Nigeria has retained its position as Africa’s most populous country, with an estimated population of 242.4 million people in 2026, according to the latest population estimates by Worldometer sighted by PUNCH Online on Wednesday.

The figure places Nigeria ahead of Ethiopia and Egypt, which rank second and third respectively among the continent’s most populous nations.

Africa remains the world’s fastest-growing continent, with its population projected to exceed 2.5 billion by 2050, driven by youthful populations, high fertility rates and improvements in healthcare.

Nigeria’s population estimate is based on projections, as the country’s last official census was conducted in 2006, when the population stood at 140.4 million.

According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s population growth rate was estimated at 2.1 per cent in 2025, contributing to its continued demographic expansion.

The top 10 most populous countries in Africa in 2026 are:
1. Nigeria — 242.4 million people

Nigeria remains Africa’s most populous