A new global report by Our World in Data has revealed that several African countries continue to experience the world’s highest levels of extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $3 per day, adjusted for each nation’s cost of living.
Top 10 Countries with the Highest Extreme Poverty Rates
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – 85.3%
- Mozambique – 82.2%
- Malawi – 75.4%
- Burundi – 74.2%
- Zambia – 71.7%
- Central African Republic (C.A.R.) – 71.6%
- Niger – 59.9%
- Uganda – 49.8%
- Zimbabwe – 49.2%
- Kenya – 44.1%
The data shows that over 20 African countries feature prominently on the list, with sub-Saharan Africa remaining the most affected region globally. Other nations in the top 20 include Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Chad, Ethiopia, and Mali—all with more than a third of their populations living below the poverty line.
A Broader Picture
Outside Africa, a few countries such as Honduras, Syria, Philippines, Guatemala, and Bangladesh also appear on the list, but their poverty rates are significantly lower, mostly below 20%.
Experts attribute Africa’s high poverty levels to factors such as rapid population growth, limited industrialization, climate change impacts, and governance challenges. However, recent economic reforms and regional investments in infrastructure, technology, and education signal growing optimism for gradual improvement.
