As of 2024, the top 1% in Benin earned 12.84% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 15.76%. Benin’s income inequality has decreased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 16.35%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Benin in 2024
In 2024, income in Benin was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 12.84% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 15.76% of income, slightly higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Benin | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 12.84% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 43.67% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 15.76% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Benin?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Benin’s top 1% has decreased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 16.35% of national income. By 2024, this figure had fallen by 3.51 percentage points to 12.84%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Benin has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 48.83% while the bottom 50% received 13.88%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 43.67% and 15.76% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 16.35% | 48.83% | 13.88% | 34.95 pp |
| 1986 | 16.35% | 48.83% | 13.88% | 34.95 pp |
| 1992 | 16.35% | 48.83% | 13.88% | 34.95 pp |
| 1998 | 16.35% | 48.83% | 13.88% | 34.95 pp |
| 2004 | 16.22% | 49.21% | 13.63% | 35.58 pp |
| 2010 | 15.46% | 51.52% | 12.14% | 39.38 pp |
| 2016 | 16.49% | 52.27% | 12.31% | 39.96 pp |
| 2022 | 12.84% | 43.67% | 15.76% | 27.91 pp |
How Benin Compares Globally
Benin vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, Benin’s top 1% income share of 12.84% is slightly lower than the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in Benin receives 15.76% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where Benin Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Benin ranks 133rd out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Benin ranks 81st out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Benin include Chad, income distribution in Ireland, Malaysia's income inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Benin?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Benin earned 12.84% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Benin?
Income inequality in Benin has decreased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 16.35% in 1980 to 12.84% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Benin?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Benin received 15.76% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 43.67%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.