Top 25 richest countries in Africa in 2025: rated by GDP

Africa is a powerhouse of resources and innovation. In recent years, significant growth and development have been witnessed in most of the 54 countries on the continent. Some countries' economies have even risen above their expected growth rates. Discover the richest countries in Africa in 2025, rated by their Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Key takeaways

• The richest countries in Africa in 2025 have thriving economies because of precious metals, fertile soil, excellent agricultural climate, and water bodies, among other resources.
• Gross Domestic Product (GDP) means a country's total goods and services.
• South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria are at the top of the list of the wealthiest African nations by nominal GDP.

Richest countries in Africa in 2025

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There are a lot of untapped resources that are yet to be fully explored in Africa. This provides room for most countries on the continent to attain more economic growth.

Below are the most prosperous African countries, ranked by the nominal GDP, as issued by Statista. The list also considers World Bank projections. Note that this list may be subjective, and all the figures are in billion US.

25. Benin - $22.23B

• Capital: Porto-Novo
• Official language: French
• Dialing code: +229
• Currency: West African CFA franc
• GDP: $22.23B

Vodun (or “voodoo”) religion originated in Benin. The country is home to the former Dahomey Kingdom from circa 1600–1900. Benin's nominal GDP is $22.23B in 2025. The country's main export revenue is from agricultural products, such as cotton, palm oil, cocoa, and coffee, exported to such countries as India, Malaysia, and Bangladesh.

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24. Mali - $23.20B

• Capital: Bamako
• Official languages: Bambara, Soninke, Hassaniya, Fula, Tamasheq, Songhay, Kassonke, Minyanka, and Bobo
• Dialing code: +223
• Currency: West African CFA franc
• GDP: $23.20B

The Republic of Mali's GDP is $23.20B in 2025. Its great potential wealth lies in mining and farming. The most productive agricultural area in Mali lies along the banks of the Niger River, the Inner Niger Delta, and the southwestern region around Sikasso.

23. Mozambique - $23.77B

• Capital: Maputo
• Official language: Portuguese
• Dialing code: +258
• Currency: Mozambican metical
• GDP: $23.77B

Mozambique attained a GDP of $23.77B in 2025. The country is rich in natural resources, is biologically and culturally diverse, and has a tropical climate. Its main source of income is agriculture. The sector employs more than 80 per cent of the Mozambique's labor force and provides livelihoods to most inhabitants.

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22. Burkina Faso - $27.05B

• Capital: Ouagadougou
• Official languages: Fula, Dyula language, Bissa language
• Dialing code: +226
• Currency: West African CFA franc
• GDP: $27.05B

The nominal GDP of Burkina Faso is $27.05B in 2025. The economy of this landlocked West African country largely relies on agriculture, which employs 80% of the workforce, although gold exports are on the rise. In Burkina Faso, the small economy often hinders the development of industries.

21. Zambia - $28.91B

• Capital: Lusaka
• Official language: English
• Dialing code: +260
• Currency: Zambian Kwacha
• GDP: $28.91B

Zambia and Zimbabwe share the Victoria Falls tourist attraction site on the Zambezi River. Manufacturing, mining, and tourism drive Zambia's economy. Like most countries worldwide, Zambia suffered economically in 2020 due to COVID-19. It, however, almost bounced back and attained a GDP of $28.91B in 2025.

20. Guinea - $30.09B

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• Capital: Conakry
• Official language: French
• Dialing code: +224
• Currency: Guinean franc
• GDP: $30.09B

With a nominal GDP of $30.09B, Guinea is among the wealthiest countries in Africa. Guinea has 25% or more of the world's known bauxite reserves. The country also has diamond, gold, and other metals. Agriculture, tourism, and mining are among Guinea's biggest income earners.

19. Sudan - $31.51B

• Capital: Khartoum
• Official languages: Arabic, English
• Dialing code: +249
• Currency: Sudanese pound
• GDP: $31.51B

Sudan shares borders with Libya, Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. South Sudan broke away from it in 2011 to become the 54th independent African country. Most of Sudan's years have been burdened with conflicts, drastically affecting their capacity to explore their economic potential. Nonetheless, its people never give up on rebuilding their country. In 2025, Sudan had a nominal GDP of $31.51B.

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18. Senegal - $34.73B

• Capital: Dakar
• Official language: French
• Dialing code: +221
• Currency: West African CFA franc
• GDP: $34.73B

Senegal 's economy depends on diverse activities, including tourism, fishing, construction, mining, and agriculture. Senegal enjoyed economic growth under President Abdou Diouf's regime (1981 and 2000), for he implemented numerous privatization initiatives. The country attained a $34.73B nominal GDP in 2025.

17. Zimbabwe - $38.17B

• Capital: Harare
• Official languages: English, Shona, Ndebele, Shangani, Sotho, Venda, Kalanga, Nambya, Chewa, sign language, Tonga, Chibarwe, Ndau, Tswana, Koisan, and Xhosa. Shone, Ndebele, and English
• Currency: Zimbabwean dollar
• Dialing code: +263
• GDP: $38.17B

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southeast Africa. The country has roughly 16.6 million people. The main foreign earners of Zimbabwe are agriculture, minerals, and gold. The country has a 2025 nominal GDP of $38.17B.

16. Libya - $47.48B

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• Capital: Tripoli
• Official languages: Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic
• Currency: Libyan Dinar
• Dialing code: +218
• GDP: $47.48B

Libya is a culturally diverse nation with a population of over 6 million people. The country has been striving towards an improved economy since the end of Ghadaffi's regime and the effect of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Its nominal GDP is $47.48B in 2025. Did you know Libya is located in North Africa?

15. Cameroon - $56.01B

• Capital: Yaoundé
• Official languages: French, English
• Dialing code: +237
• Currency: Central African CFA franc
• GDP: $56.01B

With over 27 million people, Cameroon has one of Africa's best primary commodity economies. Like the DRC, the nation has had one of the most prosperous economies in Africa since its independence. Cameroon's nominal GDP of $56.01B makes it one of the wealthiest countries in Africa.

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14. Tunisia - $56.29B

• Capital: Tunis
• Official language: Arabic
• Dialing code: +216
• Currency: Tunisian dinar
• GDP: $56.29B

Tunisia is one of the smallest African countries, with a population of over 11 million people. The nation is a giant in oil, phosphates, agricultural food products, car parts manufacturing, and tourism exports. In 2025, Tunisia achieved a nominal GDP of $56.29B.

13. Uganda - $64.28B

• Capital: Kampala
• Official languages: Swahili, English
• Dialing code: +256
• Currency: Ugandan Shilling
• GDP: $64.28B

Uganda's population is over 47 million, and the country's economy thrives on agriculture. This economic disposition results from a moderately favorable climate for crops and livestock production. Like most African countries, Uganda suffers a host of economic impediments that range from political instability to poor financial decisions and resource management. The country's 2025 nominal GDP is $64.28B.

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12. Democratic Republic of the Congo - $79.12B

• Capital: Kinshasa
• Official languages: French, Lingala, Swahili, Kongo, Luba-Kasai
• Dialing code: +243
• Currency: Congolese Franc
• GDP: $79.12B

DRC's minerals and other factors put it on this list of countries with Africa's highest nominal GDP, with a current figure of $79.12B. At its independence in 1960, the Democratic Republic of the Congo was the second-largest economy in Africa after South Africa. Corruption, war, and political instability have derailed the country's growth.

11. Tanzania - $85.98B

• Capital: Dodoma
• Official language: Swahili
• Dialing code: +255
• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling
• GDP: $85.98B

With a population of over 65 million, Tanzania's economy has grown steadily. The country's GDP is $85.98B. The country mainly exports cashew nuts, gold, cotton, and coffee. Besides this, Tanzania has made significant investments in tourism industry. Moreover, other private and government efforts have boosted their economy.

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10. Ghana - $88.33B

• Capital: Accra
• Official language: English
• Dialing code: +233
• Currency: Ghanaian Cedi
• GDP: $88.33B

With a GDP of $88.33B, Ghana ranks high on the list of the top 50 richest countries in Africa. Ghana is home to crude oil, gold, cocoa, and timber exports. The country's economy has taken some time to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

9. Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) - $94.48B

• Capital: Yamoussoukro
• Official language: French
• Dialing code: +225
• Currency: West African CFA franc
• GDP: $94.48B

With a population of over 28 million people, Cote d'Ivoire is a relatively large country. It is one of the world's largest raw cashew nuts and cocoa exporters. They also export oil and boast a large manufacturing sector. The GDP figure of $94.48B makes Ivory Coast rank high on the list of the top 50 richest countries in Africa in 2025.

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8. Angola - $113.34B

• Capital: Luanda
• Official language: Portuguese
• Dialing code: +244
• Currency: Angolan Kwanza
• GDP: $113.34B

Angola has been improving its structural and political reforms to balance its economy. The nation is rich in oil, petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, bauxite, uranium, gold, granite, copper, and feldspar. With a GDP of $113.34B, Angola is among the top 20 richest countries in Africa in 2025.

7. Ethiopia - $117.46B

• Capital: Addis Ababa
• Official languages: Amharic, Somali, Oromo, Tigrigna, Afar
• Dialing code: +251
• Currency: Ethiopian Birr
• GDP: $117.46B

Ethiopia ranks high on the list of the top 20 richest countries in Africa in 2025. The nation has embraced reforms to improve its economy. Nonetheless, political and social instability and consumer inflation could slow Ethiopia's economy if proper caution is not taken.

6. Kenya - $131.67B

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• Capital: Nairobi
• Official languages: English, Swahili
• Dialing code: +254
• Currency: Kenyan Shilling
• GDP: $131.67B

Kenya is the richest country in East Africa, ranked by nominal GDP. Kenya has been recording significant economic growth in the Sub-Saharan region, making it one of the best economies in Africa. Kenya's booming economy results from political stability, favorable laws for foreign inventors, and other factors. Its strongholds are agriculture, technology, and financial services.

5. Morocco - $165.84B

• Capital: Rabat
• Official languages: Arabic, Standard Moroccan Berber
• Dialing code: +212
• Currency: Moroccan Dirham
• GDP: $165.84B

Morocco is among the top 10 richest countries in Africa in 2025, with a GDP of $165.84B. The country's economy heavily depends on agriculture and the service industries. Meanwhile, Morocco's automotive industry is growing rapidly due to an increase in plant production.

4. Nigeria - $188.27B

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• Capital: Abuja
• Official language: English
• Dialing code: +234
• Currency: Nigerian Naira
• GDP: $188.27B

Nigeria is one of the top 5 richest countries in Africa in 2025. The state is bestowed with bountiful natural resources like crude oil. Apart from oil, it Nigeria produces natural gas, limestone, niobium, lead, arable land, tin, iron ore, and zinc.

3. Algeria - $268.89B

• Capital: Algiers (El Djazaïr)
• Official languages: Arabic, Standard Algerian Berber
• Dialing code: +213
• Currency: Algerian Dinar
• GDP: $268.89B

With a nominal GDP of $268.89B, Algeria is one of the top 5 richest countries in Africa in 2025. Algeria's natural resources, like oil and natural gas, enable it to achieve enormous economic growth despite frequent political instability. Political uncertainty and corruption have slowed down the hydrocarbon sector. Despite these challenges, the country continues to attain a high GDP.

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2. Egypt - $347.34B

• Capital: Cairo
• Official language: Arabic
• Dialing code: +20
• Currency: Egyptian Pound
• GDP: $347.34B

Egypt ranks second on the list of the top 10 richest countries in Africa in 2025, ranked by GDP, with a value of $347.34B. Egypt has been working hard towards positive economic growth and aims to become the richest country in Africa. The state focuses on wholesale and retail trade, construction, tourism, and gas extractives. Egypt's economy is impressive.

1. South Africa - $410.34B

• Capitals: Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein
• Official languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Sotho, Xhosa, Zulu, Northern Sotho, Venda, Tswana, Tsonga, Ndebele, Swati
• Dialing code: +27
• Currency: South African rand
• GDP: $410.34B

South Africa's GDP of $410.34B makes it the richest country in Africa by GDP (nominal). The nation's financial and manufacturing sectors are among the best in Africa. Its main exports include gold, platinum metals, and iron ore. South Africa's most significant iron ore trade partner is China, and most of Africa's wealthiest people come from Mzansi.

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Which is the richest country in the world?

In pure dollar terms, Switzerland is the richest country by income, with average annual earnings of over $104,000.

Which is the poorest country in Africa?

The poorest countries in Africa include Burundi, Malawi, Madagascar, Somalia, and Sierra Leone.

Which country is rich in Africa in 2025?

Check out the list of the richest countries in Africa by nominal GDP above.

What is the strongest country in Africa in 2025?

South Africa retains its lead as Africa's most powerful country in 2025, ranking by the nominal GDP.

What is the most popular country in Africa in 2025?

South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda are among the most famous African nations in 2025.

What is the richest country in West Africa?

Nigeria has the largest economy in West Africa and the entire continent. The country is expanding its economy to manufacturing, communications and technology, financial services, and entertainment.

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Why is Nigeria the richest country in Africa?

Nigeria is not the richest country in Africa. It's economy is supported by revenue from oil and gas reserves. It has the largest economy in Africa, but its huge population brings its GDP per capita down.

Investing in the richest countries in Africa in 2025 may grow your wealth while also improving their economies. Research the industry and country you are interested in before investing. If possible, see financial and legal experts for help and guidance.

Briefly.co.za recently published a list of the richest provinces in South Africa. With breathtaking scenic views, clean beaches, bustling cities, and a melting pot of cultures, it is no wonder that South Africa is a tourist hotspot.

Those living here have friendly fellow citizens and great coastal or city lives to choose from. Gauteng is considered to be the richest province in South Africa.

Source: Briefly News