As of 2024, the top 1% in Mozambique earned 22.70% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 9.89%. Mozambique’s income inequality has decreased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 24.09%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Mozambique in 2024
In 2024, income in Mozambique was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 22.70% of total national income, which is notably higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 9.89% of income, notably lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Mozambique | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 22.70% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 59.36% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 9.89% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Mozambique?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Mozambique’s top 1% has decreased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 24.09% of national income. By 2024, this figure had fallen by 1.39 percentage points to 22.70%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Mozambique has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 61.97% while the bottom 50% received 8.37%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 59.36% and 9.89% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 24.09% | 61.97% | 8.37% | 53.60 pp |
| 1986 | 24.09% | 61.97% | 8.37% | 53.60 pp |
| 1992 | 24.09% | 61.97% | 8.37% | 53.60 pp |
| 1998 | 24.57% | 60.87% | 9.14% | 51.73 pp |
| 2004 | 24.86% | 57.66% | 10.87% | 46.79 pp |
| 2010 | 26.03% | 58.65% | 10.25% | 48.40 pp |
| 2016 | 28.65% | 62.94% | 8.72% | 54.22 pp |
| 2022 | 22.70% | 59.36% | 9.89% | 49.47 pp |
How Mozambique Compares Globally
Mozambique vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, Mozambique’s top 1% income share of 22.70% is notably higher than the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in Mozambique receives 9.89% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where Mozambique Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Mozambique ranks 14th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Mozambique ranks 168th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Mozambique include Colombia's wealth gap, income distribution in Tunisia, India's wealth gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Mozambique?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Mozambique earned 22.70% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered very high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Mozambique?
Income inequality in Mozambique has decreased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 24.09% in 1980 to 22.70% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Mozambique?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Mozambique received 9.89% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 59.36%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.