Top 10 least productive countries in Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa, a region rich in natural and human resources, holds immense potential. However, productivity varies significantly across its 54 countries.

Africa's vast and growing human resource base sets it apart in the global productivity landscape. The continent boasts a young and dynamic workforce with enormous potential.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines labour productivity as the total volume of output (measured in terms of gross domestic product, GDP) produced per unit of labour (measured in terms of the number of people employed or hours worked) over a given reference period.

Despite this potential, many African countries face low labour productivity compared to developed economies. This is primarily due to poor infrastructure, economic mismanagement, and a lack of education and skills development.

According to Ilostat data, Libya is the most productive country on the continent, with $30 of GDP per hour worked. In contrast, Burundi, the Central African Republic, and Liberia rank as the least productive, each with only $1 of GDP per hour worked.

Here are the 10 least productive countries in Africa:

1. Burundi - $1 GDP per hour worked
2. Central African Republic - $1 GDP per hour worked
3. Liberia - $1 GDP per hour worked
4. Niger - $2 GDP per hour worked
5. Madagascar - $2 GDP per hour worked
6. Democratic Republic of the Congo - $2 GDP per hour worked
7. Mozambique - $2 GDP per hour worked
8. Eritrea - $2 GDP per hour worked
9. Chad - $2 GDP per hour worked
10. Sierra Leone - $2 GDP per hour worked

With its young, innovative population and abundant resources, Africa is poised to rethink its economic opportunities for the benefit of the continent and the world.