Table of Contents
6. Guinea
Life expectancy at birth (in years): 58.9
Mean years of schooling: 2.2
Gross national income per capita: $2,481
While Guinea has large reserves of natural resources, arable land and energy opportunities, the country is still among the least developed countries in the world.
5. Mali
Life expectancy at birth (in years): 58.9
Mean years of schooling : 2.3
Gross national income per capita: $2,133
Poverty has significantly restricted Mali’s attempt to progress its economy. Only 2.3 mean years of schooling mean that illiteracy is quite high in the country while a slowly developing economy means that unemployment is rife as well. High population growth is another issue faced by Mali as its already meagre resources will be divided among a larger population which is why more jobs need to be created.
4. Burkina Faso
Life expectancy at birth (in years): 59.3
Mean years of schooling : 2.1
Gross national income per capita: $2,118
The Sahelian country has limited natural resources where the economy is based on agriculture, while more than 40% of the total population lives below the poverty line. In early 2022, a coup took place in Burkina Faso, which resulted in the African Union and Economic Community of West African States suspending the country from decision-making bodies. The nation has also struggled with terrorist attacks which have ensured that instability persists in the region.
3. Mozambique
Life expectancy at birth (in years): 59.3
Mean years of schooling: 3.2
Gross national income per capita: $1,198
21 out of our 25 least developed countries are based in Africa, showing that a lot of work needs to be done in the continent to improve the standards of living in most countries there. Mozambique suffered a devastating cyclone back in 2019 and the company has struggled to recover since. Mozambique has vast natural resources and farmland so it does have potential to recover and develop further.
