African countries with the biggest change in life expectancy since 1965

Since 1965, global life expectancy has risen dramatically, climbing from an average of 54 years to around 74 years by 2025.

While nearly every country has seen improvements, some have far outpaced the global average, adding more than three decades to life expectancy.

In Africa, Algeria stands out with the largest gains, where life expectancy has jumped from 43 to 77 years, and nine other African nations have added at least 27 years, reflecting remarkable progress across the continent.

Below are the African countries with the biggest change in life expectancy since 1965:

Algeria has seen life expectancy rise dramatically from 43 years in 1965 to 77 years in 2025, a gain of 34 years. Improvements in healthcare, sanitation, education, and economic development have contributed to this growth.

Malawi’s life expectancy has jumped from 36 years in 1965 to 68 years in 2025, an increase of 32 years. Public health initiatives, expanded vaccination programs, and efforts to combat HIV/AIDS have played key roles.

Life expectancy in Western Sahara has risen from 41 years in 1965 to 72 years in 2025, gaining 31 years.

Gambia has seen life expectancy increase from 37 years in 1965 to 67 years in 2025, a 30-year gain.

Morocco’s life expectancy rose from 46 years in 1965 to 76 years in 2025, a 30-year improvement. Advances in healthcare infrastructure, maternal and child care, and vaccination coverage have been key drivers.

Eritrea has achieved a life expectancy increase from 40 years in 1965 to 69 years in 2025, a gain of 29 years. Post-independence health reforms, vaccination programs, and rural healthcare expansion have contributed significantly.

Life expectancy in Guinea-Bissau rose from 36 years in 1965 to 65 years in 2025, a 29-year gain. Expanding access to healthcare, combating infectious diseases, and improving maternal and child health have been central to this growth.

Mali has seen life expectancy climb from 32 years in 1965 to 61 years in 2025, a 29-year improvement. Public health campaigns, immunisation efforts, and programs targeting child and maternal health have been critical.

Senegal’s life expectancy has risen from 40 years in 1965 to 69 years in 2025, an increase of 29 years. Successes in public health, vaccination coverage, and healthcare access, especially for women and children, have contributed to this progress.

South Sudan has seen life expectancy improve from 29 years in 1965 to 58 years in 2025, a 29-year gain.

Tunisia’s life expectancy rose from 48 years in 1965 to 77 years in 2025, a 29-year increase.

Angola has achieved a life expectancy gain from 38 years in 1965 to 65 years in 2025, an increase of 27 years.

Ethiopia’s life expectancy has increased from 41 years in 1965 to 68 years in 2025, a 27-year gain.