Some of the African countries facing significant poverty challenges include the Central African Republic, Niger, Burundi, Malawi, South Sudan, Madagascar, Somalia, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Uganda. Here's a more detailed look at some of these countries:
Central African Republic: 96.2% of the population lives in extreme poverty, with ongoing political instability and violence contributing to the issue.
Niger: High fertility rates, poor health infrastructure, lack of education, and landlocked status contribute to its poor economic status.
Burundi: A small, landlocked country with limited natural resources, Burundi has been affected by civil war and its aftermath, leading to widespread poverty.
Malawi: Dependence on subsistence agriculture and a high percentage of the population living below the poverty line are major issues.
South Sudan: Despite its resource wealth, decades of neglect and war have led to widespread poverty and vulnerability to external shocks.
Madagascar: Over 90% of the population lives below the international poverty line, with many children facing malnutrition.
Somalia: Decades of civil war and political disintegration have resulted in widespread poverty, with over seven out of ten Somalis living in poverty.
Chad: Lacks natural resources, social and economic infrastructure, and is burdened by high transport costs, contributing to its poor economic status.
Burkina Faso: A low-income Sahel country with limited natural resources, its economy relies on agriculture and mining.
Mali: Despite being one of Africa's top gold producers, Mali ranks among the least developed nations in the world, with almost half of its population living below the national poverty line.
Uganda: A low-income country in East Africa with a significant portion of the population living below the national poverty line, particularly in rural areas.
2 1
10 Poorest African Countries In 2025 – IMF