Western and Eastern Africa together represent over 63% (957B) of the continent's total 1.52 billion population

  • Africa’s population in H1 2025 stood at 1.51 billion.
  • Eastern Africa is the most populous region with 500.7M people (33.0%).
  • Western Africa follows with 456.3M (30.1%).
  • Together, Eastern and Western Africa account for over 63% of Africa’s total population.
  • Southern Africa is the least populous with 73.1M (4.8%).

Africa’s population reached 1.52 billion in the first half of 2025, with a striking distribution range across its five regions. Eastern Africa leads as the most populous region with 500.7 million people (33.0%), followed by Western Africa with 456.3 million (30.1%). Combined, these two regions account for more than 63% of the continent’s entire population, highlighting their demographic weight and influence.

Northern Africa holds 272.1 million people (18.0%), while Central Africa has 212.9 million (14.1%). Southern Africa is the least populous, with 73.1 million residents, making up just 4.8% of Africa’s total population. These differences reveal not only where most Africans live but also hint at where demographic pressures and opportunities could be most pronounced in the coming decades.

Source:

Worldometer

Period:

June 2025
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