The average life expectancy at birth in Africa for those born in 2024 is estimated to be 62 years for males and 66 years for females, reflecting a continent-wide trend where women tend to live longer than men.
Across the continent's regions, Northern Africa shows the highest life expectancy figures, with males expected to live to 70 years and females to 75 years.
This five-year difference is the largest gender gap among the regions.
In both Eastern Africa and Southern Africa, the life expectancy is projected at 63 years for males and 69 years for females. Middle Africa presents lower figures, with males at 60 years and females at 64 years.
Western Africa records the lowest life expectancy overall, with males expected to reach only 58 years and females 60 years, underscoring significant regional disparities in health and welfare across the continent.
