Africa—consisting of Northern Africa and the sub-Saharan Africa areas that include Eastern Africa, Middle Africa, Southern Africa, and Western Africa—is the region with the highest fertility and projected population growth. While fertility is declining in many countries in Africa, the total fertility rate remains high at 4.4 for the region, ranging from 2.4 in Southern Africa to 5.8 in Middle Africa. The region’s population is projected to grow by 91% from 1.3 billion in 2020 to 2.6 billion in 2050, accounting for almost 60% of projected population growth worldwide during the same period. Population growth varies substantially across the continent, ranging from increases of 28% in Southern Africa to 129% in Middle Africa. While Africa has the world’s youngest population, with 41% of the population below age 15, its large and growing working-age population and small share of older adults provides an opportunity for accelerated economic growth.
percent of married women with demand for FP