By Gilbert Ekugbe
Nigeria has retained its position as Africa’s most populous country, with an estimated population of 242.4 million people in 2026, according to the latest population estimates by Worldometer sighted by PUNCH Online on Wednesday.
The figure places Nigeria ahead of Ethiopia and Egypt, which rank second and third respectively among the continent’s most populous nations.
Africa remains the world’s fastest-growing continent, with its population projected to exceed 2.5 billion by 2050, driven by youthful populations, high fertility rates and improvements in healthcare.
Nigeria’s population estimate is based on projections, as the country’s last official census was conducted in 2006, when the population stood at 140.4 million.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s population growth rate was estimated at 2.1 per cent in 2025, contributing to its continued demographic expansion.
The top 10 most populous countries in Africa in 2026 are:
1. Nigeria — 242.4 million people
Nigeria remains Africa’s most populous nation, adding about 4.9 million people over the past year.
With a median age of 18 years and a fertility rate of 4.2 children per woman, the country’s youthful population continues to drive labour force growth and consumer demand.
2. Ethiopia — 138.9 million people
Ethiopia ranks second with an estimated population of 138.9 million.
The country recorded annual population growth of 2.53 per cent, adding more than 3.4 million people within a year.
3. Egypt — 120.1 million people
Egypt is North Africa’s most populous country, with a population of 120.1 million.
The country added about 1.74 million people over the past year, with a population growth rate of 1.47 per cent.
4. Democratic Republic of Congo — 116.5 million people
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ranks fourth with 116.45 million residents.
The country recorded one of the fastest population growth rates among Africa’s top 10 most populous nations, at 3.21 per cent.
5. Tanzania — 72.6 million people
Tanzania’s population has risen to 72.56 million, supported by a growth rate of 2.86 per cent.
The country’s youthful population, with a median age of 18 years, continues to expand rapidly.
6. South Africa — 65.5 million people
South Africa ranks sixth with an estimated population of 65.45 million.
The country has a slower growth rate of 1.09 per cent compared with many other African nations.
7. Kenya — 58.6 million people
Kenya’s population stands at 58.64 million, with an annual growth rate of 1.92 per cent.
The country’s young workforce continues to support growth in technology, financial services and manufacturing sectors.
8. Sudan — 53.3 million people
Sudan has an estimated population of 53.28 million, growing at 3.14 per cent annually.
The country added more than 1.6 million people over the past year.
9. Uganda — 52.8 million people
Uganda ranks ninth with 52.76 million people.
The East African country has one of the youngest populations in Africa, with a median age of 17 years.
10. Algeria — 48 million people
Algeria completes the list with an estimated population of 48.03 million.
The North African nation recorded moderate population growth of 1.25 per cent over the past year.
The continued rise in Africa’s population is expected to reshape markets, investment patterns and labour dynamics, with Nigeria projected to remain a key driver of the continent’s economic growth in the years ahead.
