Dependence on hydrocarbons (oil, natural gas and petroleum products) is a major feature of many African economies. For some countries, hydrocarbon revenues account for a significant proportion of their gross domestic product (GDP), tax revenues and exports. This dependence can make these economies vulnerable to fluctuations in world oil and gas prices.
Here is a list of the 10 African countries most dependent on hydrocarbons, based on their economic and budgetary exposure to this sector:
1. Nigeria
Nigeria, Africa's leading oil producer, is heavily dependent on hydrocarbons, which account for around 9% of its GDP and almost 90% of its exports, mainly in the form of crude oil, although this dependence makes its economy vulnerable to corruption and inefficient management.
2. Angola
Angola, Africa's second largest oil producer, derives around 30% of its GDP and almost 95% of its exports from hydrocarbons, leaving its economy extremely vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices.
3. Libya
Libya, which holds the largest oil reserves in Africa, depends on hydrocarbons for around 60% of its GDP and almost 98% of its exports, a resource that is crucial to its economy despite the frequent disruptions caused by political instability and internal conflict.
4. Algeria
Algeria, a major exporter of natural gas and oil, relies on hydrocarbons for around 20% of its GDP and almost 95% of its exports, a dependence that makes its economy sensitive to variations in world prices and largely sustains its national budget.
5. South Sudan
South Sudan, one of the world's most oil-dependent nations, derives around 70% of its GDP and 90% of its exports from hydrocarbons, a dependence accentuated by internal conflict and inadequate infrastructure that is hampering economic diversification.
6. Chad
Chad, which has been exporting oil since 2003 via a pipeline to Cameroon, depends on hydrocarbons for around 25% of its GDP and 85% of its exports, a key sector for its economy despite persistent obstacles linked to poverty and the lack of diversification.
7. Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea, a Central African country and major offshore oil and gas producer, depends on hydrocarbons for around 50% of its GDP and 95% of its exports, but the recent drop in oil production has exacerbated its economic difficulties.
8. Gabon
Hydrocarbons account for around 15% of Gabon's GDP and nearly 70% of its exports. Although this contribution is less significant than in other oil-producing countries, Gabon, which has been producing oil for several decades, remains heavily dependent on this sector for its economy.
9. Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)
Hydrocarbons account for around 45% of Congo-Brazzaville's GDP and nearly 80% of its exports. As a major oil producer in Central Africa, the country is heavily dependent on this sector, a situation exacerbated by the weakness of other parts of its economy.
10. Egypt
Hydrocarbons account for around 25% of Egypt's exports, with natural gas playing a particularly strategic role. The country produces nearly 600,000 barrels of oil a day, plus 70 billion cubic metres of gas a year. Its reserves are estimated at 3.3 billion barrels of oil and 2,200 billion cubic metres of gas, consolidating its key position in the regional energy market.
To reduce this dependence, several African countries are attempting to diversify their economies, notably through the development of renewable energies, agriculture and manufacturing industries. However, these efforts require solid public policies, foreign investment and improved governance.
