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Top 9 African countries with the most extreme wealth disparities

Understanding the root causes and implications of extreme wealth disparities in Africa

By Emmanuel Akah Published about a year ago 3 min read

Africa is a continent of immense beauty and diversity, with rich natural resources and a vibrant culture. However, it is also a place of extreme wealth disparities, where a small elite enjoy unprecedented wealth and luxury, while the majority of the population lives in poverty and deprivation. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 9 African countries with the most extreme wealth disparities.

1. South Africa

South Africa is the most unequal country in the world, according to the World Bank. The top 10% of the population controls around 71% of the country's wealth, while the bottom 60% controls only 7%. This disparity is largely due to the legacy of apartheid, which has left a lasting impact on the country's economy and social structure.

2. Namibia

Namibia is another African country with extreme wealth disparities. The top 10% of the population controls around 55% of the country's wealth, while the bottom 60% controls only 5%. The country has a high level of income inequality, which is largely driven by factors such as limited access to education and healthcare, as well as limited opportunities for economic mobility.

3. Botswana

Botswana is one of the wealthiest countries in Africa, but it is also one of the most unequal. The top 10% of the population controls around 70% of the country's wealth, while the bottom 60% controls only 4%. The country's economy is heavily reliant on diamond mining, which has led to a concentration of wealth in the hands of a small elite.

4. Zambia

Zambia is one of the poorest countries in Africa, with a high level of income inequality. The top 10% of the population controls around 48% of the country's wealth, while the bottom 60% controls only 4%. The country's economy is heavily dependent on copper mining, which has led to a concentration of wealth in the hands of a small elite.

5. Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is one of the poorest and most unstable countries in Africa, with extreme wealth disparities. The top 10% of the population controls around 59% of the country's wealth, while the bottom 60% controls only 5%. The country has been plagued by conflict and instability, which has contributed to the concentration of wealth in the hands of a small elite.

6. Lesotho

Lesotho is a small country in southern Africa, with extreme wealth disparities. The top 10% of the population controls around 45% of the country's wealth, while the bottom 60% controls only 2%. The country has a high level of income inequality, which is driven by factors such as limited access to education and healthcare, as well as limited opportunities for economic mobility.

7. Mozambique

Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in Africa, with a high level of income inequality. The top 10% of the population controls around 48% of the country's wealth, while the bottom 60% controls only 4%. The country has a largely agricultural economy, which has led to a concentration of wealth in the hands of a small elite.

8. Swaziland

Swaziland is a small country in southern Africa, with extreme wealth disparities. The top 10% of the population controls around 45% of the country's wealth, while the bottom 60% controls only 3%. The country has a high level of income inequality, which is driven by factors such as limited access to education and healthcare, as well as limited opportunities for economic mobility.

9. Angola

Angola is one of the wealthiest countries in Africa, but it is also one of the most unequal. The top 10% of the population controls around 70% of the country’s wealth.

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Emmanuel Akah

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    Emmanuel Akah Written by Emmanuel Akah

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