Doing Business

in Africa
Doing Business in Africa

Notes:
1. All indicators are estimates for 2005 (unless otherwise
indicated)
2. Sources: Africa Institute of South Africa; The Africa
Report, Economist Intelligence Unit; United Nations
Development Programme; GOPA Group Southern Africa
Copyright © 2006 PricewaterhouseCoopers. All rights
reserved. PricewaterhouseCoopers refers to the individual
member firms of the worldwide PricewaterhouseCoopers
organisation.
This document is published by PricewaterhouseCoopers. It
is strictly confidential and as such may not be copied,
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any form or by any means without the prior written
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The information contained in this document is for general
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information in this document should not be used as a
substitute for consultation with competent advisers. Before
making any decision or taking any action, you should
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In no event will PricewaterhouseCoopers be liable to you or
anyone else for any decision made or action taken in
reliance on the information in this document or for any
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 The New Partnership for Africa’s
Development (NEPAD) has been
conceived by African Heads of State,
with the fundamental objective to
promote sustainable development
on the African continent, in a
manner that embodies social,
economic and environmental
dimensions.

NEPAD reflects the belief of African

leaders that they have the responsibility,
together with the African people, to
address:

• The lack of development and growth on the

continent.

• The pressing problems of poverty and social

exclusion that face the majority of the African
population.

• Africa’s increasing marginalisation from global

markets for goods, services and capital.

Africa is a continent that is rich in natural resources and

has a highly cost-effective labour base; it is for these
reasons amongst others, that as a continent, it has a
substantial amount to offer the world and humanity.
NEPAD is the vehicle through which the continent will
be united and promoted, thereby increasing Africa’s
competitiveness in global markets and putting it on a
path of sustainable growth and development.
 The time has come for
African people to take
control of their destiny,
and responsibility for freeing
themselves from poverty and
underdevelopment. Africa is
not a poor continent in terms of
resources – it is the African people
that are poor.
To correct this, conflict needs to end, levels of trust
need to be raised, conditions conducive to economic
growth and sustainable development need to be built,
and economic integration through policy reforms and
increased investment in infrastructure accelerated.
NEPAD, with its emphasis on partnership, has been
conceived by African Heads of State as a development
framework aimed at achieving precisely these
objectives.

NEPAD is about developing the continent as a united

economic and trading bloc, and thereby increasing its
competitiveness. It is about changing the current global
market and financial architecture. It recognises that to
do so, Africa must first put its own house in order and all
African countries must work together toward common
goals and objectives.

NEPAD brings not only a message of hope, but concrete

actions and programmes to realise that hope. NEPAD
is important because it reaches out to an audience that
had not really previously focused on Africa. NEPAD
 is Africa’s blueprint for
itself – it sets out where
Africa wants to be.

The leaders of NEPAD have

a firm belief that sustainable
development is not possible
without a vibrant private sector,
both domestic and international. As
NEPAD is about creating conditions
conducive to private sector
investment in African countries,
the challenge for the private
sector is thus to identify unfolding
opportunities in the African region,
and to take a medium to long-term
view of pursuing such opportunities. In
short, NEPAD’s long-term success rests
firmly on the pivotal role to be played by
the private sector and various business
communities.

In rising to meet this challenge,

PricewaterhouseCoopers has shown foresight
and is making a positive contribution to Africa and
the African people. We have pledged our support to
NEPAD and are committed to helping NEPAD achieve
success at various levels throughout the African
continent.

Colin Beggs
Senior Partner and Chief Executive Officer
PricewaterhouseCoopers – Southern Africa
 Africa’s economic history is
punctuated by numerous instances
of greed, corruption and exploitation.
More often than not this has
been fuelled by narrow short-term
commercial interests, which have left the
people of the continent in the dire, inhuman
circumstances we now face and have to
confront collectively: deep poverty, lack of
education and basic services, unemployment,
for millions of youth – a poor chance for active
participation and contribution in the global
economy. Paradoxically, Africa has enormous
underutilised natural resources that offer indisputable
opportunities for creating wealth.

The 21st century has brought in new insights that have

changed the ethical foundations of doing business. In
order to sustain the creation of wealth, business needs
to share a commitment to and an active involvement with
the societies in which it operates.

NEPAD offers the opportunity for business on the

continent to participate in creating a new economic
blueprint, a competitive business environment, and
reshaping the context in which it operates based on
radically new principles of sustainable growth.

At the behest of the Presidency, a number of South

African business leaders established the NEPAD
Business Group (NBG) in June 2002; this was done out
of a sense of shared responsibility and interest for the
rebuilding of the African continent.

The NBG was incorporated as a Section 21 company

and repositioned as the NEPAD Business Foundation.
The organisation was formally launched in August 2003,
 where it was endorsed
by President Thabo
Mbeki and Professor
Wiseman Nkuhlu
representing the NEPAD
African Secretariat.
Business formally endorsed
and supported the NEPAD
Business Group through the
following business associations,
AHI, SACOB, BMF, NAFCOC to
name a few, as well as interaction
with BUSA.

Since its inception the NBF has

interfaced with representatives
of G8 and has established
relationships with Government,
civil society, SA business, business
foundations and the international
community.

The NEPAD Business Foundation has set

out to not only create a platform for dialogue
between the private and public sectors in
order to actively partner the governments of
the continent to realise the objectives of the
programme, but to be an instrument that will directly
influence public sector policies, bring about greater trade
synergies and co-ordination and craft a more enabling
business environment.

Dr. Reuel Khoza

Chairman
NEPAD Business Foundation
 Index of
countries
• Algeria..................................................................2
• Angola..................................................................4
• Benin....................................................................6
• Botswana.............................................................8
• Burkina Faso......................................................10
• Burundi..............................................................12
• Cameroon..........................................................14
• Cape Verde........................................................16
• Central African Republic....................................18
• Chad..................................................................20
• Comores............................................................22
• Congo................................................................24
• Côte d’Ivoire......................................................26
• Democratic Republic of Congo.........................28
• Djibouti...............................................................30
• Egypt..................................................................32
• Equatorial Guinea..............................................34
• Eritrea.................................................................36
• Ethiopia..............................................................38
• Gabon................................................................40
• Gambia..............................................................42
• Ghana................................................................44
• Guinea...............................................................46
• Guinea-Bissau...................................................48
• Kenya.................................................................50
• Lesotho..............................................................52
• Liberia................................................................54
• Libya..................................................................56
• Madagascar.......................................................58
• Malawi................................................................60
• Mali....................................................................62
• Mauritania..........................................................64
• Mauritius............................................................66
• Morocco.............................................................68
• Mozambique......................................................70
• Namibia..............................................................72
• Niger..................................................................74
• Nigeria................................................................76
• Rwanda..............................................................78
• São Tomé and Príincipe.....................................80
• Senegal..............................................................82
• Seychelles..........................................................84
• Sierra Leone.......................................................86
• Somalia..............................................................88
• South Africa.......................................................90
• Sudan................................................................92
• Swaziland..........................................................94
• Tanzania.............................................................96
• Togo...................................................................98
• Tunisia..............................................................100
• Uganda............................................................102
• Zambia.............................................................104
• Zimbabwe........................................................106
 

Cape
Verde

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Algeria
Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Arabic
Other key languages Berber, French
Major religious groups Muslim
Capital Algiers
Population 32.9m
Land area 2,381,741 km²
Population density (people/km²) 13.8
Adult literacy rate 72%
Life expectancy at birth 70 years
 
Key economic data
GDP US$ 87.6 bn
GDP per capita US$ 2,663
Average Real GDP growth 5.2%
2001-05
Currency Algerian Dinar
Inflation 4.3%
Exports US$ 46,761 m
Imports US$ 21,947 m
Main destinations of exports Italy, US, France,
Spain
Main sources of imports France, Italy, Spain,
Germany
Foreign direct investment US$ 882 m
Public expenditure on education 5.3%
(% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 24%
Contribution to GDP by the 10%
primary sectors
Key exports Crude oil, natural gas,
condensate, refined
products
Key imports Capital goods, food,
intermediate goods,
consumer goods
Electricity consumption per 1013 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 19
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 72
people

Algeria


São Tomé
and Príncipe

Angola
Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Portuguese
Other key languages Umbundu, Kimbundu,
Lunda, Kikongo
Major religious groups Christian (Roman
Catholic), Animist
Capital Luanda
Population 15.9 m
Land area 1,246,700 km²
Population density 12.8
(people/km²)
Adult literacy rate 42%
Life expectancy at birth 40 years
 
Key economic data
GDP US$ 21.8 bn
GDP per capita US$ 1,368
Average Real GDP growth 10.9%
2001-05
Currency Kuanza
Inflation 18.5%
Exports US$ 25,860 m
Imports US$ 8,164.5 m
Main destinations of exports US, China, France,
South Korea, Chile
Main sources of imports Portugal, US, South
Africa, Japan, Brazil
Foreign direct investment US$ 2 m
Public expenditure on education 2.8%
(% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 32
Contribution to GDP by the 13%
primary sectors
Key exports Crude oil, diamonds,
refined petroleum
products, liquified
natural gas
Key imports Consumer goods,
capital goods,
intermediate goods
Electricity consumption 113 kWh
per capita
Cellular telephone 13
subscribers per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines 6
per 1,000 people

Angola
 

Cape
Verde

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Benin
Comores

Mauritius

General information

Official language French

Other key languages Fon, Adja, Bariba,
Yoruba, Fulani, Somba,
Aizo
Major religious groups Ethnic, Christian,
Muslim
Capital Porto Novo (nominal),
Cotonou (political &
economic)
Population 8.4 m
Land area 112,622 km²
Population density (people/km²) 74.6
Adult literacy rate 43%
Life expectancy at birth 51 years
 
Key economic data
GDP US$ 4.3 bn

GDP per capita US$ 512

Average Real GDP growth 4.5%

2001-05

Currency CFA Franc

Inflation 3.5%

Exports US$ 722 m

Imports US$ 1,042 m

Main destinations of exports China, India, Ghana,

Indonesia, Niger

Main sources of imports China, France, Thailand,

Côte d’Ivoire, UK

Foreign direct investment US$ 60 m

Public expenditure on 3.3%

education (% of GDP 2001-05)

Capital formation/GDP ratio 20%

Contribution to GDP by the 36%

primary sectors

Key exports Cotton & textiles, re-

exports

Key imports Food, petroleum

products

Electricity consumption per 86 kWh

capita

Cellular telephone subscribers 51

per 1,000 people

Fixed telephone lines per 12

1,000 people

Benin


Botswana
São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language English
Other key languages Tswana
Major religious groups Christian (Roman
Catholic, Protestant),
Ethnic
Capital Gaborone
Population 1.8 m
Land area 581,730 km²
Population density (people/km²) 3.1
Adult literacy rate 82%
Life expectancy at birth 41 years
 
Key economic data
GDP US$ 9.3 bn
GDP per capita US$ 5,139
Average Real GDP growth 4.9%
2001-05
Currency Pula
Inflation 8.6%
Exports US$ 3,680 m
Imports US$ 3,295 m
Main destinations of exports Europe, UK, SACU,
Zimbabwe
Main sources of imports SACU, Europe, UK, US
Foreign direct investment US$ 47 m
Public expenditure on education 2.1%
(% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 24%
Contribution to GDP by the 36%
primary sectors
Key exports Diamonds, copper-
nickel, vehicles, textiles,
beef
Key imports Machinery & electrical
goods, vehicles &
transport equipment,
food, fuel, chemical &
rubber products
Electricity consumption per 4,313 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 533
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 6
1,000 people

Botswana
 10

Cape
Verde

Burkina Faso
São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language French
Other key languages Gur, Mande
Major religious groups Ethnic, Muslim,
Christian
Capital Ouagadougou
Population 13.2 m
Land area 274,122 km²
Population density (people/km²) 48.2
Adult literacy rate 13%
Life expectancy at birth 49 years
 11
Key economic data
GDP US$ 5.3 bn
GDP per capita US$ 398
Average Real GDP growth 5%
2001-05
Currency CFA Franc
Inflation 6.4%
Exports US$ 458 m
Imports US$ 895 m
Main destinations of exports China, Singapore,
Ghana, Bangladesh
Main sources of imports France, Côte d’Ivoire,
Togo, Libya
Foreign direct investment US$ 35 m
Public expenditure on 2.7%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 26%
Contribution to GDP by the 37%
primary sectors
Key exports Cotton, livestock
products, gold
Key imports Capital goods,
petroleum products,
food
Electricity consumption per 26 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 14
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 7
people

Burkina Faso
12

Burundi
Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language French, Kirundi
Other key languages Kishwahili
Major religious groups Christian, Ethnic
Capital Bujumbura
Population 7.5 m
Land area 27,834 km²
Population density (people/km²) 270
Adult literacy rate 53%
Life expectancy at birth 41 years
 13
Key economic data
GDP US$ 0.75 bn
GDP per capita US$ 100
Average Real GDP growth 2.6%
2001-05
Currency Burundi Franc
Inflation 16%
Exports US$ 91.3 m
Imports US$ 221.5 m
Main destinations of exports Germany, Belgium,
Pakistan, US, Rwanda
Main sources of imports Kenya, Tanzania, US,
Belgium, France
Foreign direct investment US$ 3 m
Public expenditure on 4%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 11%
Contribution to GDP by the 49%
primary sectors
Key exports Coffee, tea,
manufactures
Key imports Capital goods, food,
intermediate goods,
consumption goods
Electricity consumption per 103 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 12
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 4
people

Burundi
14

Cameroon
São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official languages French, English
Other key languages Fulani, Sao, Bamileke
Major religious groups Animist, Christian
(Roman Catholic),
Sunni Islam, Muslim
Capital Yaoundé
Population 16.3m
Land area 475,422 km²
Population density (people/km²) 34.3
Adult literacy rate 71%
Life expectancy at birth 47 years
 15
Key economic data
GDP US$ 14.9 bn
GDP per capita US$ 910
Average Real GDP growth 4.1%
2001-05
Currency CFA Franc
Inflation 1.5%
Exports US$ 3.1 bn
Imports US$ 2.5 bn
Main destinations of exports Spain, Italy, UK, France,
US
Main sources of imports France, Nigeria, Belgium,
China, US
Foreign direct investment US$ 147m
Public expenditure on 5.4%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 16%
Contribution to GDP by the 42%
primary sectors
Key exports Crude oil, timber, cocoa,
cotton
Key imports Minerals & raw materials,
semi-finished goods,
enterprise consumption,
industrial equipment
Electricity consumption per 240 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 110
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 9
people

Cameroon
16

Cape Verde
Cape
Verde

São Tomé
and Príncipe

General information
Official language Portuguese
Other key languages Crioulo (Creole)
Major religious groups Christian (Roman
Catholic)
Capital Praia
Population 0.51 m
Land area 4,033 km²
Population density (people/km²) 126.7
Adult literacy rate 79%
Life expectancy at birth 70 years
 17
Key economic data
GDP US$ 1.015 bn
GDP per capita US$ 1,986
Average Real GDP growth 5.2%
2001-05
Currency Escudo
Inflation 0.4%
Exports US$ 73.1 m
Imports US$ 446.1 m
Main destinations of exports Portugal, US, UK,
Denmark, Germany
Main sources of imports Portugal, US,
Netherlands, Spain, Italy
Foreign direct investment US$ 20 m
Public expenditure on Not applicable
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 26%
Contribution to GDP by the 12%
primary sectors
Key exports Fuel, clothing, shoes
& shoe parts, fish &
crustaceans
Key imports Consumer goods,
intermediary goods,
capital goods, petroleum
Electricity consumption 115 kWh
per capita
Cellular telephone 308
subscribers per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 257
people

Cape Verde
18

Central African
Republic
São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language French
Other key languages Ubangi
Major religious groups Christian, Ethnic
Capital Bangui
Population 4.1 m
Land area 622,984 km²
Population density (people/km²) 6.6
Adult literacy rate 52%
Life expectancy at birth 40 years
 19
Key economic data
GDP US$ 1.5 bn
GDP per capita US$ 366
Average Real GDP growth -0.96%
2001-05
Currency CFA Franc
Inflation 2.5%
Exports US$ 140.2 m
Imports US$ 154.1 m
Main destinations of exports Belgium, Italy, Spain
Main sources of imports France, US, Cameroon
Foreign direct investment US$ -13 m
Public expenditure on 2.2%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 5%
Contribution to GDP by the 58%
primary sectors
Key exports Timber, diamonds,
cotton, coffee
Key imports Oil, public investment
programme (capital
goods)
Electricity consumption per 29 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 4
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 3
people

Central African Republic

20

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Chad
Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Arabic, French
Other key languages Nilo-Saharan (Bagirmi,
Sara, Maba, Kanuri)
Major religious groups Ethnic, Muslim,
Christian
Capital N’Djamena
Population 9.8 m
Land area 1,284,000 km²
Population density (people/km²) 7.6
Adult literacy rate 49%
Life expectancy at birth 45 years
 21
Key economic data
GDP US$ 5 bn
GDP per capita US$ 515
Average Real GDP growth 13.3%
2001-05
Currency CFA Franc
Inflation 3%
Exports US$ 3,139 m
Imports US$ 901.8 m
Main destinations of exports US, China, Portugal,
South Korea, Germany
Main sources of imports France, Cameroon, US,
Portugal, Germany
Foreign direct investment US$ 478 m
Public expenditure on 2%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 38%
Contribution to GDP by the 26%
primary sectors
Key exports Livestock & meat, cotton,
oil
Key imports Oil
Electricity consumption per 13 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 6
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 3
people

Chad
22

Seychelles

Comores

Comores
Mauritius

General information
Official language Arabic, French
Other key languages Comorian Swahili

Major religious groups Sunni Muslim

Capital Moroni
Population 614,000
Land area 1,862 km²
Population density (people/km²) 330
Adult literacy rate 59%
Life expectancy at birth 61 years
 23
Key economic data
GDP US$ 394 m
GDP per capita US$ 642
Average Real GDP growth 2%
2001-05
Currency Comoros Franc
Inflation 4%
Exports US$ 12.6 m
Imports US$ 70.2 m
Main destinations of exports France, Germany, US,
Singapore
Main sources of imports France, Japan, South
Africa, Kenya
Foreign direct investment US$ 2 m
Public expenditure on education Not applicable
(% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 9%
Contribution to GDP by the 51%
primary sectors
Key exports Vanilla, cloves,
agricultural products
Key imports Petroleum products,
rice, meat
Electricity consumption per 26 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 1
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 15
people

Comores
24

Congo (Brazzaville)
São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language French
Other key languages Bantu, Kitube, Lingala
Major religious groups Ethnic, Christian
Capital Brazzaville
Population 4m
Land area 342,000 km²
Population density (people/km²) 11.7
Adult literacy rate 86%
Life expectancy at birth 48 years
 25
Key economic data
GDP US$ 5.2 bn
GDP per capita US$ 1,288
Average Real GDP growth 4.2%
2001-05
Currency CFA Franc
Inflation 2.6%
Exports US$ 4,296 m
Imports US$ 1,438.5 m
Main destinations of exports China, North Korea, US,
France
Main sources of imports France, US, Germany,
Italy
Foreign direct investment US$ 668 m
Public expenditure on 3.2%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 29%
Contribution to GDP by the 7%
primary sectors
Key exports Petroleum, petroleum
products, timber, sugar
Key imports Petroleum & products
Electricity consumption per 146 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 190
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 11
people

Congo (Brazzaville)
 26

Cape
Verde

Côte d’Ivoire
São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language French
Other key languages Kwa, Kru, Gur, Mande
Major religious groups Ethnic, Muslim,
Christian
Capital Yamoussoukro
Population 18.2 m
Land area 322,642 km²
Population density (people/km²) 56
Adult literacy rate 53%
Life expectancy at birth 41 years
 27
Key economic data
GDP US$ 15.6 bn
GDP per capita US$ 857
Average Real GDP growth -0.54%
2001-05
Currency CFA Franc
Inflation 3.9%
Exports US$ 7,252 m
Imports US$ 5,420 m
Main destinations of exports US, Netherlands,
France, Italy, Belgium
Main sources of imports France, Nigeria, China,
Italy, Belgium
Foreign direct investment US$ 360 m
Public expenditure on 4.6%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 11%
Contribution to GDP by the 23%
primary sectors
Key exports Cocoa & products,
petroleum & products,
timber, coffee &
products
Key imports Foodstuffs, petroleum
& products, capital
equipment
Electricity consumption per 236 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 173
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 27
people

Côte d’Ivoire
 28

Democratic Republic
of Congo
São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language French
Other key languages English, Swahili,
Lingala, Kikongo/
Kituba, Ishiluba/Kiluba
Major religious groups Christian, Ethnic
Capital Kinshasa
Population 57.5m
Land area 2,344,858km²
Population density (people/km²) 24.5
Adult literacy rate 66%
Life expectancy at birth 41 years
 29
Key economic data
GDP US$ 6.9 bn
GDP per capita US$ 120
Average Real GDP growth 4.1%
2001-05
Currency Congo Franc
Inflation 21.6%
Exports US$ 2,049 m
Imports US$ 2,252 m
Main destinations of exports Belgium, Finland,
Zimbabwe, US
Main sources of imports South Africa, Belgium,
France, Kenya
Foreign direct investment US$ 900 m
Public expenditure on Not applicable
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 13%
Contribution to GDP by the 56%
primary sectors
Key exports Diamonds, crude oil,
cobalt, copper
Key imports Consumer goods, raw
materials, capital goods
Electricity consumption per 84 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 20
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 2
people

Democratic Republic of Congo

30

Djibouti
Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Arabic, French
Other key languages Somali
Major religious groups Muslim, Christian
Capital Djibouti
Population 0.8 m
Land area 23,200 km²
Population density (people/km²) 34
Adult literacy rate 69%
Life expectancy at birth 46 years
 31
Key economic data
GDP US$ 0.709 bn
GDP per capita US$ 886
Average Real GDP growth 2.8%
2001-05
Currency Djibouti Franc
Inflation 3.5%
Exports US$ 94 m
Imports US$ 420 m
Main destinations of exports Somalia, Yemen,
Ethiopia, UK, India
Main sources of imports Saudi Arabia, India,
Ethiopia, China, France
Foreign direct investment US$ 33 m
Public expenditure on Not applicable
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 10%
Contribution to GDP by the 4%
primary sectors
Key exports Re-exports, locally
produced goods
Key imports Food & beverages,
petroleum products, khat,
machinery & electrical
equipment
Electricity consumption per 266 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 50
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 19
people

Djibouti
 32

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Egypt
Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Arabic
Other key languages English
Major religious groups Sunni Muslim, Christian
Capital Cairo
Population 74 m
Land area 1,001,449km²
Population density (people/km²) 74
Adult literacy rate 59%
Life expectancy at birth 69 years
 33
Key economic data
GDP US$ 83.9 bn
GDP per capita US$ 1,134
Average Real GDP growth 3.1%
2001-05
Currency Egyptian Pound
Inflation 5%
Exports US$ 15,256 m
Imports US$ 26,541 m
Main destinations of exports Italy, US, UK, France
Main sources of imports US, Germany, Italy,
France
Foreign direct investment US$ 1.2 m
Public expenditure on 3.7%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 17%
Contribution to GDP by the 29%
primary sectors
Key exports Petroleum & products,
aluminium, iron, steel,
raw cotton, yarn,
textiles & garments,
pharmaceuticals
Key imports Intermediate goods,
capital goods,
petroleum, consumer
goods
Electricity consumption per 1,355 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 192
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 152
people

Egypt
34

Equatorial Guinea
São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Spanish
Other key languages French, Fang, Bubi,
Krio
Major religious groups Christian, Ethnic
Capital Malabo
Population 0.5
Land area 28,051 km²
Population density (people/km²) 17.8
Adult literacy rate 87%
Life expectancy at birth 49 years
 35
Key economic data
GDP US$ 7 bn
GDP per capita US$ 14,000
Average Real GDP growth 27.8%
2001-05
Currency CFA Franc
Inflation 6%
Exports US$ 6,935 m
Imports US$ 2,922 m
Main destinations of exports US, China, Spain,
Canada
Main sources of imports US, Côte d’Ivoire
Foreign direct investment US$ 1,664 m
Public expenditure on 0.5%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 45%
Contribution to GDP by the 3%
primary sectors
Key exports Oil & gas, timber, cocoa
Key imports Oil-related investments,
public sector imports, oil
products
Electricity consumption per 44 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 170
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 25
people

Equatorial Guinea
 36

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Eritrea
Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Arabic, Tigrinya
Other key languages English, Saho
Major religious groups Christian, Muslim
Capital Asmara
Population 4.5 m
Land area 121,144 km²
Population density (people/km²) 37
Adult literacy rate 60%
Life expectancy at birth 53 years
 37
Key economic data
GDP US$ 1.1 bn
GDP per capita US$ 244
Average Real GDP growth 3.2%
2001-05
Currency Nafka
Inflation 15%
Exports US$ 17.9 m
Imports US$ 606.7 m
Main destinations of exports Sudan, Italy, Djibouti,
Germany, Ethiopia
Main sources of imports United Arab Emirates,
Saudi Arabia, Italy,
Germany, Belgium
Foreign direct investment US$ 30 m
Public expenditure on 2.7%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 18%
Contribution to GDP by the 12%
primary sectors
Key exports Food & live animals, raw
materials, manufactured
goods
Key imports Machinery & transport
equipment, food & live
animals, manufactured
goods, chemicals &
chemical products
Electricity consumption per 130 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 0
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 15
people

Eritrea
 38

São Tomé

Ethiopia
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Amharic
Other key languages Afro-Asiatic, Nilo-
Saharan
Major religious groups Christian, Muslim,
Ethnic
Capital Addis Ababa
Population 74 m
Land area 1,100,756 km²
Population density (people/km²) 67
Adult literacy rate 45%
Life expectancy at birth 46 years
 39
Key economic data
GDP US$ 8.8 bn
GDP per capita US$ 119
Average Real GDP growth 5.1%
2001-05
Currency Birr
Inflation 10.9%
Exports US$ 860 m
Imports US$ 3,396 m
Main destinations of exports Djibouti, Germany,
Japan, Saudi Arabia
Main sources of imports Saudi Arabia, US,
China, Italy
Foreign direct investment US$ 545 m
Public expenditure on 4.8%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 18%
Contribution to GDP by the 42.%
primary sectors
Key exports Coffee, chat, oilseed,
pulses
Key imports Grains & cereals,
fuel products, cars
& service vehicles,
telecommunications &
computer equipment
Electricity consumption per 57 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 3
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 6
people

Ethiopia
40

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Gabon
Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language French
Other key languages Fang, Myene, Bateke
Major religious groups Christian, Ethnic
Capital Libreville
Population 1.4 m
Land area 267,667 km²
Population density (people/km²) 5
Adult literacy rate 74%
Life expectancy at birth 57 years
 41
Key economic data
GDP US$ 7.5 bn
GDP per capita US$ 5,357
Average Real GDP growth 1.6%
2001-05
Currency CFA Franc
Inflation 0.8%
Exports US$ 5,605 m
Imports US$ 1,518 m
Main destinations of exports US, China, France,
Trinidad and Tobago
Main sources of imports France, US, UK,
Netherlands
Foreign direct investment US$ 323 m
Public expenditure on 3.9%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 24%
Contribution to GDP by the 6%
primary sectors
Key exports Petroleum (crude),
timber, manganese
Key imports Machinery & mechanical
appliances, prepared
foodstuffs
Electricity consumption per 1,325 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 463
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 26
people

Gabon
 42

Cape
Verde

São Tomé
Gambia
and Príncipe

General information
Official language English
Other key languages Wolof, Madinka, Fula
Major religious groups Muslim, Ethnic,
Christian
Capital Banjul
Population 1.5 m
Land area 11,295 km²
Population density (people/km²) 133
Adult literacy rate 41%
Life expectancy at birth 54 years
 43
Key economic data
GDP US$ 0.5 bn
GDP per capita US$ 333
Average Real GDP growth 3.9%
2001-05
Currency Dalasi
Inflation 5.9%
Exports US$ 124 m
Imports US$ 240 m
Main destinations of exports Thailand, UK, France,
India, Germany
Main sources of imports China, Senegal, UK,
Netherlands, US
Foreign direct investment US$ 60 m
Public expenditure on 2.7%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 19%
Contribution to GDP by the 32%
primary sectors
Key exports Re-exports, groundnut
products, fruits &
vegetables, fish & fish
preparation
Key imports Food, machinery &
transport equipment,
manufactures, minerals
& fuels
Electricity consumption per 101 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 124
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 41
people

Gambia
 44

Cape
Verde

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Ghana
Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language English
Other key languages Akan, Ewe, Ga
Major religious groups Christian, Muslim,
Ethnic
Capital Accra
Population 22.1 m
Land area 239,460 km²
Population density (people/km²) 92
Adult literacy rate 77%
Life expectancy at birth 58 years
 45
Key economic data
GDP US$ 10.3 bn
GDP per capita US$ 466
Average Real GDP growth 4.8%
2001-05
Currency Cedi
Inflation 15.1%
Exports US$ 2,729.8 m
Imports US$ 5,259.7 m
Main destinations of exports Netherlands, UK,
France, US, Belgium
Main sources of imports Nigeria, China, UK, US,
France
Foreign direct investment US$ 139 m
Public expenditure on 4.1%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 22%
Contribution to GDP by the 36%
primary sectors
Key exports Gold, cocoa beans
& products, timber &
products
Key imports Oil
Electricity consumption per 356 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 45
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 19
people

Ghana
46

Cape
Verde

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Guinea
Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language French
Other key languages Fulani, Kissi, Malinké,
Susu, Kpelle
Major religious groups Muslim, Christian,
Ethnic
Capital Conakry
Population 9.4 m
Land area 245,857 km²
Population density (people/km²) 38.2
Adult literacy rate 44%
Life expectancy at birth 50 years
 47
Key economic data
GDP US$ 3 bn
GDP per capita US$ 319
Average Real GDP growth 3%
2001-05
Currency Guinea Franc
Inflation 31.1%
Exports US$ 805 m
Imports US$ 721 m
Main destinations of exports South Korea, Russia,
Spain, Ireland
Main sources of imports France, China,
Netherlands, US
Foreign direct investment US$ 100 m
Public expenditure on 1.9%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 11%
Contribution to GDP by the 20%
primary sectors
Key exports Bauxite, alumina, gold,
diamonds
Key imports Food products,
petroleum, capital
goods
Electricity consumption per 99 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 22
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 4
people

Guinea
48

Guinea-Bissau
Cape
Verde

São Tomé
and Príncipe

General information
Official language Portuguese
Other key languages Criolo, Balante
Major religious groups Ethnic, Muslim,
Christian
Capital Bissau
Population 1.6 m
Land area 36,125 km²
Population density (people/km²) 44.3
Adult literacy rate 43%
Life expectancy at birth 45 years
 49
Key economic data
GDP US$ 0.3 bn
GDP per capita US$ 188
Average Real GDP growth 0.1%
2001-05
Currency CFA Franc
Inflation 2.1%
Exports US$ 101 m
Imports US$ 116 m
Main destinations of exports India, US, Nigeria, Italy,
Senegal
Main sources of imports Senegal, Portugal,
Netherlands, China, Italy
Foreign direct investment US$ 5 m
Public expenditure on 2.1%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 15%
Contribution to GDP by the 64%
primary sectors
Key exports Cashew nuts, fish &
shrimps
Key imports Food products, capital
equipment
Electricity consumption per 51 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 10
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 1
people

Guinea-Bissau
 50

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Kenya
Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Swahili, English
Other key languages Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo,
Kamba
Major religious groups Christian, Ethnic,
Muslim
Capital Nairobi
Population 34.3 m
Land area 582,646 km²
Population density (people/km²) 59
Adult literacy rate 87%
Life expectancy at birth 45 years
 51
Key economic data
GDP US$ 17.5 bn
GDP per capita US$ 510
Average Real GDP growth 3.4%
2001-05
Currency Kenya Shilling
Inflation 10.3%
Exports US$ 3,276.5 m
Imports US$ 5,896.8 m
Main destinations of exports Uganda, UK, US,
Netherlands
Main sources of imports United Arab Emirates,
Saudi Arabia, South
Africa, US
Foreign direct investment US$ 46 m
Public expenditure on 6.2%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 16%
Contribution to GDP by the 28%
primary sectors
Key exports Horticultural products,
tea, coffee, fish
products
Key imports Industrial supplies,
machinery & other
capital equipment,
consumer goods, food
& beverages
Electricity consumption per 147 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 91
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 11
people

Kenya
52

São Tomé

Lesotho
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language English, Sesotho
Other key languages Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans
Major religious groups Christian
Capital Maseru
Population 1.8 m
Land area 30,355 km²
Population density (people/km²) 59.3
Adult literacy rate 85%
Life expectancy at birth 37 years
 53
Key economic data
GDP US$ 2.1 bn
GDP per capita US$ 1,167
Average Real GDP growth 2.8%
2001-05
Currency Loti
Inflation 4.7%
Exports US$ 750 m
Imports US$ 1,380 m
Main destinations of exports North America,
Southern African
Customs Union, EU
Main sources of imports Southern African
Customs Union, Asia,
EU
Foreign direct investment US$ 52 m
Public expenditure on education 10%
(% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 30%
Contribution to GDP by the 17%
primary sectors
Key exports Clothing, foodstuffs,
footwear, livestock
materials
Key imports Manufactured goods,
food & live animals,
machinery & equipment
Electricity consumption per 4,313 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 115
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 15
people

Lesotho
54

Cape
Verde

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Liberia
Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language English
Other key languages Merico, Mande, Mel,
Kru, other Niger-Congo
dialects
Major religious groups Ethnic, Christian,
Muslim
Capital Monrovia
Population 3.5 m
Land area 111,369 km²
Population density (people/km²) 41.4
Adult literacy rate 59%
Life expectancy at birth 42 years
 55
Key economic data
GDP US$ 614 m
GDP per capita US$ 175
Average Real GDP growth -2.9%
2001-05
Currency Liberian Dollar
Inflation 15.5%
Exports US$ 110 m
Imports US$ 295 m
Main destinations of exports Germany, Poland, US,
Greece
Main sources of imports South Korea, Japan,
Singapore, Croatia
Foreign direct investment US$ 20 m
Public expenditure on Not applicable
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 8%
Contribution to GDP by the 48%
primary sectors
Key exports Rubber, cocoa
Key imports Mineral fuels &
lubricants, food & live
animals, machinery &
transport equipment,
manufactured goods
Electricity consumption per Not applicable
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers Not applicable
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 Not applicable
people

Liberia
56

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Libya
Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Arabic
Other key languages English, French
Major religious groups Sunni Muslim, Christian
Capital Tripoli
Population 5.9 m
Land area 1,759,540 km²
Population density (people/km²) 3.4
Adult literacy rate 85%
Life expectancy at birth 73 years
 57
Key economic data
GDP US$ 36.7 bn
GDP per capita US$ 6,220
Average Real GDP growth 6.7%
2001-05
Currency Libyan Dinar
Inflation 3.1%
Exports US$ 29,625 m
Imports US$ 10,823 m
Main destinations of exports Italy, Germany, Spain,
Turkey, France,
Switzerland
Main sources of imports Italy, Germany, South
Korea, UK, Tunisia,
Turkey
Foreign direct investment US$ 131 m
Public expenditure on 2.7%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 17%
Contribution to GDP by the 10%
primary sectors
Key exports Oil, gas
Key imports Food, capital equipment
Electricity consumption per 4,780 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 25
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 148
people

Libya
 58

Madagascar
o Tomé
d Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language French, Malagasy
Major religious groups Ethnic, Christian,
Muslim
Capital Antananarivo
Population 18.6 m
Land area 587,041 km²
Population density (people/km²) 31.7
Adult literacy rate 70%
Life expectancy at birth 54 years
 59
Key economic data
GDP US$ 4.7 bn
GDP per capita US$ 253
Average Real GDP growth 2001- 2.7%
05
Currency Malagasy Franc
Inflation 14%
Exports US$ 1,039 m
Imports US$ 1,499 m
Main destinations of exports US, France, Germany,
Italy, Japan
Main sources of imports China, France, Iran,
South Africa, India
Foreign direct investment US$ 45 m
Public expenditure on education 2.5%
(% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 27%
Contribution to GDP by the 26%
primary sectors
Key exports Textiles, vanilla, cloves,
shellfish, petroleum
products
Key imports Fuel products, capital
goods, raw materials,
food
Electricity consumption per 52 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 17
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 5
people

Madagascar
 60

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Malawi
Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Chichewa, English
Major religious groups Christian, Muslim,
Ethnic
Capital Lilongwe
Population 13 m
Land area 118,484 km²
Population density (people/km²) 109.7
Adult literacy rate 65%
Life expectancy at birth 38 years
 61
Key economic data
GDP US$ 1.8 bn
GDP per capita US$ 138
Average Real GDP growth 0.5%
2001-05
Currency Malawi Kwacha
Inflation 15.6%
Exports US$ 363 m
Imports US$ 645 m
Main destinations of exports South Africa, US,
Germany, Egypt
Main sources of imports South Africa, India,
Tanzania, Zambia
Foreign direct investment US$ 16 m
Public expenditure on 4.1%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 10%
Contribution to GDP by the 38%
primary sectors
Key exports Tobacco, sugar, apparel
& fabrics, tea
Key imports Fuels, capital goods
Electricity consumption per 78 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 13
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 9
people

Malawi
62

Cape
Verde

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mali
Mauritius

General information
Official language French
Other key languages Mande, Bambara, Gur
Major religious groups Muslim, Ethnic,
Christian
Capital Bamako
Population 13.5 m
Land area 1,240,192 km²
Population density (people/km²) 0.8
Adult literacy rate 22%
Life expectancy at birth 79 years
 63
Key economic data
GDP US$ 5.2 bn
GDP per capita US$ 385
Average Real GDP growth 6.3%
2001-05
Currency CFA Franc
Inflation 6%
Exports US$ 980 m
Imports US$ 1,175 m
Main destinations of exports China, Pakistan, Italy,
Thailand
Main sources of imports France, Senegal, Côte
d’Ivoire, Germany
Foreign direct investment US$ 180 m
Public expenditure on 2.8%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 20%
Contribution to GDP by the 36%
primary sectors
Key exports Gold, cotton
Key imports Capital goods,
petroleum products,
food
Electricity consumption per 40 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 7
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 7
people

Mali
64

Cape
Verde

Mauritania
São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Arabic
Other key languages French, Soninke, Fula,
Major religious groups Muslim
Capital Nouakchott
Population 3m
Land area 1,030,700 km²
Population density (people/km²) 3
Adult literacy rate 44%
Life expectancy at birth 52 years
 65
Key economic data
GDP US$ 1,9 bn
GDP per capita US$ 633
Average Real GDP growth 5%
2001-05
Currency Ouguiya
Inflation 13%
Exports US$ 600 m
Imports US$ 745 m
Main destinations of exports Japan, France, Spain,
Italy
Main sources of imports France, China, US,
Spain
Foreign direct investment US$ 300 m
Public expenditure on 3.6%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 33%
Contribution to GDP by the 18%
primary sectors
Key exports Iron ore, fish & fish
products
Key imports Oil exploration, public
investment & aid
Electricity consumption per 62 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 160
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 17
people

Mauritania
66

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius
Mauritius

General information
Official language English
Other key languages French, Creole, Hindi,
Urdu, Bhojpuri
Major religious groups Hindu, Christian,
Muslim
Capital Port Louis
Population 1.2 m
Land area 2,040 km²
Population density (people/km²) 588
Adult literacy rate 87%
Life expectancy at birth 72 years
 67
Key economic data
GDP US$ 6.4 bn
GDP per capita US$ 5,333
Average Real GDP growth 4.3%
2001-05
Currency Mauritian Rupee
Inflation 4.9%
Exports US$ 2,149 m
Imports US$ 2,890 m
Main destinations of exports UK, France, US,
Madagascar
Main sources of imports France, South Africa,
India, Germany
Foreign direct investment US$ 65 m
Public expenditure on 3.3%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 26%
Contribution to GDP by the 15%
primary sectors
Key exports Sugar cane
Key imports Machinery & transport
equipment, food &
beverages
Electricity consumption per 2,000 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 659
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 408
people

Mauritius
68

Cape
Verde

Morocco
São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Arabic
Other key languages Berber, French,
Spanish
Major religious groups Muslim, Christian,
Jewish
Capital Rabat
Population 31.5 m
Land area 458,730 km²
Population density (people/km²) 69
Adult literacy rate 54%
Life expectancy at birth 69 years
 69
Key economic data
GDP US$ 55.2 bn
GDP per capita US$ 1,752
Average Real GDP growth 4.2%
2001-05
Currency Dirham
Inflation 1%
Exports US$ 10,398 m
Imports US$ 18,574 m
Main destinations of exports France, Spain, UK, Italy
Main sources of imports France, Spain, Germany,
Italy
Foreign direct investment US$ 853 m
Public expenditure on 5.1%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 23%
Contribution to GDP by the 18%
primary sectors
Key exports Textiles, electric
components,
phosphoric acid,
phosphate rock, citrus
fruits
Key imports Capital goods, fuel
& lubricants, food &
beverages, tobacco
Electricity consumption per 663 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 447
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 48
people

Morocco
 70

Mozambique
São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Portuguese
Other key languages English, Swahili, other
local languages
Major religious groups Ethnic, Christian,
Muslim
Capital Maputo
Population 19.8 m
Land area 801,590 km²
Population density (people/km²) 24.7
Adult literacy rate 50%
Life expectancy at birth 39 years
 71
Key economic data
GDP US$ 6.3 bn
GDP per capita US$ 318
Average Real GDP growth 8.4%
2001-05
Currency Meticais
Inflation 14%
Exports US$ 1,717 m
Imports US$ 2,154 m
Main destinations of exports Netherlands, South
Africa, Malawi, Portugal
Main sources of imports South Africa, Portugal,
US, France
Foreign direct investment US$ 132 m
Public expenditure on 2.4%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 28%
Contribution to GDP by the 27%
primary sectors
Key exports Aluminium, electricity,
prawns, tobacco, sugar
Key imports Petroleum products,
electricity
Electricity consumption per 51 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 27
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 6
people

Mozambique
72

São Tomé

Namibia
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language English
Other key languages Afrikaans, German,
Khoisan, other local
languages
Major religious groups Christian
Capital Windhoek
Population 2m
Land area 824,268 km²
Population density (people/km²) 2.4
Adult literacy rate 86%
Life expectancy at birth 45 years
 73
Key economic data
GDP US$ 6.4 bn
GDP per capita US$ 3,200
Average Real GDP growth 4.5%
2001-05
Currency Namibian Dollar
Inflation 2.3%
Exports US$ 2,040 m
Imports US$ 2,350 m
Main destinations of exports South Africa, Angola,
Spain, UK, US
Main sources of imports South Africa, Germany,
Switzerland, Spain,
China
Foreign direct investment US$ 286 m
Public expenditure on 7.9%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 25%
Contribution to GDP by the 20%
primary sectors
Key exports Diamonds, prepared &
preserved fish, metal &
uranium ore, beverages
& other food products,
refined zinc
Key imports Transport equipment,
refined petroleum
products, machinery &
equipment, chemicals,
rubber & plastics
products, textiles,
clothing
Electricity consumption per 4,313 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 135
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 74
people

Namibia
 74

Cape
Verde

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Niger
Mauritius

General information
Official language French
Other key languages Hausa, Songhai,
Fulfulde, Tamashek,
Arabic
Major religious groups Muslim, Christian,
Ethnic
Capital Niamey
Population 14 m
Land area 1,267,000 km²
Population density (people/km²) 11
Adult literacy rate 20%
Life expectancy at birth 46 years
 75
Key economic data
GDP US$ 3.4 bn
GDP per capita US$ 243
Average Real GDP growth 4%
2001-05
Currency CFA Franc
Inflation 7.8%
Exports US$ 436 m
Imports US$ 675 m
Main destinations of exports France, Nigeria, Japan,
Switzerland
Main sources of imports France, US, French
Polynesia, Nigeria
Foreign direct investment US$ 20 m
Public expenditure on 2.3%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 16%
Contribution to GDP by the 42%
primary sectors
Key exports Uranium, livestock,
onions, cowpeas
Key imports Food product, capital
goods, petroleum
products
Electricity consumption per 42 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 2
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 3
people

Niger
 76

ape
erde

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Nigeria
Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language English
Other key languages Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo,
other Niger-Congo
dialects
Major religious groups Muslim, Christian,
Ethnic
Capital Abuja
Population 139.8 m
Land area 923,768 km²
Population density (people/km²) 151.3
Adult literacy rate 72%
Life expectancy at birth 52 years
 77
Key economic data
GDP US$ 96.5 bn
GDP per capita US$ 500
Average Real GDP growth 6.1%
2001-05
Currency Naira
Inflation 17.8%
Exports US$ 49,456 m
Imports US$ 26,118 m
Main destinations of exports US, India, Spain, Brazil
Main sources of imports US, China, UK,
Netherlands
Foreign direct investment US$ 2,127 m
Public expenditure on 0.9%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 20%
Contribution to GDP by the 35%
primary sectors
Key exports Oil, gas
Key imports Machinery & transport,
chemicals, food & live
animals
Electricity consumption per 165 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 21
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 5
people

Nigeria
78

Seychelles

Comores

Rwanda
Mauritius

General information
Official language French, Kinyarwanda,
English
Other key languages Kishwahili
Major religious groups Christian, Ethnic,
Muslim
Capital Kigali
Population 9.1 m
Land area 26,338 km²
Population density (people/km²) 346
Adult literacy rate 72%
Life expectancy at birth 39 years
 79
Key economic data
GDP US$ 2 bn
GDP per capita US$ 220
Average Real GDP growth 5.7%
2001-05
Currency Rwanda Franc
Inflation 8%
Exports US$ 116 m
Imports US$ 338 m
Main destinations of exports Indonesia, China,
Germany, Malaysia, US
Main sources of imports Kenya, Germany,
Belgium, Uganda,
France
Foreign direct investment US$ 11 m
Public expenditure on 2.8%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 18%
Contribution to GDP by the 42%
primary sectors
Key exports Coffee, tea, cassiterite
& tin
Key imports Energy, capital goods
Electricity consumption per 22 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 27
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 4
people

Rwanda
80

São Tomé and

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Príncipe Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Portuguese
Other key languages Portuguese Crioulo
Major religious groups Christian
Capital São Tomé
Population 152,000
Land area 1,001 km²
Population density (people/km²) 15.2
Adult literacy rate 86%
Life expectancy at birth 70 years
 81
Key economic data
GDP US$ 70.5 m
GDP per capita US$ 493
Average Real GDP growth 3.8%
2001-05
Currency Dobra
Inflation 15.2%
Exports US$ 7.3 m
Imports US$ 38.1 m
Main destinations of exports Netherlands, China,
Belgium, Germany
Main sources of imports Portugal, Germany, US,
Netherlands
Foreign direct investment US$ 54 m
Public expenditure on Not applicable
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 30%
Contribution to GDP by the 17%
primary sectors
Key exports Cocoa
Key imports Foodstuffs, petroleum
products
Electricity consumption per 123 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 25
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 50
people

São Tomé and Príncipe

82

Cape
Verde

São Tomé

Senegal
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language French
Other key languages Wolof, Mande, Fulani,
Serer
Major religious groups Sunni Muslim,
Christian, Ethnic
Capital Dakar
Population 11.7 m
Land area 196,192 km²
Population density (people/km²) 59.6
Adult literacy rate 42%
Life expectancy at birth 53 years
 83
Key economic data
GDP US$ 8.2 bn
GDP per capita US$ 700
Average Real GDP growth 4.9%
2001-05
Currency CFA Franc
Inflation 1.7%
Exports US$ 1,508 m
Imports US$ 2,383 m
Main destinations of exports India, France, Mali, Italy
Main sources of imports France, Nigeria,
Germany, Italy
Foreign direct investment US$ 70 m
Public expenditure on 3.2%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 19%
Contribution to GDP by the 17%
primary sectors
Key exports Fish & fish products,
phosphates, phosphoric
acid & fertilisers,
groundnuts & products
Key imports Food, petroleum
products
Electricity consumption per 159 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 92
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 30
people

Senegal
84

Seychelles

Seychelles
Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Creole French
Other key languages English
Major religious groups Christian
Capital Victoria
Population 81,000
Land area 455 km²
Population density (people/km²) 178
Adult literacy rate 92%
Life expectancy at birth 73 years
 85
Key economic data
GDP US$ 0.7 bn
GDP per capita US$ 8,642
Average Real GDP growth -2.1%
2001-05
Currency Seychelles Rupee
Inflation 0.9%
Exports US$ 308 m
Imports US$ 455 m
Main destinations of exports UK, France, Spain,
Japan
Main sources of imports Saudi Arabia, Spain,
France, Singapore
Foreign direct investment US$ 60 m
Public expenditure on 7.5%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 35%
Contribution to GDP by the 3%
primary sectors
Key exports Canned tuna, frozen &
fresh fish, frozen prawns,
re-exports of petroleum
Key imports Food & live animals, fuel,
machinery & transport
equipment, chemicals
Electricity consumption per 3,082 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 679
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 326
people

Seychelles
86

Cape
Verde

Sierra Leone
São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language English
Other key languages Krio
Major religious groups Animist, Christian,
Sunni Muslim
Capital Freetown
Population 5.5m
Land area 71,740 km²
Population density (people/km²) 76.7
Adult literacy rate 39%
Life expectancy at birth 35 years
 87
Key economic data
GDP US$ 1.2 bn
GDP per capita US$ 218
Average Real GDP growth 13.7%
2001-05
Currency Leone
Inflation 13%
Exports US$ 200 m
Imports US$ 330
Main destinations of exports Belgium, Germany, US,
India
Main sources of imports Germany, Côte d’Ivoire,
UK, US
Foreign direct investment US$ 5 m
Public expenditure on Not applicable
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 13%
Contribution to GDP by the 53%
primary sectors
Key exports Diamonds, cocoa beans
Key imports Fuel & lubricants, food,
machinery & transport
equipment
Electricity consumption per 54 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 27
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 6
people

Sierra Leone
 88

São Tomé

Somalia
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Arabic, Somali
Other key languages English, Italian, Swahili
Major religious groups Muslim
Capital Mogadishu
Population 9.4 m
Land area 637,657 km²
Population density (people/km²) 15
Adult literacy rate 30%
Life expectancy at birth 48
 89
Key economic data
GDP US$ 4 bn
GDP per capita US$ 600
Average Real GDP growth Not applicable
2001-05
Currency Somali Shilling
Inflation Not applicable
Exports US$ 198 m (2004)
Imports US$ 562 m (2004)
Main destinations of exports United Arab Emirates,
Yemen, Oman, Kuwait,
Nigeria
Main sources of imports Djibouti, Kenya, India,
Brazil, Oman
Foreign direct investment US$ 9 m
Public expenditure on 2.7%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio Not applicable
Contribution to GDP by the Not applicable
primary sectors
Key exports Livestock, bananas,
hides & skins
Key imports Manufactures, fuels
Electricity consumption per Not applicable
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers Not applicable
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 Not applicable
people

Somalia
 90

South Africa
São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General informaiton

Official language Afrikaans, English, Ndebele,

Northern Sotho, Southern
Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana,
Venda, Xhosa and Zulu
Major religious groups Christian, Jewish, Muslim,
Hindu, Ethnic
Capital Pretoria (administrative), Cape
Town (legislative), Bloemfontein
(judicial)
Population 44.8 m
Land area 1,219,090 km²
Population density (people/ 36.7
km²)
Adult literacy rate 89%
Life expectancy at birth 49 years
 91
Key economic data
GDP US$ 239.5 bn
GDP per capita US$ 5,346
Average Real GDP 3.8%
growth 2001-05
Currency Rand
Inflation 3.9%
Exports US$ 51,867 m
Imports US$ 53,613 m
Main destinations of US, UK, Japan, Germany
exports
Main sources of imports Germany, US, UK, Japan
Foreign direct investment US$ 585 m
Public expenditure on 5.7%
education (% of GDP
2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP 18%
ratio
Contribution to GDP by 11%
the primary sectors
Key exports Metals & metal products, gold,
diamonds, machinery & transport
equipment
Key imports Machinery & appliances, mineral
products, chemicals, transport &
equipment
Electricity consumption 4,570 kWh
per capita
Cellular telephone 714
subscribers per 1,000
people
Fixed telephone lines per 111
1,000 people

South Africa
 92

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Sudan
Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Arabic
Other key languages Darfurian, Cushitic,
NIlotic, Nilo-Hamitic
Major religious groups Muslim, Ethnic,
Christian
Capital Khartoum
Population 36.2 m
Land area 2,505,813 km²
Population density (people/km²) 14.4
Adult literacy rate 63%
Life expectancy at birth 56 years
 93
Key economic data
GDP US$ 26.6 bn
GDP per capita US$ 735
Average Real GDP growth 6%
2001-05
Currency Sudan Dinar
Inflation 9%
Exports US$ 4,872 m
Imports US$ 5,530 m
Main destinations of exports China, Japan, Saudi
Arabia, UAE
Main sources of imports Saudi Arabia, China,
UAE, Egypt
Foreign direct investment US$ 1.5 m
Public expenditure on 0.9%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 13%
Contribution to GDP by the 55%
primary sectors
Key exports Crude oil, livestock,
sesame, cotton
Key imports Machinery & equipment,
transport equipment,
chemicals, wheat &
wheat flour
Electricity consumption per 90 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 9
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 34
people

Sudan
94

Seychelles

Comores

Swaziland
Mauritius

General information
Official language English, Siswati
Major religious groups Christian, Ethnic
Capital Mbabane
Population 1m
Land area 17,364 km²
Population density (people/km²) 57.6
Adult literacy rate 84%
Life expectancy at birth 36 years
 95
Key economic data
GDP US$ 3 bn
GDP per capita US$ 3,000
Average Real GDP growth 2.3%
2001-05
Currency Lilangeni
Inflation 4%
Exports US$ 2,007 m
Imports US$ 2,096 m
Main destinations of exports South Africa, US, EU,
Mozambique
Main sources of imports South Africa, EU, Japan,
Singapore
Foreign direct investment US$ 69 m
Public expenditure on 5.5%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 18%
Contribution to GDP by the 10%
primary sectors
Key exports Textiles, wood pulp,
sugar
Key imports Machinery & transport
equipment, food & live
animals, chemicals, fuel
& lubricants
Electricity consumption per 4,313 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 188
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 40
people

Swaziland
 96

o Tomé

Tanzania
d Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language English, Swahili
Other key languages Sukuma, Cushitic,
Khoisan
Major religious groups Christian, Muslim,
Ethnic, Hindu
Capital Dodoma (formerly Dar
es Salaam)
Population 37.4 m
Land area 945,087 km²
Population density (people/km²) 39.6
Adult literacy rate 80%
Life expectancy at birth 44 years
 97
Key economic data
GDP US$ 10 bn
GDP per capita US$ 267
Average Real GDP growth 6.8%
2001-05
Currency Tanzania Shilling
Inflation 4.2%
Exports US$ 1,596 m
Imports US$ 2,379 m
Main destinations of exports India, Spain,
Netherlands, Japan
Main sources of imports South Africa, China,
India, Zambia
Foreign direct investment US$ 470 m
Public expenditure on 3.2%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 22%
Contribution to GDP by the 50%
primary sectors
Key exports Gold, cotton, cashew
nuts, coffee, tea
Key imports Machinery, oil & other
fuels, food & foodstuffs,
industrial raw materials
Electricity consumption per 98 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 40
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 6
people

Tanzania
 98

Cape
Verde

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Togo
Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language French
Other key languages Ewe, Voltaic, Kabre
Major religious groups Ethnic (voodoo),
Christian, Muslim
Capital Lomè
Population 6.1m
Land area 56,785 km²
Population density (people/km²) 107.4
Adult literacy rate 60%
Life expectancy at birth 50 years
 99
Key economic data
GDP US$ 2 bn
GDP per capita US$ 330
Average Real GDP growth 1.6%
2001-05
Currency CFA franc
Inflation 5%
Exports US$ 750 m
Imports US$ 1 bn
Main destinations of exports Burkina Faso; Ghana,
Benin
Main sources of imports China, India, France
Foreign direct investment US$ 60 m
Public expenditure on 4.8%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 22%
Contribution to GDP by the 45%
primary sectors
Key exports Cotton, phosphates,
coffee, cocoa
Key imports Capital goods, food,
petroleum products
Electricity consumption per 138 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 85
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 14
people

Togo
 100

Cape
Verde

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Tunisia
Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language Arabic
Other key languages French, Berber
Major religious groups Sunni Muslim,
Christian
Capital Tunis
Population 10.1 m
Land area 163,610 km²
Population density (people/km²) 61.7
Adult literacy rate 76%
Life expectancy at birth 73 years
 101
Key economic data
GDP US$ 29.1 bn
GDP per capita US$ 2,880
Average Real GDP growth 5.9%
2001-05
Currency Tunisian Dinar
Inflation 2%
Exports US$ 10,305 m
Imports US$ 12,628 m
Main destinations of exports France, Italy, Germany,
Spain
Main sources of imports France, Italy, Germany,
Spain
Foreign direct investment US$ 639 m
Public expenditure on 6.8%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 22%
Contribution to GDP by the 14%
primary sectors
Key exports Textiles, electrical
equipment, petroleum
& derivatives, olive oil,
leather & hide products
Key imports Textiles, electrical
equipment, machinery,
petroleum & products,
vehicles, cycles and
tractors
Electricity consumption per 1,322 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 140
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 156
people

Tunisia
 102

o Tomé
d Príncipe

Uganda
Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language English, Swahili
Other key languages Luganda, Ateso, Lua
Major religious groups Christian, Ethnic,
Muslim
Capital Kampala
Population 28.8 m
Land area 241,038 km²
Population density (people/km²) 119.5
Adult literacy rate 72%
Life expectancy at birth 46 years
 103
Key economic data
GDP US$ 8.9 bn
GDP per capita US$ 309
Average Real GDP growth 5.8%
2001-05
Currency Uganda Shilling
Inflation 8.4%
Exports US$ 857 m
Imports US$ 1,766 m
Main destinations of exports Kenya, Switzerland,
Netherlands, Belgium,
France
Main sources of imports Kenya, India, UAE, South
Africa, China
Foreign direct investment US$ 237 m
Public expenditure on 2.5%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 16%
Contribution to GDP by the 39%
primary sectors
Key exports Coffee, fish, cotton, tea
Key imports Machinery equipment,
vehicles & accessories,
vegetable products,
animal fats & oils,
chemicals, petroleum
Electricity consumption per 78 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 27
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 3
people

Uganda
 104

São Tomé
and Príncipe

Zambia
Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language English
Other key languages Tonga, Kaonde, Lunda,
Luvale & c.70 other
local languages
Major religious groups Christian, Ethnic
Capital Lusaka
Population 11.7m
Land area 752,618 km²
Population density (people/km²) 15.5
Adult literacy rate 83%
Life expectancy at birth 33 years
 105
Key economic data
GDP US$ 7 bn
GDP per capita US$ 600
Average Real GDP growth 4.8%
2001-05
Currency Zambian Kwacha
Inflation 18%
Exports US$ 2,128 m
Imports US$ 2,068 m
Main destinations of exports Tanzania, South Africa,
China, Japan
Main sources of imports South Africa, Zimbabwe,
United Arab Emirates,
UK
Foreign direct investment US$ 334 m
Public expenditure on 1.9%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 26%
Contribution to GDP by the 35%
primary sectors
Key exports Copper, cobalt, lead,
zinc, coal, tobacco,
sugar cane, cotton
Key imports Capital equipment,
petroleum
Electricity consumption per 530 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 25
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 8
people

Zambia
 106

Zimbabwe
São Tomé
and Príncipe

Seychelles

Comores

Mauritius

General information
Official language English
Other key languages Ndebele, Shona
Major religious groups Christian, Ethnic
Capital Harare
Population 13 m
Land area 390,759 km²
Population density (people/km²) 33.3
Adult literacy rate 93%
Life expectancy at birth 34 years
 107
Key economic data
GDP US$ 4.4 bn
GDP per capita US$ 340
Average Real GDP growth -7.2%
2001-05
Currency Zimbabwe Dollar
Inflation 1,000%
Exports US$ 1,712 m
Imports US$ 2,405 m
Main destinations of exports South Africa,
Switzerland, UK, China,
Germany
Main sources of imports South Africa, Botswana,
UK, Zambia, China
Foreign direct investment US$ 60 m
Public expenditure on 10.4%
education (% of GDP 2001-05)
Capital formation/GDP ratio 3%
Contribution to GDP by the 27%
primary sectors
Key exports Tobacco, gold, platinum,
ferro-alloys
Key imports Fuels, chemicals,
machinery,
manufactured goods,
food, petroleum
Electricity consumption per 530 kWh
capita
Cellular telephone subscribers 70
per 1,000 people
Fixed telephone lines per 1,000 29
people

Zimbabwe
108

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 Notes


















 Notes




















Notes:
1. All indicators are estimates for 2005 (unless otherwise
indicated)
2. Sources: Africa Institute of South Africa; The Africa
Report, Economist Intelligence Unit; United Nations
Development Programme; GOPA Group Southern Africa
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