Africa, frequently referred to as the cradle of humanity, is endowed with numerous resources. The continent pulsates with riches, from the mineral-rich landscapes of Southern Africa to the lush forests of Central Africa and the fertile plains of the Nile Valley.
These resources, which include minerals, energy, and agricultural land, provide major contributions to global economies and place Africa as a prominent actor in the global economic scene.
However, it is not just the subsurface riches or the vast landscapes that define Africa’s wealth. The fast population expansion is at the heart of this wealth. The fertility rates in African countries are an important component of this demographic situation.
According to Statista, low-income countries have double the fertility rate per woman as the global average. As a result, Africa has nine of the top ten countries with the highest fertility rates.
Sub-Saharan Africa will account for half of global population growth from 2022 to 2050. The region’s population is expanding three times faster than the rest of the world, and by the end of the century, it will be home to one-third of the world’s population, up from 14% in 2019.
As Africa undergoes extraordinary growth and change, confronting problems and seizing opportunities, fertility rates act as a compass, guiding the continent’s course toward a secure future.
| Rank | Country | fertility rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Niger | 6.73 |
| 2 | Angola | 5.76 |
| 3 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 5.56 |
| 4 | Mali | 5.45 |
| 5 | Benin | 5.39 |
| 6 | Chad | 5.35 |
| 7 | Uganda | 5.26 |
| 8 | Somalia | 5.22 |
| 9 | South Sudan | 5.2 |
| 10 | Burundi | 4.96 |