How METRIKA calculates this
Economic figures come from the World Bank's open data: population, GDP per person in current US dollars, real GDP growth, consumer price inflation, life expectancy and internet use. For each country we show the most recent year available, usually 2025. Where the latest figure is older, the year is shown next to it.
Capitals, currencies, languages, time zones and driving side are standard reference facts. We check them against official sources and update them when they change, for example Morocco's move to GMT in September 2026.
The tool doesn't rank countries as "best" or "worst". The right choice depends on why you're going, your passport, your budget and your work. Our country guides add visas, permits, tax, land rules and safety advice for each country.
What to know in Kenya
Africa is home to 54 UN member states and some of the world's fastest-growing economies. Growth, inflation and costs vary hugely between neighbours, so country-level facts matter more than continent-wide averages.
National averages hide big differences between cities and regions. Prices in Nairobi, Lagos or Cape Town can be far higher than the national figures suggest. Always check current visa rules, travel advice and health requirements with official sources before you travel or move.
Frequently asked questions
Which African country has the highest income per person?
On World Bank figures for 2025, Seychelles has the highest GDP per person in Africa, followed by Mauritius, Gabon, Botswana and Equatorial Guinea. Sort the table by GDP per person to see the full list.
Which African economies are growing fastest?
Rwanda (9.4%) and Ethiopia (9.8%) were among the fastest-growing in 2025, along with Benin (8.1%) and Zimbabwe (8.1%), on World Bank data.
How many countries are there in Africa?
54 countries are UN member states in Africa. The African Union has 55 members, including the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
Where does this data come from?
Economic and social figures come from the World Bank's open data, using the latest year available for each country. Reference facts like capitals and currencies are checked against official sources.
Which African countries use English?
English is an official language in countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia. Use the language filter in the table.
Sources
Links are for reference only. METRIKA is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.
Rates checked 26 Sep 2026. METRIKA gives estimates, not financial or tax advice.