At the top of the list is the Central African Republic, where 56.2% of the population is under 18. Other countries with similar demographic structures include Niger (53.3%), Somalia (53.0%), and Mali (52.9%).
Africa’s demographic shift: Spotlight on children
The data is based on estimates for 2025, as reported by Visual Capitalist in their overview of countries with the largest children population
| Country | % under 18 | No of Children under 18 | Total Human Population |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Central African Republic |
56.2% |
3.1 Million |
5.5 Million |
|
Niger |
53.3% |
14.9 Million |
27 Million |
|
Somalia |
53.0% |
10.4 Million |
19.7 Million |
|
Mali |
52.9% |
13.3 Million |
25.2 Million |
|
Chad |
52.7% |
11.1 Million |
21.0 Million |
|
Democratic Republic of Congo |
52.5% |
59.2 Million |
112.8 Million |
|
Burundi |
51.4% |
7.4 Million |
14.4 Million |
|
Mozambique |
51.1% |
18.2 Million |
35.6 Million |
|
Angola |
50.8% |
19.8 Million |
39.0 Million |
|
Uganda |
50.2% |
25. 8 Million |
51.4 Million |
Although not among the top ten, Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country has a significant young population.
Approximately 45.5% of its 237 million citizens are under the age of 18, amounting to over 112 million children and adolescents, more than the total population of the Philippines, the world’s 13th most populous country.
Notably, while this proportion is lower than that of the countries on the top list, the absolute number is unmatched across the continent and has far-reaching implications for education, job creation, and political stability.
Meanwhile, most African countries are experiencing population growth, but a few are beginning to show signs of stagnation or decline.
Lesotho, with a population of about 2.2 million, is experiencing reduced fertility (2.5 births per woman) and sustained emigration.
According to Worldometer, the population of Mauritius is approximately 1.3 million people, while Seychelles has around 132,905. Both countries are facing natural population decline due to low fertility rates of 1.4 and 1.5, respectively, alongside aging demographics.
Tunisia, with a fertility rate of just 1.8, is below replacement level and contending with significant youth emigration. In Libya, which is home to around 6.8 million people, ongoing conflict has led to large-scale displacement and uncertain demographic trends.
On the brighter side, while most of Europe and East Asia are confronting shrinking populations, UN forecasts suggest that by 2050, almost 40% of the world’s children will live in Africa, driven by high fertility rates and falling child mortality.
This emerging demographic weight has the potential to transform global economic and political dynamics. However, it will require sustained and strategic investment in infrastructure, human capital, and governance.
Africa’s youth represent both a critical opportunity and a pressing challenge. Countries that invest in inclusive policies, quality education, healthcare, and job creation are likely to harness this demographic advantage. For others, inaction could deepen inequality, unemployment, and social unrest.
The future of the continent and perhaps the world, hinges on how Africa prepares for and empowers its next generation.
