* Ethiopia, Egypt rank second and third on continent
* Worldometer projects Africa’s population to exceed 2.5bn by 2050
Nigeria has retained its position as Africa’s most populous country, with an estimated population of 242.4 million in 2026, according to the latest population estimates by Worldometer, sighted 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 its youthful population, 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 an annual population growth rate of 2.53 per cent, adding more than 3.4 million people over the past 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 the Congo — 116.5 million people
The Democratic Republic of the Congo ranks fourth, with an estimated population of 116.5 million.
The country recorded one of the fastest population growth rates among Africa’s 10 most populous nations, at 3.21 per cent.
5. Tanzania — 72.6 million people
Tanzania’s population has risen to 72.6 million, supported by an annual growth rate of 2.86 per cent.
The country’s youthful population, with a median age of 18 years, continues to grow rapidly.
6. South Africa — 65.5 million people
South Africa ranks sixth, with an estimated population of 65.5 million.
The country has a relatively slower population growth rate of 1.09 per cent compared with many other African nations.
7. Kenya — 58.6 million people
Kenya’s population stands at 58.6 million, with an annual growth rate of 1.92 per cent.
The country’s youthful workforce continues to support growth in the technology, financial services and manufacturing sectors.
8. Sudan — 53.3 million people
Sudan has an estimated population of 53.3 million, growing at an annual rate of 3.14 per cent.
The country added more than 1.6 million people over the past year.
9. Uganda — 52.8 million people
Uganda ranks ninth, with an estimated population of 52.8 million.
The East African country has one of the youngest populations in the world, with a median age of 17 years.
10. Algeria — 48 million people
Algeria completes the top 10, with an estimated population of 48 million.
The North African nation recorded a moderate annual population growth rate of 1.25 per cent over the past year.
The continued growth of 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.
(PUNCH… outside headline)