Catalina Espinosa
Research expert covering society, economy, and politics for Europe and the EU
Poverty in Southern Africa - Statistics & Facts
Poverty remains a significant challenge in Southern Africa, with stark disparities among countries in the region. In 2023, Mozambique registered the highest international poverty rate, while Botswana achieved the lowest. The high poverty rates in the region are closely linked to persistent unemployment issues. The region's unemployment rate is projected to affect more than a quarter of the population in 2025, representing one of the highest levels since 2010. This economic challenge is further compounded by varying levels of access to essential services. For instance, while South Africa and Botswana lead the region with the bulk of their populations having access to safely managed drinking water, Zimbabwe falls behind with less than two thirds. Similarly, access to electricity varies significantly, with South Africa having the highest proportion of people without electricity (just under 90 percent), while countries like Mozambique and Zambia demonstrate a clear need for infrastructure development.
