Africa is a resource-rich continent, it accounts for about 18% of the world’s human population. A country is categorized as developed or developing if it meets certain criteria such as stable economic conditions, excellent education, high per capita income, a good healthcare system, and a high standard of living. Undoubtedly, there are several developed countries In Africa.
Although the American, European, and Asian countries generally dominate the list of developed countries, the African region also has many developed countries of its own.
Therefore, In this article, we will take a look at the top 13 most developed countries in Africa and everything you need to know about them.
Table of Contents
What Does It Mean For A Country To Be Developed?
Countries may be classified as either developed or developing based on the general standard of living, the level of industrialization, and the amount of technological infrastructure. Also, Countries may be considered developed based on their basic economic country conditions
Countries are classified as developed or developing based on the gross domestic product (GDP) or gross national income (GNI) per capita.
Top 13 Most Developed Countries In Africa
Here is our analysis of the most developed countries in AfricaÂ
1. Mauritius
With an area of 2,040 square kilometers (790 sq mi), Mauritius is one of the most developed countries in Africa. With a high standard of living based on its Human Development Index (HDI). Mauritius HDI has the highest value compared to other developed African countries with 0.796.
Mauritius is a developed country based on its good healthcare system, agriculture, manufactured exports, and financial services. The country’s currency is ranked as the #1 strongest in Africa. Mauritius per capita income is also one of the highest in Africa, namely 26,450 PPP dollars, and a GDP (gross domestic product) of 12.95 billion USD
2. Libya
Libya is one of the most developed countries in Africa; it has one of the highest per capita incomes in Africa, namely 23,600 PPP, and a GDP of 45.75 billion USD. The country’s main revenue comes from oil production and exports.
Libya produces more than 1.2 million barrels of oil per day. Libya has an HDI of 0.746, which puts the country in the High human development category – positioning it at 92 out of 193 countries and territories.
3. Algeria
Algeria is another well-developed country in Africa, with a per capita income of 12,950 PPP dollars and a GDP of 195 billion USD.
Algeria has an HDI value of 0.74, which puts the country in the high human development category – positioning it at 98 out of 204 countries and territories.
4. Tunisia
Tunisia is ranked #4 among the most developed countries in Africa. This country has a high per capita income of 12,150 PPP dollars and a GDP of 46.3 billion USD.
Tunisia’s main industries are textiles and leather products, crude and refined petroleum and electrical machinery, as well as agriculture. Tunisia has a human development index (HDI) of 0.732
5. Morocco
Morocco, whose capital is Rabat has an area of 446,550 square kilometers. Morocco is one of the richest and most developed countries in Africa and has a high per capita income of 9,410 PPP dollars and a GDP of 130.9 billion USD.
Morocco is famous for its ever-growing energy, aeronautics, and the automotive industry, as well as agriculture and mining, which contribute about one-third of the annual GDP. Morocco has an HDI value of 0.683.
6. South Africa
South Africa‘s per capita income is 15,590 PPP dollars from the agriculture, manufacturing, and financial sectors. South Africa has a GDP of 405.3 billion USD and an HDI value of 0.717, which indicates a high level of development.
South Africa is also known for its excellent quality of education and highly valued natural resources. It is among the most developed countries in Africa.
7. Egypt
This country is famous for its highly advanced metal, petroleum, agriculture, and natural gas sectors. It is one of the world‘s biggest oil-producing countries. The country’s per capita income is 14,600 PPP dollars and GDP amounts to US$345 billion.
The country’s economy is the second largest in Africa by nominal GDP. It has a human development index (HDI) of 0.73. Egypt is among the most developed countries in Africa.
8. Botswana
Botswana is ranked among the most developed countries in Africa. This country has a high per capita income of 17,800 PPP dollars thanks to its diamond mining and medical sector and a GDP of 20.36 billion USD. The human development index (HDI) in Botswana has a value of 0.7.
9. Seychelles
Seychelles is the smallest country in Africa as well as the least populated sovereign African country, with an estimated population of 131,053 in October 2024. However, in recent reports, Seychelles has been ranked as the richest and most developed country in Africa, securing the 56th spot among 193 nations globally in 2023.
The key indicator for this ranking is the per capita income, which stands at 28,350 PPP dollars, and the GDP, which is 2.2 billion USD. This country has the highest Human Development Index ranking of any African country, 0.802, securing the 67th position out of 193 nations.
10. Gabon
Gabon is another well-developed African country; Gabon has an area of 103,346 sq mi. The country is famous for its agriculture, forestry, tourism, petroleum, and mining sectors.
Gabon’s per capita income is 14,870 PPP dollars, and its GDP is 21.07 USD billion. Gabon has an HDI value of 0.706, making it one of the most developed countries in Africa.
11. Nigeria
Nigeria ranks 11th on this list of the most developed countries in Africa, it is one of the countries with the highest GDP in Africa, namely 374.06 billion US dollars, and a per capita income of 5,700 PPP dollars.
Nigeria’s main revenue comes from the oil sector, providing 95% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and 80% of its budgetary revenues.
12. Ethiopia
This country, with the capital Addis Ababa, has a high per capita income of 4,019 PPP dollars and a GDP of 126.8 billion USD. It is one of the most developed countries in Africa.
Ethiopia’s main revenue comes from agriculture, which accounts for 46% of GDP and 85% of total employment. Ethiopia scored almost 0.5 on the Hunan Development Index.
13. Rwanda
Rwanda, whose capital is Kigali, with an area of 10,169 square miles and a population of 14,256,567 in 2024, is famous for its agriculture, tourism, mining, and construction fields.
The agricultural sector is the backbone of the country’s economy, contributing to 35% of the GDP and employing around 70% of the population. Rwanda has a GDP of 13.31 billion USD, the country is known for its production of coffee, tea, and pyrethrum.
What Is A Human Development Index?
The Human Development Index, in summary, is a tool developed to measure and rank countries’ average achievements in three basic areas of human development. They include education, per capita income, and life expectancy. A country scores a higher level of Human Development Index (HDI) when the lifespan is higher, the education level is higher, and the gross national income GNI (PPP) per capita is higher.
What Are The Most Developed Countries In Africa?
Some of the most developed countries in Africa include Mauritius, Libya, Tunisia, South Africa, Botswana, Seychelles, Gabon, Rwanda, and more.
Conclusion
As stated earlier, a country may be classified as either developed or developing based on the general standard of living, the level of industrialization, and the amount of technological infrastructure. This article has, however, listed the most developed countries in Africa, and we hope it is helpful to your search.
Reference
- Vanguardngr.com
- Wikipedia.org
- Businessday.ng
- Investopedia.con
