List of African countries by population

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, followed by Ethiopia, Egypt, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). Each of these four countries has over 100 million people, together accounting for 39% of the region's total. The top ten countries collectively account for 61% of the African population. As of 2026, 32 countries have more than 10 million inhabitants. Seychelles is the least populous country, while Saint Helena is the smallest territory by population. Eight African countries and dependent territories have fewer than one million inhabitants.

Africa is home to two of the world's ten most populous countries: Nigeria, ranked 6th, and Ethiopia, ranked 10th. In total, 16 African countries rank among the world's 50 most populous countries.

Of the 58 countries and territories in Africa, only two are projected to experience a population decline in 2026. Nigeria is expected to contribute the most to the region's population increase, adding 4.93 million people, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) with 3.65 million and Ethiopia with 3.45 million. Ten countries are projected to add at least one million people each in 2026.

The Central African Republic is projected to record Africa's highest population growth rate in 2026, at 3.28%. Six countries are expected to grow by more than 3%, while 35 are projected to exceed 2%. Eight African countries rank among the world's ten fastest-growing nations in 2026. Saint Helena is projected to have the lowest growth rate, at −1.15%, followed by Mauritius at −0.27%.

In 2000, Nigeria was the only African country with more than 100 million people. By 2026, this number had risen to four countries and is projected to reach 11 by 2100.

DR Congo, currently ranked fourth in Africa, is projected to become the continent's second-most populous country by 2100. Tanzania, currently in fifth place, is projected to rise to fourth. South Africa, which ranked fourth in 1950, is projected to fall to 12th place by 2100.

Since 1950, the populations of five African countries have each increased by more than 1,000%. Except for Saint Helena, whose population has declined, all African countries and territories have more than doubled in population.

In 1950, Western Sahara was the least populous country or territory in Africa. Seychelles is projected to remain the continent's least populous country through 2100.