Nigeria has been listed as the 12th poorest nation globally in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in 2025, based on recent data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as presented by Visual Capitalist.
The report indicates Nigeria’s GDP per capita at $807, placing it among the bottom 15 of the 50 countries evaluated. This ranking underscores the significant economic inequality in a nation that remains one of Africa’s largest economies by total GDP.
South Sudan leads as the world’s poorest country, with a GDP per capita of $251, followed by Yemen, Burundi, the Central African Republic, and Malawi. Other African countries featured in the lowest rankings include Madagascar, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Niger.
Despite Nigeria’s economic magnitude, the report highlights the severe challenges faced by many of its citizens. “Chronic conflict, fragile institutions, and limited industrial bases continue to suppress income growth in many of them, even as the global economy rebounds after the pandemic,” Visual Capitalist stated.
The analysis further emphasized Africa’s limited presence in the global economy relative to its population size. “Africa in particular, is heavily underrepresented on the world stage. It accounts for 19% of the global population and only 3% of the $113 trillion world economy,” the report added.
India, the world’s fourth-largest economy by total GDP, also appeared on the list, ranking 50th with a GDP per capita of $2,878.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
