Top 15 Most Developed Countries in Africa

 

A developed country is one that boasts features such as a developed economy, a stable and functional government, a robust infrastructure, a strong educational system, ample job opportunities, comprehensive health and social services, and a high degree of personal freedom. Countries that fall slightly short of these goals are classified as developing countries. Those that fall far short are designated the least developed countries and become eligible for specific United Nations assistance programs.

The most widely used and respected measure of a country's development status is the United Nations' annual Human Development Index (HDI).

This advanced metric tracks a wide range of indicators, from Adult Literacy Rate and Life Expectancy to Income Inequality and Mobile Phone Subscriptions, and then compiles them all into a number between 0.00 and 1.00. This score slots each country into one of four different classifications: low human development (0-.55), medium human development (.55-.70), high human development (.70-80), and very high human development (.80-1.0).

Most developed countries have a score of at least .80 and are considered very high human development. That said, Africa is the least-developed continent outside of Antarctica, with many of its countries still mired in issues including poverty, government corruption, and armed conflict. 

The yearly Human Development Index published by the United Nations is the most frequently used and acknowledged indicator of a country’s development status (HDI).

Infrastructure development in Africa is crucial for encouraging economic growth and raising Africans’ living standards. It makes a substantial contribution to human development, poverty reduction, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Infrastructure investment contributes to more than half of recent advances in African economic development and has the potential to contribute substantially more

 

List of Top 15 Most Developed Countries in Africa

1. Mauritius

2. Seychelles

3. Algeria

4. Tunisia

6. Libya

7. South Africa

8. Egypt

9. Gabon

10. Morocco

11. Cape Verde

12. Namibia

13. Sao Tome and Principe

14. Republic of Congo

15. Ghana

 

Let explain them in details

 

1. Mauritius

The Nation of Mauritius is an island republic in the Indian Ocean, roughly 2,000 kilometers (1,200 kilometers) east of Madagascar, off Africa’s southeast coast. The Mascarene Islands include Mauritius, Rodrigues, and Réunion (a French overseas department). The bulk of Mauritius’s population lives in Port Louis, the country’s capital and largest city.

Mauritius has a high ranking in terms of economic competitiveness, a favorable investment climate, competent governance, and a free economy. In 2018, the Gross Domestic Product (PPP) was expected to be US$29.187 billion, with GDP (PPP) per capita exceeding US$22,909, ranking second in Africa.

Mauritius has progressed from a low-income, agriculture-based economy to a high-income, diversified economy focused on tourism, textiles, sugar, and financial services since its independence from Britain in 1968.

Mauritius’ economic history since independence has been dubbed the Mauritian Miracle and Africa’s Success.

Information and communication technology, fisheries, hotel, and property development, healthcare, renewable energy, and education and training have grown as prominent industries in recent years, garnering significant investment from both domestic and foreign companies.

 

2. SEYCHELLES

Seychelles is home to numerous beaches, 115 islands and nature reserves, as well as unique animals such as the giant Aldabra tortoises. Seychelles has a reputation of being the leading tourist destination in Africa. One wouldn’t be surprised to know that Seychelles is a leading tourist destination though. This leading tourist destination has a HDI value of 0.801, a GDP per capita of $17,402 and a life expectancy of 73.7. It has a 9.5 mean years of schooling. Seychelles ranks 62 in the HDI world best countries ranking. Seychelles economy depends mostly on agriculture and tourism.

 

3. Algeria

Positioned as the third most developed country in Africa by the Human Development Index report 2018 and ranking 82 in the world according to same report, Algeria has a GDP per capita of $3,980 and a Human Development Index value of 0.759. As one of the largest producers of oil in Africa, Algeria generates most of its income from the industry.

Algeria’s economy is driven by its export trade in petroleum and natural gas, commodities that, despite variations in global prices, provide nearly one-third of the country’s GDP yearly (GDP). 

Until 1962, the economy was mostly centered on agriculture and supplemented the French economy. Since then, hydrocarbon extraction and production have been the most essential activities, allowing for fast industrialization.

 

4. Tunisia

Positioned as the fourth most developed countries in Africa and 91st in the world. Tunisia’s economy is backed up majorly by manufacturing, tourism, services and mining. Tunisia was named Africa’s most competitive country by the World Economic Forum in 2009. 

Tunisia had a Human Development Index of 0.725 at the end of 2015. This value placed it in the category of high human development and is ranked 97th out of 108 nations and territories.

The average Tunisian is anticipated to live until the age of 75. Tunisia’s economic freedom score is 56.6, ranking the country 119th in the 2021 Index. Its total score has risen by 0.8 points, owing mostly to better fiscal health.

Tunisia is placed 10th out of 14 nations in the Middle East and North Africa area, and its total score is lower than the regional and global norms. Despite the aspirations created by the 2011 Arab Spring for considerable liberalization.

 

5. Botswana

Located in the southern region of Africa, this landlocked country ranks as the fifth best country in Africa and 94th globally. It has a HDI value of 0.728 and a GDP per capita of $7,859. Having a general populace of 2 million people, Botswana’s economy is based on mining, livestock, and tourism. Botswana has one of the world’s highest per capita growth rates, and experts forecast even faster development in the future with prudent fiscal policies. The area is essentially triangular, measuring 600 miles (965 km) north to south and 600 miles east to west, with the eastern edge projecting into a sharp point. Its eastern and southern limits are defined by river courses and an ancient wagon route; its western borders are longitude and latitude lines across the Kalahari, and its northern borders combine straight lines and a river channel. Botswana’s boundaries are home to a diverse range of species.

 6. Libya

Libya is a North African country. Oil production is the most important contributor to the Libyan economy. Libya has Africa’s most extensive oil deposits. The World Bank has designated Libya as an Upper Middle-Income Economy. Libya has a Human Development Index value of 0.716 at the end of 2015, placing 102 out of 108 nations and territories in the High human development category.

This North African nation with a general populace of 6,572,076 people is registered by the World Bank as one of the eight developed African countries with the upper-middle-income economic set-up. Libyans may expect to live till the age of 71.8.

Libya has one of Africa’s highest per capita incomes. Libya’s major source of income is oil earnings. Oil and natural gas accounted for approximately three-fourths of national income and nearly all of the country’s export profits at the beginning of the twenty-first century, although employing less than one-tenth of the labor force.

 

7. South Africa

South Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, marked by several distinct ecosystems. Inland safari destination Kruger National Park is populated by big game. The Western Cape offers beaches, lush wine lands around Stellenbosch and Paarl, craggy cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope, forest and lagoons along the Garden Route, and the city of Cape Town, beneath flat-topped Table Mountain

Positioned as the 7th most developed country in Africa and 113 in the world in the world, South Africa has a general populace of 57,725,600, a life expectancy of 63.4 years, a HDI value of 0.705 and a GDP per capita of $6,100. South Africa’s economy is greatly backed up by mining.

 

8. Egypt

Egypt, commonly known as the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a country in both Africa and the Arab world. Egypt occupies the northeastern section of Africa and the southern part of Asia. Egypt is bounded to the northeast by the Gaza Strip and Israel, to the east by the Red Sea, and the south and west by Sudan and Libya, respectively.

Positioned as 116th most developed country in the world and eight most developed countries in Africa, Egypt has a HDI value of 0.700 and a GDP per capita of $3,046. It enjoys a 94,798,827 general populace with a life expectancy of 71.7 years.

Egypt’s economy is based on agriculture, media, petroleum imports, natural gas, and tourism; about three million Egyptians work abroad, mostly in Libya, Saudi Arabia, the Persian Gulf, and Europe. Rapid population expansion, limited arable land, and reliance on the Nile continue to put pressure on the economy and resources.

Also read: What makes a country developed?

 

9. Gabon

This country with a general populace of 2 million people is positioned as the nine most developed countries in Africa while it ranks 115th in the world. It is the sixth largest oil producer in Africa. Gabon economy majorly depends on its oil. 

According to the most current survey, conducted in 2011, GDP per capita is projected to be $16,400, implying that the average Gabonese individual generates $16,400 in products and/or services. This is a large sum when compared to other African countries, demonstrating that Gabon is a fully developed country. Gabon’s exports are another source of proof for the country’s progress.

Gabon exported an estimated $10.86 billion in products in 2011, the majority of which were cocoa, coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber, and, most critically, oil. This demonstrates Gabon’s growth since only a developed country would be capable of taking its strongest assets and utilizing them to its advantage. Gabon, a former French colony, has significant links to France, as well as to the French language and culture. Libreville is the country’s capital.

 

10. Morocco

Morocco, a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, is distinguished by its Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. Marrakesh’s medina, a mazelike medieval quarter, offers entertainment in its Djemaa el-Fna square and souks (marketplaces) selling ceramics, jewelry and metal lanterns.

This North African country is positioned as the 10th most developed country in Africa and 121 in the world. Morocco with a general populace of 35,740,000 has a GDP per capita of $3,345, a HDI value of 0.676 and a life expectancy of 76.1 years. Its economy is greatly backed by mining, construction, manufacturing, textile, telecoms, services sector, and information technology, tourism, etc.

 

11. Cape Verde

Cape Verde is a group of islands approximately 570 kilometers off the coast of West Africa. The background of Cape Verde’s mountains, rough seaside communities, undulating scenery, and gorgeous beaches attract tourists and, as a result, international investors who contribute to the country are GDP. Cape Verde has a Human Development Index of 0.648 in 2015. This value placed it 122nd out of 188 nations and in the medium development category.
This country with a general populace of 539,560 is positioned as the 11th on the list of most developed countries in Africa. Due to its numerous mountains, seaside villages, beautiful landscapes and beaches. Cape Verde gets a lot of tourist visits and as such generates much money. Its economy relies majorly on tourism. Cape Verde is the 126th most developed country in the world.

 

12. Namibia

Namibia is a country located in the southern part of Africa. It has a population of 2,606,971 people and is ranked as the 12th most developed country in Africa and 130 most developed worldwide based on the Human Development Index report released on 9 December 2019.

Its economy relies majorly on agriculture, mining and tourism. It has a HDI value of 0.645 and GDP per capita of $5,073.

 

13. Sao Tome and Principe

Positioned as the 13th most developed country in Africa and 137th most developed country in the world, Sao Tome and Principe has a HDI value of 0.609 and GDP per capita of $1,303.60. The economy of Sao Tome and Principe is greatly backed by the agricultural industry.

 

14. Republic Of Congo

Having a HDI value of 0.608 and GDP per capita of $500.55, Congo finds itself as the 14th most developed country in Africa and 138th in the world. It has a general populace of 5 million. Congo’s economy is powered by a collection of handicrafts, agriculture and an industrial sector, which is predominantly dependent on the production of petroleum.

 

15. Ghana

Ghana is ranked as the 15th on the list of the most developed countries in Africa and 142nd worldwide in the HDI report of 2019. It has a general populace of approximately 28 million people and it economy largely depends on the exportation of industrial minerals, agricultural products, petroleum and natural gas. It has a HDI value of 0.596 and GDP per capita of $2,223.

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