Introduction

Inequality refers to the disparities between individuals in their access to opportunities, resulting in different standards of living. Africa is one of the most unequal regions in the world, home to seven of the most unequal countries on the planet.

Inequality in Africa: A Current Situation

South Africa, Namibia, and Eswatini are among the most unequal countries on the planet. However, across the continent, the situation varies from one country to another. Several countries in Southern Africa, for example, have a Gini coefficient above 0.60. This region is the most unequal in Africa. In Zambia and the Central African Republic, the Gini coefficient is between 0.55 and 0.59. In Cameroon, Kenya, Congo, and Mozambique, it ranges between 0.45 and 0.54. While in Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Chad, Gabon, the DRC, Angola, and Côte d’Ivoire, it is around 0.40 to 0.44. The least unequal countries are Guinea, Niger, Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. These countries have a Gini index below 0.39.

Multiple Inequalities

The inequalities faced by Africans are multiple. Social Inequalities: disparities persist in access to education, healthcare, housing, and justice, widening the gap between urban and rural areas where services are lacking. Income Inequality: incomes are very disparate: the wealthiest 0.01% of Africa owns 40% of the wealth. Nigeria is home to 8,200 millionaires, while 110 million of its inhabitants live in poverty. As a result, income inequality increases urban poverty, depriving thousands of people of essential resources. Gender inequality: women with equal skills are not always equal to men. Equally low is the rate of access to education for women or to administrative positions. Yet, the number of women outnumbers men in many countries.

Combating Inequality: An Absolute Necessity

Combating inequality requires bold and effective public policies that promote access to education and medical care, while opposing gender discrimination. As part of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established in 2015, the United Nations included reducing inequality. This fight is crucial to raising socioeconomic indicators, improving quality of life, and giving everyone the opportunity to participate in the country’s production. These disparities, fuelled by population growth, accelerated urbanization, and growing poverty, generate harmful actions that hinder progress.

Conclusion

Inequalities hinder socioeconomic progress, marginalizing a segment of the population. Combating inequality promotes inclusion, thus contributing to harmonious development.