Business Insider Africa has released the 2025 ranking of African countries with the highest national budgets, revealing bold financial strategies aimed at infrastructure development and economic transformation across the continent.
Last week, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda unveiled and approved their national budgets for the current fiscal year—each reflecting domestic economic priorities and setting the tone for accelerated growth in East Africa. This trend of budget expansion mirrors a broader continental strategy to mitigate currency depreciation and stimulate structural development.
For countries like Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, sharp fiscal shifts are underway. The country has already spent nearly half of its annual budget, signalling both the urgency of its developmental agenda and the pressure of macroeconomic forces.
Across the board, African national budgets are increasingly geared toward infrastructure expansion, social service delivery, and economic resilience. Many governments are channeling a substantial portion of their funds into construction, education, healthcare, and energy.
Below are the top ten African countries with the largest 2025 budgets, estimated in U.S. dollars:
- South Africa – $141.4 billion Topping the list, South Africa is prioritizing infrastructure, social development, and economic growth with its record-breaking allocation.
- Algeria – $126 billion This North African country is focusing heavily on energy and national security in its 2025 spending plan.
- Egypt – $91 billion Egypt’s budget is directed toward key sectors like education, healthcare, and public works as it continues its development drive.
- Morocco – $73 billion Positioned fourth, Morocco has earmarked funds for social investments and modernization of state services.
- Angola – $37.85 billion Benefiting from its oil wealth, Angola is emphasising economic recovery and infrastructure as core budget priorities.
- Nigeria – $36.7 billion With a budget focused on transformative economic reforms, President Bola Tinubu’s administration aims to reset the country’s financial trajectory.
- Kenya – $32.65 billion Kenya is investing heavily in education, health, and industrialisation as part of its progressive economic vision.
- Libya – $26 billion Despite ongoing political instability, Libya remains among the continent’s top spenders, signaling its ambitions for stability and growth.
- Côte d’Ivoire – $25.22 billion West Africa’s economic powerhouse maintains a strong budgetary posture focused on sustainable development.
- Tunisia – $25.16 billion Tunisia rounds out the list with initiatives targeting social protection and structural reform.
These figures highlight the growing ambition of African governments to foster inclusive economic environments and modernise national infrastructure in a rapidly changing global context.
