Top 25 Most Populous African Countries

1. Nigeria

Population – 229 million 

Growth rate – 2.39% annually.

 2. Ethiopia

Population – 129 million

Growth rate – 2.52% annually

3. Egypt

Population – 114 million,

Growth rate – 1.57% annually

4. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Population – 105 million

Growth rate – 3.29% annually

5. Tanzania

Population – 69 million

Growth rate – 2.94% annually

6. South Africa

Population – 61 million

Growth rate – 1%.

7. Kenya

Population – 56 million

Growth rate – 2% annually

8. Uganda

Population – 49 million

Growth rate – 2.76%

9. Sudan

Population – 49 million

Growth rate – 2.6% annually

10. Algeria

Population – 46 million

Growth rate – 1.47%

11. Morocco

Population – 38 million

Growth rate – 0.98% annually

12. Angola

Population – 37 million

Growth rate of 3.05%

13. Mozambique

Population  – 34 million

Growth rate – 2.83% annually

14. Ghana

Population – 34 million

Growth rate – 1.92% annually

15. Madagascar

Population – 31 million,

Growth rate – 2.41%.

16. Ivory Coast

Population – 29 million

Growth rate – 2.53%

17. Cameroon

Population – 29 million

Growth rate – 2.61% annually

18. Niger

 Population – 28 million

Growth rate – 3.81% annually

19. Burkina Faso

Population – 23 million

Growth rate – 2.53% annually

20. Mali

Population – 24 million

Growth rate – 3.1% annually

21. Malawi

Population – 21 million

Growth rate – 2.6% annually

22. Zambia

Population – 21 million

Growth rate – 2.75% annually

23. Chad

Population – 18 million

Growth rate – 3.11% annually

 24. Somalia

Population – 18 million

Growth rate – 3.11% annually

25. Senegal

Population – 18 million

Growth rate – 2.58% annually

Age Distribution

Africa is the youngest continent globally, with a median age of around 19.7 years.

This youthful demographic is a stark contrast to continents like Europe, where the median age is approximately 42 years.

Countries with the youngest populations include:

• Niger: Median age of 15.2 years
• Mali: Median age of 16.1 years
• Uganda: Median age of 15.9 years
• Angola: Median age of 16.5 years
• Chad: Median age of 16.4 years

The youthful population presents both opportunities and challenges, such as a potential demographic dividend but also the need for substantial investments in education and employment opportunities.

Fertility Rates

High fertility rates are a defining characteristic of Africa’s population dynamics.

The continent’s average fertility rate is around 4.5 children per woman, compared to the global average of 2.4.

Countries with the highest fertility rates include:

• Niger: 6.9 children per woman
• Somalia: 6.1 children per woman
• Chad: 5.9 children per woman
• Mali: 5.8 children per woman
• Angola: 5.7 children per woman

These high fertility rates contribute significantly to the continent’s rapid population growth.

Population Growth Rates: Top 10 African Countries

Africa’s population growth rates vary significantly across the continent, with some countries experiencing exceptionally high growth.

Here are the top 10 African countries with the highest annual population growth rates as of 2024:

1. Niger: 3.8%
2. Uganda: 3.6%
3. Chad: 3.5%
4. Angola: 3.4%
5. Mali: 3.3%
6. Burundi: 3.3%
7. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): 3.3%
8. Benin: 3.2%
9. Zambia: 3.2%
10. Tanzania: 3.1%

These growth rates are driven by high fertility rates, declining mortality rates, and improvements in healthcare services.

These high growth rates have significant implications, affecting everything from economic development to infrastructure needs and social services.

Conclusion

Africa’s demographic landscape is characterized by rapid population growth, a youthful population, and increasing urbanization.

These trends present both opportunities and challenges for the continent’s development. 

Understanding and addressing the implications of these demographic trends will be crucial for policymakers, businesses, and development organizations working in Africa.

This report highlights the need for continued investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to harness the potential of Africa’s growing population.

By adopting forward-looking policies and strategies, African countries can turn their demographic trends into a powerful driver of sustainable development.

References

1. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. (2023). World Population Prospects 2022. Link
2. World Bank. (2023). World Development Indicators. Link
3. African Development Bank. (2023). African Economic Outlook 2023. 
4. United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. (2023). Demographic Trends in Africa.  
5. Population Reference Bureau. (2023). World Population Data Sheet.