Southern Africa contributes only 4.8% to Africa's 1.5 billion population

Key takeaways:

  • Eastern Africa is the most populous region, making up 33.09% of Africa’s total population, with over 507 million people.
  • Together, Eastern and Western Africa house over 63% of Africa’s total population, indicating where much of the continent’s human capital and economic activity will be concentrated.
  • Northern Africa has 274.1 million people (17.89%), while Central Africa has 216.3 million (14.11%), placing them in the mid-range of Africa’s population distribution.
  • Southern Africa is by far the least populous region, contributing just 4.8% (73.6 million people) to Africa’s 1.5 billion total.
  • The population contrast across regions highlights key differences in urbanisation, economic opportunities, and development needs.
  • Understanding Africa’s population distribution is crucial for businesses, policymakers, and investors, as future economic growth, consumer markets, and labour forces will be heavily influenced by these demographic trends.

Africa’s population is estimated to be 1.5 billion by January 2025, with significant regional variations in distribution. Eastern Africa stands out as the most populous region, home to over 507 million people, accounting for 33.09% of the continent’s total population. Western Africa follows with 461.4 million people, making up 30.11% of Africa’s population. These two regions alone house over 63% of the continent’s inhabitants.
On the other hand, Southern Africa contributes just 4.8% (73.6 million people) to Africa’s total population, making it the least populous region.

Source:

United Nations

Period:

2025
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