Note: Rankings are based on the GDP (PPP) per capita data for year 2012. So, it is valid throughout the year 2013. It has been prepared by Global Finance Magazine which prepares the list on data from World Economic Outlook Database by International Monetary Fund.
List of Wealthiest African Countries
#1) Seychelles – the Richest Country in Africa
GDP (PPP) Per Capita: $25,439.92
Capital: Victoria
Officially Republic of Seychelles, based on per capita income, it is
the wealthiest nation from Africa. This country is made up of small 115
islands and its population is less than 0.1 million. It is located in
Indian Ocea to the East of Africa. It is not located in mainland Africa
but as per conventions it is counted as an African nation. With small
population and small GDP, it is the richest country in Africa.
#2) Equatorial Guinea - Second Wealthiest African nation
GDP (PPP) Per Capita: $19,818.11
Capital: Malabo
Situated on the West Coast of Africa is the second richest country
i.e. Equatorial Guinea. This wealthy African nation has a population
less than a million. Its economy depends on fishing and farming of
especially Cocoa. Discovery of oil in the 1990s further increased wealth of this African nation.
#3) Gabon
GDP (PPP) Per Capita: $17,053.47
Capital: Libreville
With its per capita income more than other poorer countries of
Africa, Gabon qualifies as the third richest country in African
continent. Gabon’s economy today depends mostly on oil revenues and
timber plantation, according to CIA.
#4) Botswana
GDP (PPP) Per Capita: $16,578.59
Capital: Gaborone
Populated with more than 2 million, Botswana is the fourth wealthiest
country on this list. Tourism, financial services, subsistence farming,
and cattle raising are other key sectors where the country makes money.
Standard of living is comparable to the nations like Turkey and Mexico.
#5) South Africa
GDP (PPP) Per Capita: $11,273.08
Capitals: Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Cape Town
the fastest developing country in Africa and also in the world, South
Africa has the highest GDP in the continent. It is a member of BRICS.
People of this country find employment in diverse sectors like
agriculture, fishing, vehicle manufacturing and assembly,
food-processing, clothing and textiles.
#6) Libya
GDP (PPP) Per Capita: $10,129.61
Capital City: Tripoli
Libya is the richest African Arab country and overall sixth on this
list. Like other Arab nations, it also depends on petroleum for money
and it employs many people in this sector. About 20% of GDP of this rich
country is from service and constructions sectors.
#7) Tunisia
GDP (PPP) Per Capita: $9,706.59
Capital: Tunis
With small number of inhabitants and a significant GDP, Tunisia is
the seventh richest country in Africa. Also, it si the second richest
African Arab country after Libya.
#8) Namibia
GDP (PPP) Per Capita: $7,694.44
Capital: Windhoek
Depending mostly on South Africa for trading, Namibia is one of the
fastest developing countries in Africa. Mining, Agriculture,
manufacturing and tourism contribute heavily to this rich African
country on Earth.
#9) Algeria
GDP (PPP) Per Capita: $7,541.85
Capital: Algiers
Another Arab nation, Algeria is located in the Northern Africa. It
was frequently ruled by the French invaders and was colonized for
centuries by France. Revenues from oil sector and agriculture contribute
to this nation’s wealth. Fishing, banking and finance are other areas
where Algeria generates good chunk of money.
