Nigeria Ranks 12th Poorest Country By GDP Per Capita In 2025, Says IMF Report.
Nigeria has been ranked the 12th poorest country in the world by gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in 2025, according to a recent report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), published by Visual Capitalist. The data, released on Tuesday, reveals Nigeria’s GDP per capita stands at $807, placing it among the bottom 15 of 50 nations surveyed.
The report highlights South Sudan as the world’s poorest nation, with a GDP per capita of just $251, followed by Yemen, Burundi, the Central African Republic, and Malawi. Despite Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s largest economies by total GDP, its low per capita figure underscores the persistent economic challenges faced by much of its population. The country’s large population, estimated at 237 million in 2025, significantly dilutes its economic output per person, reflecting deep structural issues within the economy.
“Chronic conflict, fragile institutions, and limited industrial bases continue to suppress income growth in many of these nations, even as the global economy rebounds post-pandemic,” Visual Capitalist noted in its analysis. Nigeria’s economic struggles are compounded by high inflation, currency depreciation, and inadequate public services, which have left many citizens grappling with poverty. The report also points out that Africa accounts for 19% of the global population but only 3% of global economic output, with Nigeria’s GDP per capita nearly 18 times lower than the global average of $14,213.
Interestingly, the report also places India, the world’s fourth-largest economy by total GDP, as the 50th poorest nation with a GDP per capita of $2,878. This illustrates how large populations can mask economic challenges when measured on a per capita basis. Other African countries, including Madagascar, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Niger, also feature among the world’s poorest.
Despite these challenges, there is some cause for optimism. Nigeria’s government, under President Bola Tinubu, has pursued bold reforms since May 2023, including the elimination of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates. These measures aim to stabilise the economy and attract investment. The African Development Bank projects economic growth to rise to 3.4% in 2025, driven by improved security, higher oil production, and stronger consumer demand. Additionally, the start of production at the Dangote refinery is expected to reduce energy costs, further supporting economic recovery.
Analysts, however, caution that sustained reforms are critical. Investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation are essential to address Nigeria’s deep-rooted inequalities and lift millions out of poverty. “The macroeconomic reforms, if sustained, create a platform for inclusive growth and poverty reduction,” the World Bank noted in its April 2025 Nigeria Development Update.
As Nigeria navigates these economic challenges, the focus remains on translating its vast potential—bolstered by natural resources and a young, dynamic population—into widespread prosperity for its citizens.
