For those born in 2023, the average life expectancy at birth across Africa was 61 years for men and 65 years for women. The average life expectancy globally was 70 years for men and 75 years for women in mid-2023.
Additional information on life expectancy in Africa
With the exception of North Africa where life expectancy is around the worldwide average for men and women, life expectancy across all African regions paints a bleak picture. Comparison of life expectancy by continent shows the gap in average life expectancy between Africa and other continent regions. Africa trails Latin America and the Caribbean, the continent with the second lowest average life expectancy, by 10 years for men and 12 years for women.
Life expectancy in Africa is the lowest globally
Moreover, countries from across the African regions dominate the list of countries with the lowest life expectancy worldwide. Nigeria and Lesotho had the lowest life expectancy for those born in 2023 for men and women, respectively. However there is reason for hope despite the low life expectancy rates in many African countries. The Human Development index rating in Sub-Saharan Africa has increased dramatically from 0.43 to 0.55 between 2000 and 2021, demonstrating an improvement in quality of life and as a result greater access to vital services that allow people to live longer lives. One such improvement has been successful efforts to reduce the rate of aids infection and research into combating its effects. The number of new HIV infections across Africa has decreased from around 1.3 million in 2015 to 760,000 in 2022.
Average life expectancy at birth in Africa for those born in 2023, by gender and region
(in years)
Average life expectancy of a newborn according to the current mortality rate.
According to the source the data from the above statistic originates from official statistical yearbooks and bulletins of the particular country. Moreover, publications of the United Nations, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (Population Division) of the UN and the U.S. Census Bureau serve as data sources. Further sources are recent demographic studies, special studies and direct interviews with demographers and inquiries at statistical offices of the U.S. and other countries.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
Population Reference Bureau. (December 19, 2023). Average life expectancy at birth in Africa for those born in 2023, by gender and region (in years) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved September 20, 2024, from https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/274511/life-expectancy-in-africa/
Population Reference Bureau. "Average life expectancy at birth in Africa for those born in 2023, by gender and region (in years)." Chart. December 19, 2023. Statista. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/274511/life-expectancy-in-africa/
Population Reference Bureau. (2023). Average life expectancy at birth in Africa for those born in 2023, by gender and region (in years). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: September 20, 2024. https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/274511/life-expectancy-in-africa/
Population Reference Bureau. "Average Life Expectancy at Birth in Africa for Those Born in 2023, by Gender and Region (in Years)." Statista, Statista Inc., 19 Dec 2023, https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/274511/life-expectancy-in-africa/
Population Reference Bureau, Average life expectancy at birth in Africa for those born in 2023, by gender and region (in years) Statista, https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/274511/life-expectancy-in-africa/ (last visited September 20, 2024)
Average life expectancy at birth in Africa for those born in 2023, by gender and region (in years) [Graph], Population Reference Bureau, December 19, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/274511/life-expectancy-in-africa/