Nigeria Gets New Ranking as IMF Shares New List of Poorest Countries by GDP
IMF Ranks Nigeria 12th Poorest Country by GDP Per Capita in 2025
Despite being Africa’s largest economy by size, Nigeria has been ranked the 12th poorest country in the world based on GDP per capita, according to fresh data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The report, published by Visual Capitalist, placed Nigeria’s GDP per capita at $807 for 2025—a sharp indicator of the widening gap between economic output and individual well-being.
Nigeria Among Bottom 15 Economies Globally
Nigeria’s low ranking may surprise some, considering its vast population and resource wealth. But analysts say the data reflects the real struggles of ordinary citizens, whose incomes have continued to decline amid inflation, unemployment, and insecurity.
The world’s poorest country in the 2025 index is South Sudan, with a GDP per capita of just $251, followed by Yemen, Burundi, Malawi, and the Central African Republic.
Despite Nigeria’s status as a top African economy, the IMF data signals a worrying trend: economic growth without shared prosperity.
“Chronic conflict, fragile institutions, and limited industrial bases continue to suppress income growth… even as the global economy rebounds after the pandemic,” the report stated.
Africa Holds 19% of World’s Population, But Only 3% of Global GDP
The survey also highlighted Africa’s marginal presence in the global economy. While the continent is home to 19% of the world’s people, it contributes just 3% of the $113 trillion global GDP.
Other African nations featured in the bottom tier include Madagascar, Sudan, DR Congo, Mozambique, and Niger — all struggling with similar developmental challenges.
Interestingly, India, the world’s most populous country and fourth-largest economy by total GDP, is ranked 50th poorest by GDP per capita at $2,878.
Nigerians Losing More Purchasing Power
The IMF’s findings align with recent reports that show Nigeria’s per capita income has fallen yet again — dropping to $835.49 in 2025, down from $877 in 2024, representing a 4.73% decline.
This further reinforces the reality of a cost-of-living crisis, where economic growth figures fail to translate into better living standards for most Nigerians.
World Bank Gives Hope with Growth Forecast
In a bit of optimism, the World Bank recently projected that Nigeria’s economy will grow by 3.5% in 2025 and reach 3.7% by 2026.
However, experts say this growth must be inclusive, focusing on job creation, infrastructure, and investment in human capital to lift citizens out of poverty.