Africa's most import-dependent countries

Several African countries remain heavily dependent on imports, with purchases from abroad accounting for a large share of their economic output.

Data from 2024 shows Djibouti as the most import-dependent country in Africa, with imports equivalent to 115 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product.

Seychelles follows closely, with imports accounting for 103 per cent of GDP.

Somalia and Lesotho are equally reliant on imports, each recording imports worth 99 per cent of their GDP.

Mauritius rounds out the list, with imports standing at 78 per cent of GDP.

Import-dependent countries buy more goods and services from other nations than they produce domestically, highlighting vulnerabilities linked to external supply chains and global price shocks.