Africa is home to some of the fastest-growing populations in the world. With diverse cultures, economies, and landscapes, some of these nations stand out for their large populations. This article explores the 10 most populous African countries, according to statistics from Worldometer.
1. Nigeria
Topping this list is the giant of Africa, Nigeria, with a population of 235,926,762 as of the first quarter of 2025.
Nigeria’s 2025 population is estimated at 237,527,782 people at mid-year and the country’s population is equivalent to 2.89% of the total world population.
2. Ethiopia
Next on the list is Ethiopia, a country in East Africa with a current population of 134,339,653 based on Worldometer’s elaboration of the latest United Nations data.
Ethiopia’s 2025 population is estimated at 135,472,051 people at mid-year and the nation’s population is equivalent to 1.65% of the world’s population.
3. Egypt
The Arab Republic of Egypt has a population of 117,765,537. The country which is located on the northeast corner of the African continent is estimated to have a population of 118,365,995 people by the middle of the year 2025.
Egypt’s population is equivalent to 1.44% of the total world population.
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4. DR Congo
Another populous African nation is DR Congo. The second largest country in Africa by area, DR Congo has a current population of 111,644,570.
DR Congo’s 2025 population is estimated at 112,832,473 people at mid-year and its current population is equivalent to 1.37% of the world’s population.
5. Tanzania
Tanzania, home to some of the world’s most treasured national parks and game reserves, has a population of 69,884,870.
Tanzania’s 2025 population is estimated at 70,545,865 people by the middle of the year.
Tanzania’s population is equivalent to 0.86% of the total world population.
6. South Africa
South Africa ranks sixth on this list with a population of 64,505,178. South Africa’s population is estimated at 64,747,319 people by the middle of the year 2025 and is equivalent to 0.79% of the world’s population.
7. Kenya
Kenya, another prominent country in East Africa, has a population of 57,169,886 according to Worldometer.
Kenya’s population is estimated at 57,532,493 people in the middle of the year and is equivalent to 0.7% of the total world population.
8. Sudan
Sudan, home to one of Africa’s oldest and most advanced cultures – the ancient Nubian civilization, is next on the list with a current population of 51,260,250.
Sudan’s population, which is equivalent to 0.63% of the total world population, is estimated at 51,662,147 people in the middle of the year.
9. Uganda
The Republic of Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, ranks ninth on this list with a population of 50,929,621.
Uganda’s population is expected to increase to about 51,384,894 people before the year runs out. Its population is equivalent to 0.62% of the world’s population.
10. Algeria
Last on the list is the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria with a population of 47,231,794.
Algeria’s population is expected to rise to 47,435,312 people within the year 2025 and its current population is equivalent to 0.58% of the total world population.
Morocco, Angola, Mozambique, Ghana, Madagascar, and Côte d’Ivoire are other populous African nations.
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