How output per employed person changed in five West African economies
Ghana’s estimated output per employed person reached 20,068 constant international dollars in 2025, up from 14,152 in 2015. Nigeria’s estimate fell over the same period. The measure compares economic output with the number of people in employment.
Ghana and Nigeria changed places across the decade
Nigeria’s 2015 estimate was 20,619 international dollars per employed person, above Ghana’s 14,152. In 2025, Ghana was at 20,068 and Nigeria at 17,120. The change compares domestic output per employed person, rather than exchange-rate movements against the US dollar. Source 1
Côte d’Ivoire and Benin gained from different starting points
Côte d’Ivoire rose from 13,564 in 2015 to 17,977 in 2025, moving above Nigeria in the 2025 comparison. Benin increased from 7,230 to 9,325. Senegal was close to its 2015 level, rising from 14,702 to 14,821 after a lower reading in 2020. Source 1
The numerator and denominator can move independently
This indicator divides gross domestic product by total employment. It can rise when output increases faster than employment or when employment falls faster than output. It includes production beyond the direct earnings of workers and gives no measure of labour income distribution. Source 2
Purchasing power and work hours answer different questions
The constant purchasing-power-parity basis helps compare output volumes across countries and years. Employment is measured in people, so the ratio can vary with average hours worked, sector mix or capital intensity. It is a national accounting ratio and does not measure productivity per hour or the wage of a typical employee. Source 1Source 2