While often overshadowed by other pressing concerns, such as poverty and disease, homelessness is a critical issue that demands attention.
The problem of homelessness knows no barriers and countries all over the world struggle to combat this awful problem. Africa is no different, as it, too, confronts this troubling predicament.
On the continent, many individuals find themselves without a place to call home, living on the streets, in informal settlements, or overcrowded slums.
However, the degree of homelessness in Africa varies from one region to another. In some countries, homelessness is driven by armed conflicts and internal displacement, as people are forced to flee their homes due to violence or socio-political persecution.
In contrast, urbanization and rapid population growth contribute to homelessness in major African cities, where the scarcity of affordable housing creates significant challenges.
But the root cause of homelessness in Africa is multifaceted. Economic hardships, unemployment, natural disasters, eviction, social factors, political and legal challenges, and a scarcity of affordable housing, are all on the list.
Here are the 10 African countries with the highest homelessness rates, according to World Population Review:
| Rank | Country | Homeless people |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Nigeria |
24,400,000 |
|
2 |
Egypt |
12,000,000 |
|
3 |
DR Congo |
5,332,000 |
|
4 |
Somalia |
2,968,000 |
|
5 |
Sudan |
2,730,000 |
|
6 |
Ethiopia |
2,693,000 |
|
7 |
South Sudan |
1,542,000 |
|
8 |
Cameroon |
1,033,000 |
|
9 |
Mozambique |
769,000 |
|
10 |
Burkinafaso |
700,000 |
