By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Youthful Nations: Top 10 African countries with the youngest populations in 2024
Africa stands out globally for having one of the youngest populations, presenting both opportunities and challenges in areas such as education, employment, and policymaking. The continent’s population is projected to double by 2050, surpassing 2.5 billion, driven by high fertility rates and declining mortality rates.
BusinessDay highlights Africa as the only region where the workforce continues to expand, offering significant potential for economic progress. The World Bank stresses the importance of investing in health, education, and skills development to harness this demographic dividend for accelerated economic growth.
According to Statista, here are the top 10 African nations with the youngest populations in 2024:
Niger: Leading the pack is Niger, boasting a median age of just 14.8 years and a population of approximately 27.9 million.
Uganda: With a median age of 15.7 years and a population nearing 49.5 million, Uganda showcases a sizable youth demographic.
Angola: Following closely behind is Angola, with a median age of 15.9 years and a population of around 37.5 million.
Mali: Mali shares the fourth position with Chad, boasting a median age of 16.1 years and a population of approximately 23.8 million.
Chad: Similarly, Chad, with a median age of 16.1 years and a population of nearly 18.7 million, ranks among the top five African nations with the youngest populations.
DR Congo:The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) stands out with a median age of 16.7 years and a staggering population of over 104.6 million.
Malawi: Known for its warm hospitality and stunning landscapes, Malawi has a median age of 16.8 years and a population of approximately 21.3 million.
Zambia: With a median age of 16.9 years and a population of around 21 million, Zambia is abundant in natural resources, including copper and cobalt.
Mozambique: Located on the southeastern coast of Africa, Mozambique boasts a median age of 17 years and a population of approximately 34.6 million.
Benin: Rounding up the list is Benin, with a median age of 17 years and a population of around 14 million.
These youthful populations underscore the importance of strategic investments and policies to harness their potential for sustainable development and economic growth.
Youngest Populations, Africa