Africa’s Youth Surge Offers Opportunity and Challenge, 2025 Data Shows

Africa’s Youth Surge Offers Opportunity and Challenge, 2025 Data Shows
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Africa remains the world’s youngest continent, with new 2025 estimates revealing that children under 18 constitute more than half the population in ten African countries. According to data compiled by Visual Capitalist, the Central African Republic leads with 56.2% of its population under 18. Other nations with similarly high youth populations include Niger (53.3%), Somalia (53.0%), Mali (52.9%), and Chad (52.7%).

While Nigeria doesn’t rank among the top ten by percentage, it has the largest absolute number of children—over 112 million under 18, representing 45.5% of its 237 million people. This figure surpasses the total population of countries like the Philippines, underscoring Nigeria’s demographic significance and its implications for education, employment, and governance.

Despite the overall trend of population growth, some African countries are seeing signs of stagnation or decline. Mauritius and Seychelles, for example, face natural population decline due to low fertility and aging populations. Tunisia and Lesotho are grappling with low birth rates and youth emigration, while Libya’s demographic outlook remains uncertain amid ongoing conflict.

In contrast to global aging trends, Africa’s youthful population is set to grow. By 2050, the continent is expected to house nearly 40% of the world’s children. This demographic trajectory presents both a major opportunity and a pressing policy challenge.

Experts emphasize that countries investing in education, healthcare, job creation, and inclusive governance can turn this youth bulge into a powerful driver of development. Failure to act, however, risks deepening inequality and instability across the region.