Africa’s population growth is driven by several interconnected factors that shape the continent’s demographic trends.
- Business Insider Africa presents the 10 most populous African countries at the beginning of 2025
- The ranking is courtesy of Worldometer
- At the beginning of 2025, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt had the highest populations in Africa
Some of the factors influencing Africa’s growing population include high fertility rates, declining mortality rates, cultural practices, and improving healthcare systems.
However, while Africa’s rapid population growth offers opportunities for economic development and a youthful workforce, it also presents several significant disadvantages that pose challenges to the continent’s progress.
These challenges are particularly pronounced in areas such as resource management, infrastructure development, social services, and employment.
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Africa’s population growth in focus
In the last six decades, the global population has increased tremendously with Africa taking centre stage as a major contributor to the worldwide population growth rate.
As of 1950, Africa’s population stood at 228.7 million and by 2022, that figure increased by over a billion people to about 1.5 billion – making up about 17.89% of the global population.
The continent’s population is projected to grow by 90% hitting the 2.5 billion mark by 2050 as per Statista.
Population growth rates vary significantly across the globe, with low-income countries often experiencing much higher rates compared to their wealthier counterparts.
Ironically, the population in high-income countries is either shrinking or beginning to contract.
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) data on population growth rates for over 236 countries and territories around the world also reveal the first 10 countries globally with fastest growth rate were all African countries.
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Among the countries projected to be the most populated in the continent by 2050, Nigeria leads, with an estimated population of over 401 million people.
As the year starts, the population of many African countries continue to rise, supporting projections made by Statista.
The table below, sourced from Worldometer, highlights the significant population growth in the top 10 African countries at the beginning of 2025;
| Rank | Country | Population (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nigeria | 235,141,560 |
| 2 | Ethiopia | 133,790,524 |
| 3 | Egypt | 117,467,588 |
| 4 | DR Congo | 111,077,135 |
| 5 | Tanzania | 69,566,592 |
| 6 | South Africa | 64,383,893 |
| 7 | Kenya | 56,991,554 |
| 8 | Sudan | 51,064,634 |
| 9 | Uganda | 50,709,682 |
| 10 | Algeria | 47,130,307 |
Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, DR Congo, and Tanzania led the ranking with the highest population at the beginning of 2025.
Nigeria led with 235 million people while Ethiopia (134 million) and DR Congo (111 million) came in second and third positions.
Egypt, with 117 million and Tanzania (70 million) followed in fourth and fifth positions.
These countries’ expanding population presents numerous opportunities but require strategic planning for sustainable development.
