FULL LIST: Nigeria retains position as Africa’s most populous country, now 242.4 million

Nigeria has reaffirmed its position as the most populous country in Africa, with its population estimated at 242.4 million people in 2026, according to Worldometer. This figure places Nigeria significantly ahead of Ethiopia and Egypt, which rank second and third on the continent.

The nation's population estimate is based on projections, as Nigeria's last official census was conducted in 2006, recording a population of 140.4 million. The World Bank estimates Nigeria's population growth rate at 2.1 percent for 2025, a key factor in its ongoing demographic expansion. The country's youthful population, with a median age of 18 years and a fertility rate of 4.2 children per woman, continues to drive labor force growth and consumer demand.

Africa as a whole is the world's fastest-growing continent, with its population projected to surpass 2.5 billion by 2050. This growth is attributed to young populations, high fertility rates, and improvements in healthcare. Among the top 10 most populous countries in Africa for 2026, Nigeria leads, adding approximately 4.9 million people in the past year. Ethiopia follows with an estimated 138.9 million people and a growth rate of 2.53 percent, while Egypt has a population of 120.1 million with a growth rate of 1.47 percent.