the quantities consumed over one week were recorded. During the FFQ-based interviews, general questions about the consumption of various legume species were first asked. This was followed by questions on the cowpea-based dish types consumed by the respondent during the previous week (7-day recall). For each cowpea-based dish, we recorded how many times it was consumed, the last place of consumption, and the quantity usually consumed (estimated using the food atlas). The research protocols describing all procedures that implicated human participants in Cotonou and in the rural areas were submitted to the Benin National Committee of Ethics for Health Re-search, and approved. The clearance numbers are N° 29 (2017) and N°14 (2019) for the survey in Cotonou and in the rural areas respectively. Informed Consent Statement: All respondents gave their signed consent to participate before the start of each interview. The respondents' anonymity was respected, as stated in the consent form.

As of 2023, the GDP of Africa was estimated at roughly 3.1 trillion U.S. dollars. This was the highest value since 2010 when the continent's GDP amounted to approximately 2.1 trillion U.S. dollars. The GDP value in Africa generally followed an upward trend in recent years and was estimated to exceed 4.2 trillion U.S. dollars by 2027.

Leading the charge: the three leading African economies

Among the African countries, in 2021, Nigeria had the highest GDP with approximately 442 billion U.S. dollars. South Africa and Egypt followed. These three countries have the largest economies for various reasons. The most notable factors are their population size, natural resources, and level of economic development. Furthermore, Africa was projected to have a real GDP growth rate of 3.9 percent in 2023. Libya was the economy experiencing the highest growth rate in that year.

The Sub-Saharan African economy on the rise

A global comparison showed that Sub-Saharan Africa had the smallest GDP among all world regions in 2021, amounting to 1.87 trillion U.S. dollars. A closer look revealed that Sub-Saharan Africa had a GDP per capita of 1,626.3 U.S. dollars in 2021, again the lowest worldwide. However, the region's economy was forecast to experience continued growth in the following years, with the real GDP increasing by 3.7 percent in 2023.