Africa’s richest countries in 2024, based on World Bank nominal GDP per capita figures, reflect both progress and persistent disparities across the continent.
Despite persistent global and domestic pressures, from tighter financial conditions to fluctuating commodity prices, some African economies have sustained strong per-capita income levels.
These variations reveal how structural advantages, quality of governance, and sectoral performance continue to shape economic outcomes.
GDP per capita is a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) divided by its total population, representing the average economic output per person. It is used to assess a nation’s standard of living and economic development. A higher GDP per capita can indicate a higher standard of living, as it represents the average share of a country’s economic production for each resident.
Seychelles tops the list with a modest contraction from 2023, followed by Mauritius and Gabon. Taken together, the leading economies demonstrate the role of strategic planning, resource management, and macroeconomic stability in driving higher living standards.
Below are the African countries with the highest GDP per capita.
Mauritius recorded a GDP per capita of $11,871.73 in 2024, marking a 6.17% increase from $11,182.19 in 2023. This solid expansion reflects the country’s sustained post-pandemic recovery, supported by strong tourism inflows, financial services growth, and rising private consumption.
The improvement underscores Mauritius’ position as one of Africa’s most diversified and stable upper-middle-income economies, with steady structural reforms continuing to cushion external risks.
