Despite the absence of coastlines... how did 16 African countries build their economies?
They rely on land routes to build their economies and boost their trade.
Written by: Mohammed Omran
Although geographical location is one of the most important factors affecting trade and economic growth, 16 countries in Africa are having a different experience, as they do not have any sea outlet that directly connects them to global markets. This reality makes these countries dependent on the ports of neighboring countries for import and export operations, which raises transportation costs, lengthens the time it takes for goods to arrive, and increases the logistical challenges they face.
Despite these difficulties, some landlocked countries have succeeded in building strong economies and achieving remarkable growth rates, benefiting from natural resources, improving the investment climate, strengthening road and rail networks, and expanding regional cooperation. In contrast, other countries continue to face challenges related to conflict, weak infrastructure, and high poverty rates.
The African continent includes 16 landlocked countries: Ethiopia, Uganda, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Chad, South Sudan, Mali, Niger, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Lesotho, and Eswatini.
Ethiopia is the largest landlocked country in Africa.
Ethiopia tops the list of landlocked countries in Africa in terms of population and economy. Its population is estimated at about 135 million people, and its area is 1,104,300 square kilometers, while its economy reaches $205 billion, and the average per capita income is $1,520. After losing its sea outlet in 1993, it relied on the port of Djibouti and developed a railway network and logistics corridors to support its trade. Its economy is led by the agriculture and industry sectors.
Uganda: A growing economy dependent on neighboring ports
Despite being a landlocked country, Uganda has succeeded in establishing itself as one of the leading agricultural producers in East Africa. It has a population of 51 million and an area of 241,038 square kilometers, while its economy is estimated at $66 billion, with an average per capita income of $1,290. It relies on the ports of Kenya and Tanzania, while coffee, tea, and oil form the pillars of its economy.
Botswana: An Economic Success Story
Botswana offers an exceptional model for landlocked countries, having transformed its diamond wealth into an economic success story. It has a population of 2.6 million, an area of 581,730 square kilometers, and an economy of $22 billion, while the average per capita income is $8,500, one of the highest in the continent.
Burkina Faso: An economy based on mining and agriculture
Gold, along with cotton, is the primary driver of Burkina Faso's economy. The country has a population of 24.8 million, an area of 274,222 square kilometers, and an economy worth $24 billion, with an average per capita income of $970. Its foreign trade relies on the ports of Ghana and Ivory Coast.
Burundi...one of the smallest African economies
Despite its limited resources, agriculture remains the backbone of Burundi's economy, particularly coffee and tea. The country has a population of 14.5 million, an area of 27,834 square kilometers, an economy valued at $4.6 billion, and an average per capita income of $320.
Chad... a vast country with oil resources
Chad possesses significant oil reserves that have helped sustain its economy despite being a landlocked country. It has a population of 21 million, an area of 1,284,000 square kilometers, and an economy estimated at $17 billion, with an average per capita income of $810. It also relies on a pipeline to the port of Kribi in Cameroon.
South Sudan: An oil-dependent economy
Since its independence in 2011, South Sudan's economy has been almost entirely dependent on oil. It has a population of 12 million, an area of 619,745 square kilometers, a GDP of $7 billion, and an average per capita income of $580.
Mali is one of the largest gold producers.
Mali is a leading gold producer in Africa, in addition to its cotton production. It has a population of 25 million, an area of 1,240,192 square kilometers, an economy estimated at $24 billion, and an average per capita income of $960.
Niger: Mineral wealth despite the challenges
Niger relies on uranium and oil as its main sources of income. It has a population of 28 million, an area of 1,267,000 square kilometers, an economy estimated at $20 billion, and an average per capita income of $710.
Central African Republic: Ongoing Development Challenges
The Central African Republic has riches in timber and diamonds, but conflicts hinder their full exploitation. It has a population of 5.7 million, an area of 622,984 square kilometers, and an economy estimated at $3.1 billion, with an average per capita income of $540.
Rwanda: A Model for Economic Reform
Rwanda has successfully built an attractive environment for investment, services, and technology. It has a population of 14.5 million, an area of 26,338 square kilometers, an economy of $18 billion, and an average per capita income of $1,240.
Zambia: A copper-led economy
Copper is the main driver of the economy of Zambia, which has a population of 22 million, an area of 752,612 square kilometers, an economy estimated at $35 billion, and an average per capita income of $1,590.
Zimbabwe: A diversified economy
Zimbabwe is famous for its gold, lithium and platinum production, along with a thriving agricultural and tourism sector. It has a population of 17 million, an economy of $44 billion, and an average per capita income of $2,590.
Malawi: An agricultural economy
Tobacco, tea and sugar form the mainstays of Malawi’s economy. The country has a population of 22 million, an area of 118,484 square kilometers, an economy estimated at $15 billion, and an average per capita income of $680.
Lesotho: A country within South Africa
South Africa surrounds Lesotho on all sides, making it the only country on the continent entirely enclosed by another country. It has a population of 2.3 million, an area of 30,355 square kilometers, and an economy estimated at $2.7 billion, with a per capita income of $1,170. Its economy relies on the export of water and textiles.
Eswatini is among the highest-income landlocked countries.
Despite its small size of 17,364 square kilometers, Eswatini has successfully built an economy based on sugar, manufacturing, and agriculture. With a population of 1.3 million, its economy is valued at $5.2 billion, and its per capita income is $4,000.
Between challenges and opportunities
Despite their lack of access to the sea, the experiences of countries like Botswana, Rwanda, and Ethiopia demonstrate that a lack of coastline does not preclude economic development. With the expansion of infrastructure projects, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the development of cross-border logistics corridors, landlocked countries have opportunities to boost their trade, attract investment, and transform their geographic location from a challenge into an opportunity for growth.
