Top 10 cleanest countries in Africa in 2024

When you think of a clean country, what do you picture? Fresh air, especially knowing that air pollution is linked to 1.1 million premature deaths across Africa? Or maybe you imagine spotless, tidy streets?

Well, a country’s cleanliness isn’t just about appearances. That’s where the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) comes in. The EPI gives us a clear picture of how well countries are doing in terms of environmental management and overall cleanliness.

A 2024 EPI report by Yale University combines 58 indicators across 11 issue categories, ranging from climate change mitigation and air pollution to waste management, sustainability of fisheries and agriculture, deforestation, and biodiversity protection.

In 2024, African countries that rank highly on the EPI are those that have prioritized environmental health and sustainability. These countries understand that a clean environment is not just a luxury but a necessity for economic growth, public health, and overall quality of life.

The EPI helps pinpoint issues, set goals, track progress, understand impacts, and figure out what policies are working best.

Leading the charge on the continent is Gabon, with a score of 53.1 and a global ranking of 45th. Hot on its heels is Zimbabwe, scoring 51.7 and coming in at 55th worldwide.

Botswana also makes a strong showing with a score of 49.0, placing 66th globally.