Nigeria has maintained its position as Africa’s most populous country, with an estimated population of 242.4 million people in 2026, according to the latest demographic estimates released by Worldometer.
The latest figures reaffirm Nigeria’s demographic dominance on the continent, placing it well ahead of Ethiopia and Egypt, which occupy the second and third positions, respectively, among Africa’s most populous nations.
The report comes as Africa continues to experience rapid population growth, with experts projecting that the continent’s population will exceed 2.5 billion people by 2050. The growth is being driven by high fertility rates, youthful populations, improving healthcare systems and increasing life expectancy across many African countries.
Nigeria’s latest population estimate represents a significant increase from the country’s last official census conducted in 2006, when the National Population Commission placed the population at 140.4 million.
Since then, no nationwide population census has been conducted, meaning recent figures are based on demographic projections that take into account birth rates, mortality rates, migration patterns and population growth trends.
According to data from the World Bank, Nigeria’s annual population growth rate stood at approximately 2.1 per cent in 2025, contributing to the country’s continued demographic expansion.
The latest estimate indicates that Nigeria added roughly 4.9 million people within the past year alone, further widening the gap between it and other African countries.
One of the defining features of Nigeria’s population is its youthful demographic profile.
With a median age of approximately 18 years, Nigeria possesses one of the youngest populations globally. This youthful population is expected to remain a major driver of economic activity, labour force expansion and consumer demand over the coming decades.
The country’s fertility rate, estimated at about 4.2 children per woman, also continues to contribute significantly to its rapid population growth.
Demographers believe that Nigeria’s expanding population presents both enormous opportunities and considerable challenges.
On one hand, the country’s growing youthful workforce offers the potential for increased productivity, innovation and economic growth if properly harnessed through investments in education, healthcare, job creation and infrastructure.
On the other hand, rapid population growth continues to place increasing pressure on housing, healthcare services, transportation systems, educational institutions, food production and employment opportunities.
Ethiopia retained its position as Africa’s second most populous country, with an estimated population of 138.9 million people.
The East African nation recorded an annual population growth rate of approximately 2.53 per cent, translating to an increase of more than 3.4 million people over the past year.
Ethiopia’s large and youthful population has continued to play a critical role in supporting the country’s agricultural, manufacturing and infrastructure development programmes.
Egypt occupies the third position with an estimated population of 120.1 million people, making it the most populous country in North Africa.
The country added approximately 1.74 million people during the past year, with an annual population growth rate of about 1.47 per cent.
Egypt’s relatively slower growth rate reflects ongoing efforts by authorities to promote family planning while managing increasing demands on public services and urban infrastructure.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ranks fourth on the continental list with an estimated population of 116.5 million people.
The Central African nation recorded one of the fastest population growth rates among Africa’s largest countries at approximately 3.21 per cent annually.
Experts note that despite its enormous natural resources, the country’s rapidly expanding population continues to present significant development challenges, particularly in healthcare, education and infrastructure.
Tanzania occupies the fifth position with an estimated population of 72.6 million people.
The East African nation continues to experience strong demographic expansion, recording an annual growth rate of approximately 2.86 per cent.
Like Nigeria, Tanzania has a youthful population with a median age of about 18 years, a factor expected to sustain labour force growth in the coming decades.
South Africa ranks sixth with an estimated population of 65.5 million people.
Unlike many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa has a relatively slower annual population growth rate of about 1.09 per cent.
The country’s slower demographic expansion reflects declining fertility rates and changing population dynamics associated with urbanisation and socioeconomic development.
Kenya follows in seventh place with an estimated population of 58.6 million people.
The country continues to witness steady demographic growth, supported by an annual population increase of approximately 1.92 per cent.
Kenya’s youthful workforce has become a major contributor to the country’s expanding technology, manufacturing, financial services and digital innovation sectors.
Sudan occupies the eighth position with an estimated population of 53.3 million people.
Despite ongoing political and humanitarian challenges, the country continues to record one of the continent’s fastest population growth rates at approximately 3.14 per cent annually, adding more than 1.6 million people over the past year.
Uganda ranks ninth among Africa’s most populous countries with an estimated population of 52.8 million people.
The East African nation has one of the youngest populations in the world, with a median age of just 17 years.
Demographic experts say Uganda’s youthful population presents tremendous opportunities for future economic growth if investments in education, healthcare and employment are sustained.
Completing the top 10 list is Algeria, whose estimated population now stands at approximately 48 million people.
The North African country recorded a moderate annual population growth rate of about 1.25 per cent, reflecting demographic trends similar to several countries across the Mediterranean region.
Analysts believe Africa’s rapidly growing population will continue to reshape global economic and investment patterns over the coming decades.
The continent’s expanding labour force, rising consumer markets and increasing urbanisation are expected to make Africa one of the world’s most important centres for economic growth.
Nigeria, in particular, is projected to remain at the forefront of that transformation because of its enormous population, strategic economic position and expanding domestic market.
However, experts warn that converting demographic growth into economic prosperity will depend largely on effective governance, sustained investment in education and healthcare, infrastructure development, industrialisation, food security and employment generation.
With nearly a quarter of a billion people already residing within its borders, Nigeria’s demographic influence is expected to continue shaping Africa’s economic, political and social landscape for decades to come.
