Africa is a continent of diverse landscapes, cultures, and economies. However, a significant number of African nations are categorized as Least Developed Countries (LDCs). But How Many Countries In Africa actually fall under this classification? This article delves into the criteria and facts surrounding LDCs, with a specific focus on the African continent.
Least Developed Countries (LDCs) is a classification established by the United Nations to identify nations facing significant structural impediments to sustainable development. This classification is periodically reviewed by the Committee for Development Policy (CDP), a group of independent experts reporting to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Every three years, the CDP assesses countries and may recommend additions to or removals from the LDC list. The next review is scheduled for 2027.
The CDP utilizes a set of specific criteria to determine LDC status, ensuring a systematic and data-driven approach. These criteria are crucial in understanding why certain countries, particularly in Africa, are classified as LDCs. There are three main sets of indicators used for assessment:
1. Income Criterion: This is based on the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, averaged over three years. A country is considered for inclusion if its GNI per capita is $1,088 or below. Graduation from LDC status requires a GNI per capita of $1,306 or above. This income-based threshold reflects the economic capacity of a nation.
2. Human Assets Index (HAI): This index measures a country’s human capital, encompassing health and education factors.
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Health Sub-index: This includes:
- Under-five mortality rate: Reflecting child health and survival.
- Maternal mortality ratio: Indicating the health of mothers during childbirth.
- Prevalence of stunting: Signifying chronic malnutrition in children.
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Education Sub-index: This includes:
- Lower secondary school completion rate: Measuring educational attainment.
- Adult literacy rate: Reflecting the basic education level of the adult population.
- Gender parity index for lower secondary school completion: Assessing gender equality in education.
Thresholds for the HAI are set at 60 or below for inclusion, and 66 or above for graduation. These indicators highlight the social development challenges faced by LDCs.
3. Economic and Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI): This index assesses a country’s vulnerability to economic and environmental shocks.
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Economic Vulnerability Sub-index: This includes:
- Share of agriculture, forestry, and fishing in GDP: Indicating economic diversification.
- Remoteness and landlockedness: Assessing geographical disadvantages.
- Merchandise export concentration: Reflecting reliance on a narrow range of exports.
- Instability of exports of goods and services: Measuring economic volatility.
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Environmental Vulnerability Sub-index: This includes:
- Share of population in low elevated coastal zones: Indicating vulnerability to sea-level rise.
- Share of the population living in drylands: Assessing vulnerability to desertification and water scarcity.
- Instability of agricultural production: Reflecting vulnerability to climate variability.
- Victims of disasters: Measuring the impact of natural disasters.
Thresholds for the EVI are 36 or above for inclusion and 32 or below for graduation. These factors are particularly relevant for many African countries that face significant environmental challenges and economic instability.
Every three years, the CDP reviews all developing countries against these criteria. If a country not currently classified as an LDC meets the inclusion thresholds for all three criteria in a single review, it can be considered for addition to the list. However, inclusion requires the consent of the country itself. It’s important to note that no countries were added to the LDC list during the 2021 review.
Graduation from LDC status is a significant step, indicating progress in development. To graduate, a country must meet the graduation thresholds for at least two of the three criteria in two consecutive triennial reviews. Exceptions are made for highly vulnerable countries or those with very low human assets, requiring them to exceed the other two criteria by a larger margin. Notably, a country can also graduate if its per capita income is sustainably at least three times the income-only graduation threshold ($3,918), even if it doesn’t meet the other criteria.
While the original article does not explicitly state the number of African countries classified as LDCs, it provides the framework for understanding how countries are assessed. As of the latest data, a significant majority of LDCs are located in Africa. Understanding these criteria is essential to grasping the developmental challenges and vulnerabilities faced by many nations on the African continent and the ongoing international efforts to support their progress.
