Most Populous Countries in Africa
The 15 most populous countries in Africa, ranked by 2024 UN population estimates.
Last updated: September 2026
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with about 233 million people in 2024 according to the UN, followed by Ethiopia (about 132 million), Egypt (about 117 million) and DR Congo (about 109 million). Together the 15 countries below have about 1104 million people, roughly three-quarters of Africa's population of over 1.4 billion.
| Rank | Country | Population (2024) | Capital | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nigeria | 232.7 million | Abuja | West Africa |
| 2 | Ethiopia | 132.1 million | Addis Ababa | East Africa |
| 3 | Egypt | 116.5 million | Cairo | North Africa |
| 4 | DR Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo) | 109.3 million | Kinshasa | Central Africa |
| 5 | Tanzania | 68.6 million | Dodoma | East Africa |
| 6 | South Africa | 64.0 million | Pretoria | Southern Africa |
| 7 | Kenya | 56.4 million | Nairobi | East Africa |
| 8 | Sudan | 50.4 million | Khartoum | North Africa |
| 9 | Uganda | 50.0 million | Kampala | East Africa |
| 10 | Algeria | 46.8 million | Algiers | North Africa |
| 11 | Morocco | 38.1 million | Rabat | North Africa |
| 12 | Angola | 37.9 million | Luanda | Central Africa |
| 13 | Mozambique | 34.6 million | Maputo | East Africa |
| 14 | Ghana | 34.4 million | Accra | West Africa |
| 15 | Madagascar | 32.0 million | Antananarivo | East Africa |
Source: UN World Population Prospects 2024, mid-2024 estimates, rounded. National census figures can differ, and Nigeria has not held a census since 2006, so its total is an estimate. Regions follow the UN grouping.
Key Facts About Africa's Population
- Largest: Nigeria has about 15% of all Africans and is the sixth most populous country in the world.
- Least populous: Seychelles (about 0.13 million), São Tomé and Príncipe (about 0.24 million) and Cabo Verde (about 0.52 million).
- Most populous region: East Africa, with about 500 million people, followed by West Africa with about 456 million (see regions of Africa).
- Largest urban area: Greater Cairo, with about 22 million people; Kinshasa and Lagos are the next largest.
- Young population: the median age in Africa is under 20, the lowest of any continent.
Population Growth
Africa is the world's fastest-growing continent. Its population passed 1.4 billion in the early 2020s and the UN projects about 2.5 billion by 2050, when roughly one in four people on Earth will be African. Nigeria is projected to reach about 360 million by 2050; Ethiopia, DR Congo and Tanzania are also expected to grow quickly. Growth is slower in North Africa and Southern Africa, where birth rates have fallen further.
Large populations do not always mean large economies: compare this list with the richest countries in Africa and the poorest countries by GDP per capita.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most populous country in Africa?
Nigeria, with about 233 million people in 2024 (UN estimate). Ethiopia is second with about 132 million and Egypt third with about 117 million.
What is the least populous country in Africa?
Seychelles, with about 130,000 people. São Tomé and Príncipe and Cabo Verde are the next smallest by population.
What is the population of Africa?
Africa has over 1.4 billion people, about 18% of the world's population. The UN projects about 2.5 billion by 2050.
Which African city has the most people?
Greater Cairo is Africa's largest urban area, with about 22 million people. Kinshasa and Lagos are next, each with an estimated 15 to 20 million or more depending on how the metro area is defined.