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Writer's pictureMarie S.

Economic Inequality: the unequal distribution of wealth and income in Liberia



Economic inequality is a significant challenge in Liberia and has been identified as a barrier to social and political stability. The Chamber could provide insights into the extent and nature of economic inequality in Liberia, as well as the potential impact of inequality on the country's economic and political development.


Current State of Economic Inequality:

According to the World Bank, Liberia has one of the highest levels of income inequality in the world. In 2018, the top 10% of the population in Liberia earned over 30 times more than the bottom 10%. This is significantly higher than the African average of 20 times.


Furthermore, the distribution of wealth in Liberia is also highly unequal. In 2015, the top 1% of the population in Liberia owned over 20% of the country's wealth, while the bottom 50% owned only 6% of the country's wealth.


Causes of Economic Inequality:

One of the major causes of economic inequality in Liberia is the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities. The country's wealth is concentrated in a few industries, such as mining and agriculture, which are often dominated by foreign companies. This has resulted in a situation where a small percentage of the population controls the majority of the country's wealth.


Another factor that contributes to economic inequality in Liberia is corruption. The country has a long history of corruption, and many public officials have been implicated in cases of embezzlement and mismanagement of public funds. This not only diverts resources away from much-needed public services and infrastructure but also undermines the public's trust in the government.


Data shows that the income gap in Liberia is one of the highest in the world. According to the World Bank, the richest 20% of Liberians hold approximately 60% of the country's wealth, while the poorest 20% hold only 2.2%. In addition, the unemployment rate in Liberia remains high, particularly among youth and women, further exacerbating economic inequality.


The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on the economy, with many businesses shutting down and job losses increasing. This has further widened the income gap and highlighted the need for policies that address economic inequality and support vulnerable populations.


In addition, access to education and healthcare is limited, particularly in rural areas, which contributes to the cycle of poverty and inequality. The lack of infrastructure and basic services, such as electricity and water, also limit economic opportunities in many parts of the country.



Impact of Economic Inequality:

Economic inequality has significant implications for social and political stability in Liberia. Those who are left behind by economic growth and development may become frustrated and disengaged from the political process. This can lead to social unrest and political instability, as marginalized groups may resort to protests or violence to demand change.


In addition, economic inequality can hinder economic growth and development. Unequal access to resources and opportunities means that many individuals are unable to reach their full potential, limiting the potential for innovation and economic growth.


Furthermore, economic inequality can also have negative effects on health outcomes and life expectancy. A 2018 report by the World Bank found that the richest 20% of the Liberian population had a life expectancy of 64 years, while the poorest 20% had a life expectancy of only 48 years. This highlights the significant health disparities that can arise from economic inequality.


According to data from the World Bank, Liberia's Gini coefficient, which measures income inequality on a scale of 0 to 1, was 0.39 in 2019. This indicates a high level of income inequality in the country. Additionally, the World Bank reports that the richest 10% of the population in Liberia hold 34% of the wealth, while the poorest 40% hold only 13% of the wealth.


Indeed, economic inequality in Liberia has been a persistent issue with severe consequences for social and political stability, as well as economic development. According to the World Bank, the Gini coefficient, a commonly used measure of income inequality, for Liberia was 35.3 in 2019, indicating high inequality.


The impact of economic inequality on political stability is evident in Liberia's recent history, with the civil war partly attributed to the marginalization of certain groups and the unequal distribution of resources. Moreover, the 2019 anti-government protests in Liberia were partly fueled by economic inequality and high levels of poverty.


Economic inequality also has negative effects on economic growth and development in Liberia. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the poorest 20% of the population in Liberia account for only 3.7% of national income, while the richest 20% account for 50%. This means that many individuals are unable to access education, healthcare, and other essential services, limiting their potential to contribute to the economy.


The impact of economic inequality is also seen in education outcomes. Children from poorer households are less likely to attend school and are more likely to drop out than children from wealthier households. According to UNICEF, the primary school completion rate in Liberia is only 44%, and there are significant disparities in completion rates based on household wealth.


Conclusion:

Economic inequality is a significant challenge in Liberia and has far-reaching implications for the country's economic and political development. Addressing the root causes of inequality, such as the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities, is essential for promoting social and political stability and fostering sustainable economic growth.

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