1. South Africa
GDP: $595.7 billion
South Africa is popularly known for its mineral
resources such as gold and diamond but the Gold
Rush ended way back in the 19th century. There
are more things to look forward to in South Africa
besides its shiny jewels. Major cities like
Johannesburg and Cape Town offer a unique
experience that can take you from raving nights
out in the town to calm mountain ranges by the
ocean.
2. Egypt
GDP: $551.4 billion
Sandwiched between Africa and Asia, much of
Egypt’s population lies on the banks of the famous
Nile Valley. Egypt is known as a cradle of
civilization with evidence of human technological
advancement obvious from its numerous temples,
Pyramids and famous monuments such as the
Great Sphinx. Egypt has gathered wealth from as
far back as 3200 BC and much of this can be seen
in the major cities like Cairo.
3. Nigeria
GDP: $478.5 billion
The most populous country in Africa is a major
contender on this list, its manufacturing sector
being the third largest in Africa while it
contributes a considerable share of the world’s oil.
Taking into account this country’s population of
170 million, Nigeria is on track to becoming one of
the 20 largest economies in the world by 2020.
This can be seen in cities like Lagos where the city
skyline is composed of tall buildings owned by big
multinational corporations.
4. Algeria
GDP: $284.7 billion
Oil and gas exports have placed Algeria on this
list. Much of its wealth is gotten from oil deposits
deep within the North African soil. Also rich in
natural minerals, it is suggested that the ancient
Romans collected stones and marbles from
quarries in what is now known as Algeria. You can
find onyx, red and white marbles, iron, lead, and
zinc in large quantities. It’s capital city, Algiers
offers rare beauty in the intricate architecture of
its most famous buildings.
5. Morocco
GDP: $180 billion
Morocco was named the first most competitive
economy in North Africa. Tourism, telecoms,
textiles and agriculture are Morocco’s biggest cash
cows. When next you visit Marrakech, Casablanca
or Rabat, be sure to take desert rides, call your
friends at home, buy a pair of Babouches and tour
the marketplace for something fresh and local.
6. Angola
GDP: $131.8 billion
Angola may not have come to mind as one of the
top 10 richest countries in Africa but surprisingly,
it has a large deposit of oil and gas resources,
diamonds, and bountiful agricultural land. Still
recovering from the 27-year civil war that lasted
from 1975-2002, Angola has made efforts to revive
its economy with heavy oil and agricultural
exports. Cities like Luanda are undergoing major
reconstruction to make Angola a top African
destination.
7. Ethiopia
GDP: $118.2 billion
As one of the fastest growing economies in the
world, Ethiopia has had to contend with the rising
number of able youths eager to work. The
Ethiopian economy depends largely on agriculture
so if you’ve got an Ethiopian cousin, he’s most
likely learning the tools of the farming trade,
although you wouldn’t find such people in the
country’s capital, Addis Ababa. Most young people
in Addis Ababa are into telecommunications and
the financial industry, spending their free time
sipping local coffee and touring the magnificent
buildings.
8. Tunisia
GDP: $108.4 billion
Oil, tourism and car manufacturing parts are the
name of the game in Tunisia. It is one of the
wealthiest countries in Africa so you won’t wander
too far into its cities like Tunis before finding a
pleasant spot to relax. The city is covered with bits
of opulence from as far back as the 12th century.
Year-round sunshine and the affordable Tunisian
lifestyle have drawn tourists here who now call
this place home.
9. Ghana
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GDP: $90.41 billion
Ghana can be tagged as one of the only nations on
this list that depend on technological products to
live up to its name. Economic industrialization has
taken over in cities like Accra and Kumasi with
major exports of manufacturing, construction, and
digital products and services. It is one of the most
economically sound countries in all of Africa,
that’s why citizens of nearby countries come to
Ghana for business and pleasure.
10. Sudan
GDP: $89.97 billion
More than once, we have mentioned oil and gas as
the main source of income for countries on this
list. Sudan also falls into that category but in a
more diverse way. It depends on oil but with a
third of its GDP contributed by agriculture. Cotton
and peanuts constitute its major agricultural
exports. You may not notice a “Made in Sudan” tag
on the shirt you buy in Khartoum but cotton from
Sudan has fueled the textile industry in many parts
of the world.
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