Africa's most populous countries in 2026: Nigeria leads with 242 million

Nigeria remains Africa's most populous country in 2026 with an estimated 242.43 million people, according to the latest Worldometer population estimates. The country added roughly 4.9 million people over the past year, the largest absolute increase on the continent, and now accounts for 2.92% of the global population.

Nigeria tops the list despite outdated census data

Nigeria's 242.4 million population figure is based on estimates, as the country last conducted an official census in 2006, which put the figure at 140.4 million. Since then, estimates have been driven by the population growth rate. The World Bank put Nigeria's population growth rate at 2.1% as of 2025.

Nigeria is followed by Ethiopia at 138.9 million people and Egypt at 120.1 million. The Democratic Republic of Congo ranks fourth with 116.45 million people, recording one of the continent's fastest growth rates at 3.21% and adding more than 3.6 million people in one year.

Young populations shape East and Central Africa

Several countries on the list stand out for their youthful demographics. Tanzania, with 72.56 million people, has a median age of just 18 years and a fertility rate of 4.4 children per woman. Uganda, at 52.76 million, is one of the continent's youngest nations with a median age of 17 years and a fertility rate of 4.0.

The DRC has the highest fertility rate among the top 10 at 5.8 children per woman, and a median age of just 16 years. Kenya, at 58.64 million, has a median age of 20 years, supporting its growing technology, financial services and manufacturing sectors.

North and Southern Africa show slower growth

South Africa, with 65.45 million people, has one of the lowest fertility rates on the continent at 2.2 children per woman and annual growth of just 1.09%. It remains highly urbanised with 67% of its population living in cities.

Algeria closes the top 10 with 48.03 million people, growing at 1.25% annually. It is North Africa's largest country by land area but has a low population density of 20 people per square kilometre. Egypt, with 120.1 million, grew by 1.47% and remains one of Africa's largest consumer markets.

Sudan, at 53.28 million, recorded one of the fastest annual increases at 3.14% and had the highest positive net migration on the list at over 252,000 people.

What this means for Nigeria and the naira

Nigeria's rapidly growing population of 242 million, with a median age of just 18 years, presents both a challenge and an opportunity. A youthful population can drive consumer spending and labour force expansion, but it also puts pressure on infrastructure, jobs and the currency. With the naira trading at N1,381/$1 and FX reserves at $51.7 billion, policymakers face the task of converting demographic growth into economic output. Investors watching Africa's consumer markets will continue to view Nigeria as the continent's largest potential market, but the lack of an official census since 2006 remains a data gap that complicates planning.