Africa: Population Forecast, by year
YearNumber of people,
in millions
20502,485.14
20452,289.76
20402,093.41
20351,899.30
20301,710.67
20251,530.03
20231,460.48
20201,360.68
  • Region: Africa
  • Time period: 2020 to 2050
  • Published: 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Apr 6, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Population Growth Trend in Africa

The total population of Africa is on a significant upward trajectory, with forecasts indicating an increase from 1,360.68 million people in 2020 to 2,485.14 million by 2050. This surge represents an impressive growth of approximately 82.7% over three decades.

Decadal Growth Acceleration

Between 2020 and 2030, Africa's population is expected to rise by 350 million, from 1,360.68 million to 1,710.67 million. This decadal growth rate outpaces the subsequent two decades, highlighting a period of accelerated population increase in the early 21st century.

Annual Growth Rate Fluctuations

The annual growth rate of Africa's population exhibits fluctuations over time. For instance, the increase from 1,530.03 million in 2025 to 1,710.67 million in 2030 suggests a higher growth rate compared to the period from 2045 to 2050, where the population is forecasted to grow from 2,289.76 million to 2,485.14 million.

Consistent Growth Across Decades

Despite the fluctuations in annual growth rates, the African population is consistently expected to grow by over 180 million people each decade from 2025 to 2050. This demonstrates a sustained demographic expansion across the continent.

Sharp Increase in Recent Years

The recent population increase from 1,360.68 million in 2020 to an estimated 1,460.48 million in 2023 underscores a sharp rise of nearly 100 million people in just three years, highlighting the accelerating pace of growth in the early 2020s.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the estimated population growth in Africa from 2020 to 2050?

The population of Africa is estimated to increase from 1,360.68 million in 2020 to 2,485.14 million by 2050, representing a growth of approximately 82.7%.

Does the annual growth rate of Africa's population remain constant?

No, the annual growth rate varies, for example, it is higher from 2025 to 2030, compared to the period from 2045 to 2050.

Terms and Definitions

Population refers to the group of individuals who live in a given geographic area at a certain time. In the context of this forecast, it refers specifically to the total people living in Africa.

Fertility rate is the average number of children a woman gives birth to during her childbearing years. This is a critical factor determining population growth, as higher fertility rates contribute to a greater increase in population.

Mortality rate is the measure of the number of deaths in a population, typically expressed per thousand individuals per year. This is a crucial factor affecting population forecasts as higher mortality rates lead to decreases in overall population.

Population growth rate is the percentage by which a population's size changes over a particular period, usually one year. This rate can indicate an increase (positive rate) or a decrease (negative rate) in the population, affecting the forecasted figures.

Demographics are the statistical characteristics of human populations such as age, gender, income, and education. These characteristics help in understanding the social and economic structure of a population, which influence trends in population growth or decline.
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