Sub-Saharan Africa is on track to defy global population trends. At the same time, many regions will see a decline or plateauing by 2100.
According to the United Nations, 41 African countries are projected to reach their peak population after 2100, adding up to a massive 3.5 billion people. The chart highlights the top 20, with Nigeria, Congo, and Ethiopia taking the lead. These three nations alone will hold nearly 1.3 billion people at peak.
A regional breakdown shows that Eastern Africa is the fastest-rising cluster, with countries like Ethiopia (368M), Tanzania (264M), Uganda (121M), and Mozambique (105M) leading growth.
This surge offers hope and risk in equal measure. A youthful, growing population can power economies, innovation, and labor markets. Africa's population future is not just about numbers; it's about how boldly and wisely the continent builds for tomorrow.
This growth signal untapped potential, especially in education, workforce, and economic development, but only if the government invests in people and infrastructure today.
