Population of Africa

As of October 26, 2026, Africa’s population is estimated at 1,596,373,620, based on linear interpolation between the most recent official reference dates in the United Nations population projections.

As of July 1, 2026, Africa's population is projected to reach 1,584,985,259 (1.58 billion), up from 1,549,867,579 (1.55 billion) on July 1, 2025. Africa's population is expected to surpass 2 billion by 2038 and approach 4 billion by the end of the century.

Africa has been the world's second-most populous continent, behind Asia, since 1995, when it overtook Europe. Africa's share of the world population increased from 9.1% in 1950 to an estimated more than 19% in 2026. This share is projected to rise to nearly 37.46% by 2100.

Eastern Africa is Africa's most populous region, followed by Western Africa. Eastern Africa accounts for about one-third of the continent's population, while Western Africa accounts for 30%. Together, these two regions are home to approximately 63% of Africa's population. Northern Africa accounts for 17.71%, Middle Africa for 14.26%, and Southern Africa for 4.72%.

Africa has been the world's fastest-growing continent by population since 1972. Its annual population growth rate is estimated at 2.22% in 2026 and is projected to remain above 2% until 2032. The continent's population growth rate peaked at 3.04% in 1981.

Middle Africa is Africa's fastest-growing subregion, with an annual population growth rate of 2.92%, followed by Eastern Africa and Western Africa, both growing at over 2%. Northern Africa and Southern Africa are the only two African subregions with growth rates below 2%.

Since 1950, Africa's population has increased by 604%, the highest growth among all continents. This is more than double the increase in South America, which ranks second at 292%.

Africa's population is projected to increase by approximately 35 million in 2026, roughly equivalent to the population of Ghana, ranked 46th among countries by population. The continent's annual population increase is projected to peak in 2041, at nearly 37.36 million people.

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African subregions by population

Historical and Projection

Africa population projections

Africa population estimates