In 2025, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is home to the largest share of the world’s population living in extreme poverty, with 11.7% of the global extreme poor residing in these countries, all surviving on less than $2.15 a day, according to data from Statista.
- Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the largest share of global extreme poverty.
- The list is courtesy of Statista.
- Rural areas are hit hardest, with 45% of rural Africans living in extreme poverty compared to only 7% in urban areas.
Poverty affects millions of people across the continent and has been a source of concern for a long time.
Despite Africa’s rich resources and youthful population, many countries continue to struggle with high poverty levels, limited access to basic services, and economic instability, issues that keep generations trapped in hardship.
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In 2025, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is home to the largest share of the world’s population living in extreme poverty, with 11.7% of the global extreme poor residing in these countries, all surviving on less than $2.15 a day, according to data from Statista.
Tanzania, Mozambique, and Madagascar are also facing high poverty rates, making the problem even more widespread.
Across Africa, about 429 million people were living below the extreme poverty line in 2024. With a population of 1.4 billion, that means roughly a third of Africa’s people are living in extreme poverty.
Countries like Mozambique, Malawi, the Central African Republic, and Niger have some of the highest poverty rates, according to the $2.15 a day poverty threshold.
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There are many reasons why poverty is so prevalent, from lack of access to education, healthcare, jobs, and nutrition, to the ongoing challenges posed by war and conflict.
Rural areas are hit hardest, with 45% of rural Africans living in extreme poverty compared to only 7% in urban areas. To make matters worse, malnutrition is a common issue, as many people struggle to access enough food, which only worsens their health and deepens the poverty cycle.
Below are the top 10 African countries with the largest share of global extreme poverty
| Rank | Country | Poverty % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nigeria | 11.7% |
| 2 | Democratic Republic of Congo | 11.7% |
| 3 | Tanzania | 4% |
| 4 | Mozambique | 4% |
| 5 | Madagascar | 3.3% |
| 6 | Uganda | 3% |
| 7 | Malawi | 2.8% |
| 8 | Ethiopia | 2.6% |
| 9 | Kenya | 2.3% |
| 10 | Niger | 2.2% |
