In 2025, most of the world's poorest countries are in Sub-Saharan Africa, with Afghanistan being the only exception.
Despite being one of the fastest-growing regions, Sub-Saharan Africa faces big challenges like rapid population growth, political instability, extreme weather, and frequent government takeovers, which slow down its economic growth.
Here's a list of the top 10 poorest countries in 2025
South Sudan ($960.24)
Struggling with civil war and poor governance since its independence in 2011, South Sudan depends heavily on oil exports. The country also deals with severe food shortages and relies a lot on international aid.
Burundi ($1,010)
Burundi faces political instability and has a high population density, which puts a lot of pressure on its limited resources. Most people there farm to feed themselves, but frequent droughts and poor soil have led to constant food shortages.
Central African Republic ($1,310)
Known for ongoing conflicts and various armed groups controlling parts of the country, the Central African Republic has valuable natural resources like diamonds and gold, but poor management and corruption have hindered its economic development.
Malawi ($1,760)
Malawi is very dependent on agriculture, which is often affected by droughts and floods. It also struggles with high population growth and food shortages, which are made worse by high debt and inflation.
Mozambique ($1,790)
Despite having large natural gas reserves, Mozambique's growth is limited by corruption, poor leadership, and terrorist attacks, especially in its northern region.
Somalia ($1,900)
Long-term conflict, terrorism, and weak governance have left Somalia with a very fragile economy. Issues like piracy and political instability scare away investors and make it hard to build a stable economy.
Democratic Republic of the Congo ($1,910)
With vast amounts of valuable minerals, the DRC could be rich, but ongoing conflicts, corruption, and poor infrastructure keep it poor and underdeveloped.
Liberia ($2,000)
Still recovering from its civil wars and a major Ebola outbreak, Liberia's economic growth is hampered by corruption, a struggling healthcare system, and dependence on exports like rubber and iron ore, which are vulnerable to global market changes.
Yemen ($2,020)
Yemen has been devastated by a civil war that has collapsed its economy and led to widespread famine and displacement of people.
Madagascar ($2,060)
Political instability and frequent natural disasters like cyclones and droughts harm Madagascar's agriculture-based economy, leading to ongoing food insecurity and poverty.
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