The Guru [Godwin Etakibuebu]
Historical Perspective
10 poorest countries in Africa in 2025
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has identified Africa’s poorest countries in 2025 by GDP per capita (PPP), highlighting the deep economic challenges facing millions across the continent.
Many small countries struggle due to weak banking systems, limited resources, and tax policies that discourage investment. Larger economies face hurdles like political instability, poor infrastructure, and conflict.
Despite some progress in trade and governance, economic stability remains elusive. Experts suggest that boosting manufacturing, healthcare, and education could drive improvement, as governments and international bodies seek long-term solutions.
Below are Africa’s ten poorest countries by GDP per capita (PPP) as of February 25, 2025, according to IMF data.
South Sudan
GDP-PPP per capita in South Sudan: $960.24
The youngest nation in Africa, South Sudan, has serious economic problems that are made worse by political unrest, violence, and its reliance on oil exports. Because of the economy’s extreme susceptibility to outside shocks, sustainable growth is a difficult undertaking.
Burundi
GDP-PPP per capita in Burundi: $1,009.
With a sizable population reliant on subsistence farming, Burundi is nevertheless experiencing economic challenges. Slow economic growth is a result of limited industrial development and difficulties with external trade.
Central African Republic (CAR)
GDP-PPP per capita in the Central African Republic (CAR): $1,314.
Prolonged political unrest has hampered the Central African Republic’s capacity to draw in foreign capital and establish long-term, sustainable enterprises. Food insecurity and restricted access to necessary services are problems for many residents.
Malawi
GDP-PPP per capita in Malawi: $1,765.
Malawi’s economy is mostly reliant on agriculture, however expansion is hampered by issues connected to the environment and a lack of industrialization. The nation has challenges in increasing employment possibilities and diversifying its economy.
Mozambique
GDP-PPP per capita in Mozambique: $1,787.
Natural disasters and difficulties in managing its natural resources cause Mozambique to experience economic volatility. Economic and political reforms are still essential for sustained prosperity.
Somalia
GDP-PPP per capita in Somalia: $1,900.
Somalia is still suffering economically as a result of persistent security issues. It has been challenging to create viable industries and draw in international investment due to political unpredictability and inadequate governance frameworks.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
GDP-PPP per capita in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): $1,908.
Despite the DRC’s abundance of natural resources, progress has been hampered by political unrest and economic instability. Despite the nation’s enormous natural resources, many people nevertheless live in poverty.
Liberia
GDP-PPP per capita in Liberia: $2,003.
After years of economic instability and civil violence, Liberia has had difficulty recovering. Despite initiatives to enhance governance and infrastructure, many people continue to face financial difficulties.
Madagascar
Madagascar’s GDP per capita (PPP) is $2,062.
Political unpredictability, a lack of industrialization, and climate-related problems that impact agriculture are Madagascar’s main economic problems. It is still imperative to make investments in industry and infrastructure in order to promote economic development.
Niger
GDP – PPP per capita in Niger: $2,084
High population growth, low industrialization, and climate change all pose problems for Niger, placing strain on the country’s meager resources and public services.
Source: Vanguard News
Knowledge Dropbox
10 visa types you can apply for to enter the U.S
It is highly imperative for any foreigner wishing to enter the U.S to get a visa, whether it is a long-term immigrant visa for permanent residence or a short-term non-immigrant visa for a temporary stay. The purpose of your intended travel will determine the type of visa required under U.S immigration law. Furthermore, as a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
Non-immigrant visas are used by those who wish to enter the United States temporarily to carry out certain duties, such as business travellers, tourists, workers with specialised abilities, and students.
Anyone willing to apply for such a visa must convince the consular representative of their intent to depart the United States following their brief stay.
Visitor visas are non-immigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1 visa), for tourism (B-2 visa), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2 visa). The common types of US visas include those for business (B-1), tourism (B-2), work (H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, L-1), study (F, M), investors (E-1, E-2), family (K-1, K-3), and other categories like religious workers (R) and journalists (I).
- Tourist or Business Visa
The tourist visa is used for tourism, vacation, or visiting family and friends. This tourist or business visa is available in two different forms, which are frequently combined and issued as one Visa. To obtain a tourist or business visa, you must demonstrate to the consular official that your stay in the country is temporary and that you have the means to pay for your costs during your visit. Additionally, evidence of living outside the US is required, and under this visa, you cannot accept employment.
Examples of tourist or business visas include B-1 for business associates, those attending scientific, educational, business conventions, settling an estate or negotiating contracts and B-2 for pleasure or for medical treatment. This includes tourism, visiting friends and family, medical treatment, and social or service activities.
- Student Visa
A popular type of visa people apply for is the Student Visa. In this category, the institution is required to admit foreign nationals who come to the United States to pursue higher education. After being accepted, they will obtain the necessary permission documents to submit when applying for the student visa. The I-20’s commencement date gives the students 120 days to begin the visa application process, and they have 30 days after that to leave the country. Examples of visas students may obtain include the following:
F-1 Visa, for people who desire to engage in academic programs at universities recognised by the United States or in programs to improve their English are granted this visa and the M-1 for those who intend to pursue non-academic, vocational training or training in the United States are eligible for this visa.
- Religious Worker Visa
The Religious Worker Visa, known as the R-type Visa, is offered to those who wish to work in a religious capacity in the U.S. temporarily. The religious worker includes people who are authorised by a recognised entity to conduct religious activities.
- Domestic Employee Visa
The Domestic Employee Visa is a specific category for personal or domestic servants who accompany their employer to the U.S. Consequently, these employees are eligible for a B-1 Visa.
The domestic servants of a foreign diplomat or a government official are eligible for an A-3 or a G-5 Visa. The domestic employees who can apply for a domestic employee visa include Housemaids, Footmen, Cooks, Butlers, Chauffeurs, Nannies, Gardeners, Paid companions, and many more.
- Media and Journalist Visa
A non-immigrant who works for a foreign media outlet is given a Media (I) visa to enter the country temporarily so they can carry out their line of work. However, they are required to have a home office abroad. A visitor’s visa is offered to the foreign citizen if he or she is travelling for purposes such as attending a conference or a meeting, guest lecture, engaging in academic activities, purchasing media equipment, or vacation.
Furthermore, spouses and children under the age of 21 are allowed to accompany the principal Visa holder under the B-2 Visa.
- Exchange Visitor Visa
An exchange visitor visa is offered to foreign nationals. Foreigners are welcome to visit the US to take part in exchange programmes. However, the official programme sponsor must accept and approve you before you may apply for the Visa. An exchange visitor is given a J Visa, which is intended to encourage the exchange of information and talents across a variety of areas.
The participants of an exchange visitor visa include Teachers, Professors, Research scholars, Students at academic levels, Professional trainees, and visitors.
- Ship Crew or Transit Visa
This is a type of visa offered for transit or ship crew. It could be a Transit C Visa, issued to foreign nationals who are travelling to another country via the United States and must meet the requirements for a B-2 visa.
The Crew D Visa is issued to a crew member who is working on a ship or an aeroplane. Crew members need a B-1 or B-2 visa if they are visiting the country between flights or cruises.
- Intracompany Transfer Visa
The Intracompany Transfer Visa is known as L-1. It is issued to employees of multinational companies who are transferred to a US branch for a limited time.
- Extraordinary Ability Visa
The Extraordinary Ability (O-1 visa) for non-immigrants allows individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, business, art, education, athletics, or the motion picture and television industry to work in the U.S. for a specific period.
- Work Visa
A US work visa allows foreign nationals to enter and work in the United States for a specific period or permanently. There are two main categories: temporary work visas (non-immigrant) and permanent work visas (immigrant). For a temporary visa, you need a certain Visa based on the type of work you’ll be doing.
Examples of work visas include:
H1-B for speciality occupation
H-1 B-1 – Work Visa on a temporary basis
H-2A for seasonal agricultural workers
H-2B for skilled and unskilled workers
H-3 for trainees
L-1 for intra-company transferees
L-2 for dependents