Africa remains the world's fastest-growing continent, with its population continuing to surge and shape global trends. As we move through 2026, the continent's total headcount is already pushing past 1.57 billion people (based on live estimates from United Nations data via Worldometer), and projections for mid-2025 placed it around **1.55 billion**. This growth is driven largely by high birth rates, improving healthcare access, and a youthful demographic bulge.
Nigeria continues to dominate as Africa's undisputed population giant, far ahead of the pack and even ranking among the top countries worldwide. Here's an updated ranking of the top African nations by population, drawing from the latest reliable estimates (primarily UN World Population Prospects 2024 revision, elaborated by Worldometer as of early 2026). Figures are approximate mid-year or current projections, rounded for readability:
1. 🇳🇬 Nigeria — ~242 million
The Giant of Africa maintains its lead, with rapid urban growth in cities like Lagos fueling the numbers.
2. 🇪🇹 Ethiopia — ~139 million
Strong fertility rates and economic momentum keep it in second place.
3. 🇪🇬 Egypt — ~120 million
North Africa's heavyweight, concentrated along the Nile.
4. 🇨🇩 DR Congo — ~116 million
One of the fastest-growing populations globally, thanks to high birth rates.
5. 🇹🇿 Tanzania — ~73 million
Steady climbs make it a rising force in East Africa.
6. 🇿🇦 South Africa — ~65 million
The continent's most industrialized economy, with a more urbanized population.
7. 🇰🇪 Kenya — ~59 million
Nairobi's vibrancy and youthful energy drive consistent growth.
8. 🇸🇩 Sudan — ~52 million (approx.)
Despite challenges, numbers remain significant.
9. 🇺🇬 Uganda — ~51 million
High fertility continues to push rapid expansion.
10. 🇩🇿 Algeria — ~47 million
North Africa's stable giant.
The list continues down to smaller island nations:
11. 🇦🇴 Angola ~39 million
12. 🇲🇦 Morocco ~38 million
13. 🇲🇿 Mozambique ~36 million
14. 🇬🇭 Ghana ~35 million
15. 🇲🇬 Madagascar ~33 million
...and so on, with the smallest like 🇸🇨 Seychelles (~130,000) and others in the low hundreds of thousands.
Full continental breakdown highlights the huge disparities: the top five countries alone account for a massive share of Africa's people, while many Sahel and island states remain under 10 million.
Africa's demographic story is one of immense potential — and pressure. With a median age under 20 in many places, the continent has the world's youngest population, offering a massive labor force for the future if investments in education, jobs, and infrastructure keep pace.
Total Africa Population (mid-2025 estimate) ≈ **1.55 billion
Current live estimate (early 2026)**: Over **1.57 billion and climbing fast.
Data compiled from Worldometer (elaboration of UN World Population Prospects: The 2024 Revision, medium variant). These numbers shift slightly with new projections and live counters, but the overall order and trends hold steady.
What do you think — is Nigeria's lead unassailable for the foreseeable future, or could Ethiopia or DR Congo close the gap in coming decades? Drop your thoughts in the comments!