Africa is the poorest region in the world.  Of the 30 poorest nations in the world, 21 are in Africa.

A great lack of capital and other significant hindrances prevent Africa from developing.  For many years, rates of economic growth were extremely low, often even lower than the rate of population increase.  Recently however, economic growth has begun to occur on a larger scale.

To attract foreign investment and persuade foreign corporations to do business in their country, many African nations have developed relatively few environmental regulations.  For example, a country might convince a foreign chemical company to open a plant through the understanding that the company will be able to dump its hazardous chemical waste in local water bodies.

Because Africa lacks industry, it has concentrated significantly on selling its natural resources, a common path taken by developing regions.  Countries in Africa usually sell raw materials, especially minerals, as well as agricultural products to the more developed areas.

The sale of natural resources has severe negative effects on Africa's environment.  Processes such as deforestation increase the risk of soil erosion, and other environmental problems have resulted and have lowered the living standards of common people.

Severe pressure has been put on many African countries as a result of their high debt burdens.  To meet their liabilities, some governments have attempted to quickly boost agricultural output or timber sales to raise funds.

This process has destroyed the environments of many areas, and caused people to move onto infertile land.  The expansion onto new land often presents the need for such practices as clearing the forests, which can lead to many serious environmental problems.