African countries with the highest life expectancy at birth in 2024

Key takeaways:

  • Tunisia ranked the highest in Africa with a remarkable life expectancy of about 77 years, surpassing Africa's value of 64 years.
  • Five North African countries are among the top 8 countries with the highest life expectancy at birth in Africa.
  • There is a significant 22-year difference between the life expectancy in Tunisia (77 years) and Nigeria (55 years).
  • Sub-Saharan countries generally have lower life expectancy rates.
  • Nigeria is ranked among countries with the lowest life expectancy in Africa and the world.

The life expectancy across Africa in 2024 reveals variations in health narrations across the continent. Tunisia led with an impressive life expectancy of approximately 77 years. It is closely followed by its neighbours, Algeria (2nd), Morocco (4th), Egypt (7th), and Libya (8th), highlighting the region's relatively advanced healthcare systems.

Mauritius and Seychelles had a life expectancy of approximately 75 and 73 years, ranking fifth and sixth respectively. Cabo Verde ranked third with about 76 years of life expectancy at birth. While Botswana manages to secure a place in the top 10 with about 69 years, South Africa's position at 24th place with about 66 years, and Kenya, standing at 35th position with approximately 64 years, represents the mid-range for the continent.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, ranked 54th, with a life expectancy of approximately 55 years, nearly 22 years less than Tunisia's. These figures underscore the importance of sustained investments in healthcare to improve life expectancy and well-being in many parts of the continent.

Source:

United Nations Population Division

Period:

2024
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