As of 2024, the top 1% in Ethiopia earned 10.46% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 17.34%. Ethiopia’s income inequality has decreased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 29.69%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Ethiopia in 2024
In 2024, income in Ethiopia was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 10.46% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 17.34% of income, slightly higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Ethiopia | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 10.46% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 40.47% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 17.34% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Ethiopia?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Ethiopia’s top 1% has decreased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 29.69% of national income. By 2024, this figure had fallen by 19.23 percentage points to 10.46%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Ethiopia has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 58.32% while the bottom 50% received 11.36%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 40.47% and 17.34% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 29.69% | 58.32% | 11.36% | 46.96 pp |
| 1986 | 29.69% | 58.32% | 11.36% | 46.96 pp |
| 1992 | 29.69% | 58.32% | 11.36% | 46.96 pp |
| 1998 | 17.62% | 46.44% | 16.10% | 30.34 pp |
| 2004 | 15.13% | 43.05% | 17.52% | 25.53 pp |
| 2010 | 14.91% | 44.66% | 16.49% | 28.17 pp |
| 2016 | 13.26% | 44.64% | 16.09% | 28.55 pp |
| 2022 | 10.46% | 40.47% | 17.34% | 23.13 pp |
How Ethiopia Compares Globally
Ethiopia vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, Ethiopia’s top 1% income share of 10.46% is notably lower than the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in Ethiopia receives 17.34% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where Ethiopia Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Ethiopia ranks 157th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Ethiopia ranks 47th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Ethiopia include Eritrea's wealth gap, Portugal's wealth gap, Switzerland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Ethiopia?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Ethiopia earned 10.46% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Ethiopia?
Income inequality in Ethiopia has decreased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 29.69% in 1980 to 10.46% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Ethiopia?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Ethiopia received 17.34% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 40.47%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.