The Nile Basin Region represents one of the poorest and most destitute regions in the world. When looking at some poverty indicators, such as GDP per Capita or inflation rates, the reality of desperation becomes strikingly apparent. As can be seen below, out of 228 recognized world states, the Basin’s best performer in GDP per Capita is Egypt with a rank of 133, and 6 out of the 9 countries garner a ranking of 201 or worse. In terms of Inflation Rate (consumer rate prices), the best country rank is once again Egypt at 193 out of 223 countries, while another 6 out of the 9 Nile Basin states rank 201 or worse. These numbers demonstrate the immense suffering and extreme conditions in the area, along with the socioeconomic realities within which the NTEAP must work. In addition, the numbers expose Egypt’s role as the leading economy in the region, thus placing the state at the forefront of the economic decision-making processes.
GDP per Capita (in US Dollars; World Rank out of 228)
Egypt: 6,000; 133
Sudan: 2,300; 181
Kenya: 1,600; 193
Tanzania: 1,400; 201
Uganda: 1,300; 204
Rwanda: 1,000; 212
Ethiopia: 900; 214
Burundi: 300; 226
Democratic Republic of Congo: 300; 227
Inflation Rate % (Consumer rate prices; World Rank out of 223)
Egypt: 10.1%; 193
Ethiopia: 11%; 194
Tanzania: 11.6%; 197
Sudan: 12.%; 201
Uganda: 12.6%; 203
Burundi: 14.1%; 208
Rwanda: 14.2%; 210
Democratic Republic of Congo: 16.7%; 214
Kenya: 20.5%; 218
* Statistics from CIA World Fact Book 2009