Top 10 African Countries by Income Levels in 2025

Income levels across Africa vary widely, reflecting each country’s unique mix of resources, governance, and economic strategies.

World Bank’s 2025 GNI-per-capita Atlas report states that only nine African countries rank as either high-income or upper-middle-income. 

These leaders have combined natural wealth, diversified sectors, and strong institutions to raise average living standards, though significant challenges remain

Here are the top 10 African countries by Income Levels in 2025:

How the World Bank Classifies Income

The World Bank groups countries into four income bands based on their Gross National Income per person: low, lower‑middle, upper‑middle, and high. In 2025, out of 223 economies worldwide, 93 reached high‑income status and 55 were upper‑middle. Within Africa, just nine nations made it into the top two tiers.

The Nine Front‑Runners

Seychelles (High Income)

With fewer than 100,000 residents, Seychelles leverages its stunning beaches and marine parks to attract high‑spending tourists year‑round. 

The government has invested heavily in preserving the environment and upgrading airport and port facilities, ensuring that tourism revenues continue to flow. 

Financial services, particularly offshore banking, also contribute to its high per‑capita income, while strong institutions maintain political stability.

Algeria (Upper‑Middle Income)

As Africa’s third‑largest oil producer, Algeria depends on hydrocarbon exports for over 90% of its foreign earnings. The state has used these revenues to fund public housing, education, and health programs, lifting many out of poverty. 

However, Algeria is now working to diversify into agriculture and renewable energy to reduce its sensitivity to oil price swings and create more sustainable jobs for its growing youth population.

Botswana (Upper‑Middle Income)

Since gaining independence, Botswana has turned diamond mining into a development engine, directing royalties into world‑class road networks, schools, and clinics. The government’s prudent fiscal management has built substantial foreign reserves, which help cushion against external shocks. 

In recent years, Botswana has also fostered tourism around its wildlife reserves, such as the Okavango Delta, and encouraged entrepreneurship through small‑business grants and training programs.

Cabo Verde (Upper‑Middle Income)

Lacking significant mineral or oil resources, this island nation relies on tourism, remittances, and a growing fintech sector to boost its economy. 

Cabo Verde’s government has improved air links with Europe and North America, making it a popular stopover for transatlantic flights. 

Investment in internet connectivity and digital skills training is now positioning the country as a small but nimble tech services hub in West Africa.

Equatorial Guinea (Upper‑Middle Income)

Offshore oil discoveries in the 1990s transformed Equatorial Guinea’s economy almost overnight. Government spending on new highways, hospitals, and schools has risen sharply, though critics point to the uneven distribution of wealth. 

To build a more balanced economy, the nation is exploring tourism around its volcanic islands and developing fisheries and agriculture in mainland provinces.

Gabon (Upper‑Middle Income)

Nearly 80% of Gabon’s export revenues come from oil and manganese mining, which fund public sector wages and urban infrastructure in Libreville and Port‑Gentil. 

While forest concessions generate timber income, Gabon has set aside over 10% of its land as national parks to attract eco‑tourism. 

The country now seeks foreign investment in value‑added timber processing and green energy projects to broaden its economic base.

Libya (Upper‑Middle Income)

Libya’s vast oil reserves give it one of the highest per‑capita incomes in Africa, despite years of political turmoil. Reconstruction efforts since 2020 have focused on reopening oil fields and rehabilitating ports and roads. 

Looking ahead, Libya aims to diversify into agriculture around the fertile coastal plains and revive its financial sector, contingent on continued stability and stronger governance.

South Africa (Upper‑Middle Income)

As the continent’s most industrialised economy, South Africa combines mining (gold, platinum), manufacturing (automotive, chemicals), and a sophisticated banking sector to sustain high income levels. 

Major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town serve as financial hubs for the region, while a growing renewable energy industry attracts green investment.

Persistent challenges include unemployment, especially among youth, and stark income inequality, which the government is tackling through targeted skills training and small‑business support.

Mauritius (Upper‑Middle Income)

From its beginnings as a sugar colony, Mauritius has evolved into a diversified success story, with thriving finance, tourism, textiles, and information‑technology sectors. The island’s stable legal framework and competitive tax regime attract foreign companies and offshore funds. 

Recent moves to expand e‑commerce, fintech startups, and higher education partnerships aim to secure the next phase of growth and reduce dependence on any single industry.