Ethiopia

Ethiopia holds third place with 111.6 million inhabitants but is growing at 2.5% annually—a rate that positions it to overtake DR Congo’s 112.8 million within five years. Its population, projected to reach 130 million by 2032, is concentrated in highland areas, yet its urban share is just 21%, lower than any other top-four nation. This growth is driven by a fertility rate of 4.2 births per woman, contributing to a median age of 19.5 years, younger than #4 Egypt’s 24.1. If current trends hold, Ethiopia will surpass DR Congo by 2030, making it a demographic contender in East Africa. Its agricultural economy supports 70% of employment, while GDP per capita at $1,020 lags behind #1 Nigeria’s $2,160.