The income gap between the richest and poorest citizens in many African countries remains stark, highlighting ongoing disparities in access to economic opportunities. A comparison of the average daily earnings of the richest 10% and the poorest 10% across ten African nations reveals significant contrasts in living standards.
While a few countries exhibit narrower gaps, the broader trend suggests that a substantial portion of the population still earns very little daily. These figures reflect deeper structural issues—such as employment access, economic policy, and social mobility—that influence income distribution.
Read also: Combined wealth of seven richest Africans exceeds half of continent’s population
As policymakers and development agencies push for poverty reduction and inclusive growth, income data remains a vital reference point. It helps track progress and identify areas where intervention is needed most.
Traditional economic comparisons like GDP can overlook key inequalities—GDP ignores population size, while GDP per capita fails to reflect income distribution. For a more accurate picture of living conditions, 2024 income data (or consumption estimates) from Our World in Data, adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP) at 2017 prices, provides essential insight. Figures are averaged per person, including children and retirees.
Here is the daily income gap between the richest and poorest in 10 African countries
1. Guinea-Bissau
- Richest 10%: $7.07
- Poorest 10%: $1.59
People in the top income group earn more than four times the daily income of those at the bottom. This points to challenges in equal access to resources.
2. Uganda
- Richest 10%: $6.44
- Poorest 10%: $1.12
The income gap in Uganda shows a pattern where the top earners have significantly more economic power, leaving the lowest earners far behind.
Read also: Top 10 richest countries in Africa in 2025 – IMF
3. Kenya
- Richest 10%: $6.42
- Poorest 10%: $1.36
The difference between the richest and poorest in Kenya shows how wealth is not equally shared, even in a growing economy.
4. Zambia
- Richest 10%: $5.52
- Poorest 10%: $0.50
Here, the richest 10% earn more than ten times what the poorest 10% make each day. The figures highlight a clear income imbalance.
Read also: 10 poorest African countries in 2025 – IMF
5. Niger
- Richest 10%: $4.55
- Poorest 10%: $1.21
Though the income gap appears narrower, it still shows how unevenly wealth is distributed among citizens.
6. Central African Republic
- Richest 10%: $4.39
- Poorest 10%: $0.65
Economic inequality in the Central African Republic remains evident in these numbers, with the richest earning over six times more than the poorest.
Read also: Top 10 poorest countries in 2025
7. Burundi
- Richest 10%: $4.22
- Poorest 10%: $0.85
Daily income figures from Burundi reflect a nation still facing economic divides, despite modest top-end earnings.
8. Mozambique
- Richest 10%: $3.96
- Poorest 10%: $0.50
Income gaps in Mozambique are among the widest when comparing the limited earnings of the poorest against the top tier.
Read also: Top 10 African countries projected to be top earners in 2025
9. Malawi
- Richest 10%: $3.81
- Poorest 10%: $0.74
The figures from Malawi suggest that many at the bottom live with daily earnings below the poverty threshold.
10. Democratic Republic of Congo
- Richest 10%: $3.31
- Poorest 10%: $0.49
The DRC shows the lowest earnings on the list. Even the wealthiest 10% make less than $4 a day, while the poorest survive on less than 50 cents.
