Fertility rate in Africa 2000-2030
In 2024, the fertility rate in Africa was 4.1 children per woman. The average number of newborn infants per woman on the continent decreased compared to 2000, when women had approximately 5.24 children throughout their reproductive years. By 2030, fertility in Africa is projected to decline to around 3.8 births per woman, yet it will remain high.
The highest fertility rate worldwide
Despite its gradually declining rate, fertility in Africa is the highest in the world. In 2021, the average fertility rate on the continent stood at 4.31 children per woman, compared to a global average of 2.32 births per woman. In contrast, Europe and North America were the continents with the lowest proportion of newborns, each registering a fertility rate below two children per woman. Additionally, Africa records the highest fertility rate among the young female population aged 15 to 19 years. In 2021, West and Central Africa had an adolescent fertility rate of 107 children per 1,000 girls, the highest value worldwide.
Lower fertility in Northern Africa
Fertility levels vary significantly across Africa. In 2021, Niger, Somalia, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of Congo were the countries with the highest fertility rates on the continent. In those countries, women had an average of over six children in their reproductive years. The number of adolescent girls giving birth also differed within Africa. For instance, the adolescent fertility rate in North Africa stood at around 40.2 children per 1,000 young women in 2023. On the other hand, Sub-Saharan Africa registered a higher rate of 100.37 children per 1,000 girls in 2021. In general, higher poverty levels, inadequate social and health conditions, and increased infant mortality are some main drivers of higher fertility rates.
