Top 5 largest landlocked countries in Africa

Without a coastline, African landlocked countries rely on their neighbours to move goods in and out, which isn’t cheap or easy.

• Business Insider Africa presents the top 5 largest landlocked countries in Africa.
• Africa has the largest number of landlocked countries among other continents.
• Long transport routes, delays at borders, and high fees make trade a nightmare for landlocked African countries.

Ever thought about how tough it must be for a country with no coastline? No ports, no easy access to international trade, and a whole lot of dependence on its neighbours.

That is the reality for 16 landlocked countries in Africa. Without a coastline, these countries rely on their neighbours to move goods in and out, which isn’t cheap or easy. Long transport routes, delays at borders, and high fees make trade a nightmare.

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Most of these countries depend on agriculture and mining, but exporting their products is expensive. The high costs make it hard for them to compete in global markets, slowing down economic growth. And in some cases, poor governance and conflicts make things even harder.

If a coastal neighbour has political issues or decides to raise tariffs, landlocked countries feel the impact immediately.

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Notably, some landlocked African nations are finding ways to work around their challenges. Investing in better roads, railways, and trade agreements helps cut costs. Others are shifting focus to industries like finance, tourism, and renewable energy, reducing their dependence on exports.

With smart policies, better infrastructure, and strong regional partnerships, these countries can still build strong, resilient economies, despite their tricky geography.

Below are the top 5 largest landlocked countries in Africa: