Most Populous Countries in Africa

The fifteen most populous countries in Africa with current population estimates.

Rank Country Population Region
1 Nigeria 223,800,000 West Africa
2 Ethiopia 126,500,000 East Africa
3 Egypt 110,000,000 North Africa
4 Democratic Republic of the Congo 102,300,000 Central Africa
5 Tanzania 65,500,000 East Africa
6 South Africa 60,400,000 Southern Africa
7 Kenya 55,100,000 East Africa
8 Sudan 47,900,000 North Africa
9 Uganda 47,200,000 East Africa
10 Algeria 45,400,000 North Africa
11 Morocco 37,500,000 North Africa
12 Angola 35,600,000 Central Africa
13 Mozambique 33,900,000 Southern Africa
14 Ghana 33,500,000 West Africa
15 Madagascar 30,300,000 East Africa

Africa's Population Story

Africa is the world's fastest-growing continent. Its population passed 1.4 billion in the mid-2020s and is projected to reach roughly 2.5 billion by 2050. Nigeria alone is expected to overtake the United States in population during this period, becoming the world's third most populous country.

The countries below account for the majority of Africa's people and economic output.