In 1950, Africa’s population was only 228.7 million, but by 2022, that number will rapidly increase to approximately 1.5 billion, accounting for approximately 17.89% of the world’s population. This number is expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, due to high birth rates, declining mortality rates, and an increase in the number of young people entering reproductive age.
Interestingly, while Africa’s population continues to grow, many high-income countries are shrinking or starting to decline.
According to United Nations data as of September 2024, of the top 10 countries predicted to drive future world population growth, five are in Africa and four are in Asia.
India, already the world’s most populous country, is expected to grow by an additional 147 million people. It is closely followed by Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and the continent’s fourth largest economy.
Together, these 10 countries are expected to account for 49% of global population growth by 2037. Notably, none of these countries are from Latin America, Oceania, or Europe.
The world’s population is expected to continue increasing until it peaks around the 2080s, potentially exceeding 10 billion people.
This rapid population growth presents opportunities and challenges for Africa’s economic development. A large and young workforce can foster innovation and market expansion, but it also brings risks, such as high unemployment and strain on resources.
Rank Country Growth Rate (2024-2037) 1 Nigeria 65 million 2 Democratic Republic of the Congo 51 million 3 Ethiopia 46 million 4 Tanzania 28 million 5 Egypt 23 million
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