In 2025, 19 of the world’s 20 poorest countries are in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with Afghanistan as the only non-African country on the list.

Despite being the second-fastest-growing region after Asia, SSA’s high population growth, political instability, extreme weather, and frequent coups hinder economic progress.

Below is a list of the top 10 poorest countries in 2025, ranked by GDP per capita (in USD):

Currency: South Sudanese Pound (SSP) – 1 USD = 130.26 SSP

Since its independence in 2011, South Sudan has been marred by civil war, ethnic violence, and weak governance. The country heavily relies on oil exports, but frequent conflicts and mismanagement have hindered economic progress. Food insecurity is widespread, and the country remains dependent on international aid to support its population.

Currency: Burundian Franc (BIF) – 1 USD = 2,961 BIF

Burundi suffers from political instability, corruption, and high population density, which place immense pressure on its limited resources. Over 80% of the population depends on subsistence farming, yet frequent droughts and land degradation have led to chronic food shortages. Infrastructure remains underdeveloped, and foreign investments are minimal.