Top 10 Least Developed Countries In Africa (2023)

Africa is the world’s second-largest continent and home to many nations that are struggling with development challenges. Despite significant efforts made by many African countries to improve their economic and social status, some still lag in terms of development.

The top 10 least developed countries in Africa include Niger, Central African Republic, Chad, South Sudan, Burundi, Mali, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, and Eritrea.

Top 10 Least Developed Countries In Africa

1. Niger

Niger is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It is the largest country in West Africa, but it is one of the least developed countries in the world. With a human development index of 0.394, Niger ranks as the least developed country in Africa. The country faces many challenges such as poverty, poor education, and lack of access to basic health care.

Niger has a low life expectancy rate of 62 years, which is one of the lowest in the world. The adult literacy rate is also low at 19%, and only 4% of the population has access to the Internet. The gross national income per capita is only $1,240, all these factors contributed to the country being ranked the least in Africa.

2. Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is a country located in Central Africa. It has a human development index of 0.397. The country has a history of political instability and violence, which has contributed to its underdevelopment.

The life expectancy rate in the Central African Republic is only 53 years, one of the lowest in the world. The adult literacy rate is also low at 37%, and only 3% of the population has access to the Internet. The gross national income per capita is only $700, which is one of the lowest in the world.

3. Chad

Chad is a country located in Central Africa. It has a human development index of 0.398. The country has a high poverty rate, and most of the population lives in rural areas.

The life expectancy rate in Chad is only 54 years, one of the lowest in the world. The adult literacy rate is also low at 22%, and only 3% of the population has access to the Internet.

4. South Sudan

South Sudan is a country located in East-Central Africa. It has a human development index of 0.433. Although the country gained independence from Sudan in 2011, it has been plagued by conflict and instability since then.

The life expectancy rate in South Sudan is only 57 years, one of the lowest in the world. The adult literacy rate is also low at 27%, and only 2% of the population has access to the Internet.

5. Burundi

Burundi is a country located in East Africa. It has a human development index of 0.433. The country has a history of ethnic conflict and political instability, which has contributed to its underdevelopment.

The life expectancy rate in Burundi is only 61 years, one of the lowest in the world. The adult literacy rate is also low at 73%, and only 1% of the population has access to the Internet. The gross national income per capita is only $280, which is one of the lowest in the world.

6. Mali

Mali is landlocked and located in West Africa. It has a human development index of 0.434. Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world, and it faces many challenges such as poverty, political instability, and terrorism.

The life expectancy rate in Mali is only 59 years, one of the lowest in the world. The adult literacy rate is also low at 34%, and only 3% of the population has access to the Internet. The gross national income per capita is only $820, which is one of the lowest.

7. Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a country located in West Africa. It has a human development index of 0.452. The country has been affected by civil war, the Ebola outbreak, and natural disasters.

The life expectancy rate in Sierra Leone is only 54 years, one of the lowest in the world. The adult literacy rate is also low at 43%, and only 2% of the population has access to the Internet.

8. Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is a country located in West Africa. It has a human development index of 0.452 and a population of 22.1 million people. The country is one of the poorest countries in the world, and it faces many challenges such as poverty, lack of education, and poor health care.

The life expectancy rate in Burkina Faso is only 61 years, one of the lowest in the world. The adult literacy rate is also low at 29%, and only 13% of the population has access to the Internet. The gross national income per capita is only $720, which is one of the lowest in the world.

9. Mozambique

Mozambique is a country located in Southeast Africa. It has a human development index of 0.456. Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world, and it faces many challenges such as poverty, natural disasters, and HIV/AIDS.

The life expectancy rate in Mozambique is only 60 years, one of the lowest in the world. The adult literacy rate is also low at 47%, and only 6% of the population has access to the Internet. The gross national income per capita is only $620, which is one of the lowest in the world.

10. Eritrea

Eritrea is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It has a human development index of 0.459 and a population of 3.62 million people. Eritrea is one of the least developed countries in Africa. Despite its low population, the country is one of the poorest countries in the world, and it faces many challenges such as poverty, political repression, and a lack of basic human rights.

The life expectancy rate in Eritrea is only 67 years, one of the lowest in the world. The adult literacy rate is also low at 76%, and only 1% of the population (about 3,000 people) has access to the Internet.

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• Top 10 Least Corrupt Countries In Africa
• Top 10 Most Dangerous Animals Found in Africa

Conclusion

These least developed countries in Africa face significant development challenges such as poverty, lack of education, poor health care, political instability, and natural disasters.

These countries have a long way to go to improve their people’s well-being and achieve sustainable development. Addressing these challenges requires strong political will, cooperation among international partners, and innovative approaches to development.