Nigeria has retained its position as Africa's most populous country, according to the latest 2026 population estimates released by Worldometer. The report estimates Nigeria's population at 242.4 million, keeping it comfortably ahead of Ethiopia and Egypt, which occupy second and third positions respectively.
Africa's Population Growth Trends
Africa remains the fastest-growing continent in the world, with its rapidly expanding population driven by high birth rates, youthful demographics and improvements in healthcare. The continent's population is projected to exceed 2.5 billion by 2050. Nigeria's figure is based on demographic projections, as the country's last official population census was conducted in 2006.
Top 10 Most Populous Countries in Africa (2026)
Below are Africa's 10 most populous countries in 2026, according to Worldometer estimates.
1. Nigeria
Population: 242.4 million. Nigeria remains Africa's largest country by population, adding nearly five million people over the past year. The country also has one of the continent's youngest populations, with a median age of 18 years.
2. Ethiopia
Population: 138.9 million. Ethiopia retains second place after recording an estimated annual population growth of 2.53 per cent.
3. Egypt
Population: 120.1 million. Egypt remains North Africa's most populous nation, with more than 120 million residents.
4. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Population: 116.5 million. The Democratic Republic of the Congo continues its rapid demographic expansion, recording one of the highest population growth rates among Africa's largest countries.
5. Tanzania
Population: 72.6 million. Tanzania's youthful population continues to grow steadily, keeping the East African nation in fifth place.
6. South Africa
Population: 65.5 million. South Africa remains the sixth most populous country on the continent despite having a slower population growth rate than many of its African peers.
7. Kenya
Population: 58.6 million. Kenya occupies seventh place, with its growing workforce supporting expansion across several sectors of the economy.
8. Sudan
Population: 53.3 million. Sudan's population has continued to increase, adding more than one million people over the past year.
9. Uganda
Population: 52.8 million. Uganda remains one of Africa's youngest countries by median age and continues to record strong population growth.
10. Algeria
Population: 48 million. Algeria completes Africa's top 10 most populous countries, maintaining moderate annual population growth.
Implications of Population Growth
The rapid population expansion across Africa presents both opportunities and challenges. Young populations can drive economic growth if adequately educated and employed, but they also strain infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems. Nigeria, with a median age of 18, exemplifies this demographic dividend potential. The country added nearly five million people in the past year alone, highlighting the need for sustained investment in human capital and job creation.
