Chad and Nigeria had the lowest life expectancies in Africa as of 2023

The African countries with the highest life expectancies as of 2023 are: Algeria - 77 years, Tunisia - 77 years, Cape Verde - 77 years, Mauritius - 76 years.

The African countries with the lowest life expectancies: Central African Republic - 55 years, Lesotho - 55 years, Nigeria - 54 years, Chad - 54 years.

Source:

UNICEF

Period:

2023
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Nigeria halved under-5 mortality from 325.2 to 107.2 per 1,000 live births from 1960 to 2022
  • Ghana's under-5 mortality rate at 42.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, still higher than the SDG target of 25 deaths per 1,000 live births.
  • Cape Verde achieved the most dramatic reduction in under-5 mortality rates, cutting its rate by over 93%, from 174.8 in 1960 to 12.3 in 2022, the lowest in West Africa.
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  • Liberia experienced a troubling increase in under-5 mortality rates during the 1980s, peaking at 263.8 in 1990, a period marked by civil war and economic instability.
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Life expectancy growth in Nigeria (2000–2024)
Key takeaways:
  • Nigeria's life expectancy increased by 17.02% in 24 years, from 47 years in 2000 to 55 years in 2024.
  • Women had a higher life expectancy than men during the period.
  • Nigeria's life expectancy is expected to reach 56 years by 2030, based on past growth rates.
  • In 2024, women's life expectancy matched the overall life expectancy for that year.
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.
Top countries with the lowest and highest life expectancy in 2024
Key takeaways:
  • African countries have the lowest life expectancy.
  • Most of the countries with the highest life expectancy are in Europe and Asia
  • The countries with the highest life expectancy are mostly developed nations.
  • Thirteen countries were observed to have a life expectancy above 84 years, while 11 countries have a life expectancy below 61 years.
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