Top 10 wealthiest African countries compared to the GDPs of U.S. states

The U.S., the largest economy globally, showcases unparalleled industrial prowess, diversified sectors, and global reach. In contrast, Africa’s economies, while collectively significant, vary widely in size and development.

• Business Insider Africa presents how U.S. state GDPs compare to 10 wealthiest African countries.
• California’s $3.9 trillion economy—the largest of any U.S. state—not only dwarfs every African nation but even surpasses Africa’s collective GDP of $2.8 trillion.
• The big five African economies—South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, and Ethiopia—collectively generate a GDP of $1.4 trillion.

In the global economic arena, the United States and Africa occupy contrasting stages. The disparity between the two regions becomes striking when viewed through the lens of GDP.

The U.S., the largest economy globally, showcases unparalleled industrial prowess, diversified sectors, and global reach. In contrast, Africa’s economies, while collectively significant, vary widely in size and development.

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The U.S., commanding a $29 trillion economy, dominates as a worldwide leader fueled by innovation, advanced technology, and a thriving service sector. Meanwhile, Africa, a continent of 54 diverse nations, has a GDP of about $2.8 trillion.

To put the scale of these economies into perspective, this analysis compares the GDP of individual U.S. states to those of entire African nations.

For example, California’s $3.9 trillion economy—the largest of any U.S. state—not only dwarfs every African nation but even surpasses Africa’s collective GDP of $2.8 trillion. California’s GDP is on par with India’s, the fifth-largest economy globally.

Similarly, the big five African economies—South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, and Ethiopia—collectively generate a GDP of $1.4 trillion, which is surprisingly close to Florida’s $1.6 trillion economy.

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This comparison draws on 2023 data, with U.S. state GDP figures sourced from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (via Visual Capitalist) and country GDP data from IMF.

By juxtaposing these figures, we gain a clearer picture of the vast economic gulf, emphasizing the scale of disparity while recognizing Africa’s untapped potential and ongoing strides toward economic diversification.

How U.S. state GDPs compare to 10 wealthiest African countries: