Share

Africa must gear up for a population explosion

accreditation

Africa is the only world region projected to have strong population growth for the rest of this century.

Between 2020 and 2100, Africa’s population is expected to increase from 1.3 billion to 4.3 billion. Projections show these gains will come mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, which is expected to more than triple in population by 2100.

The regions that include the US and Canada (North America) and Australia and New Zealand (Oceania) are projected to grow too, but at slower rates than Africa’s.

By 2100, five of the world’s 10 largest countries are projected to be in Africa. Six countries are projected to account for more than half the world’s population growth until the end of this century, and five are in Africa.

The global population is expected to grow by about 3.1 billion people between 2020 and 2100.

population

More than half of this increase is projected to come from Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Angola, with one non-African country, Pakistan.

On a percentage basis, all 10 countries that are projected to experience the biggest growth in population by 2100 are in Africa, led by Niger (581% increase), Angola (473%) and Tanzania (378%).

The biggest percentage decreases in population are expected in Eastern European nations, led by Albania (-62%), Serbia (-52%) and Moldova and Bosnia-Herzegovina (both -50%).

– Pew Research


TALK TO US

Do you think the continent is prepared for such a dramatic population rise?

SMS us on 35697 using the keyword PEOPLE and tell us what you think. Include your name and province. SMSes cost R1.50. By participating, you agree to receive occasional marketing material

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
City Press aims to deliver quality journalism to our readers. We aim to bring you groundbreaking news across different beats of the publication. Which beat do you enjoy reading most from us?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
News
64% - 120 votes
Politics
24% - 45 votes
Entertainment
2% - 3 votes
Opinion
5% - 9 votes
Sports
6% - 11 votes
Vote