Estimates for 2025 from the World Population Review has shown that Nigeria is ranked top among African countries with the highest number of homeless population
The report showed significant differences in homelessness across African countries, both in total numbers and relative to population size.
While some countries face immense challenges in total numbers, others experience severe pressures relative to their populations.
The report estimates homeless populations, total populations, and the number of homeless individuals per 10,000 residents, highlighting both the absolute and relative burden of homelessness.
In Nigeria, Lagos exemplifies this challenge. Neighbourhoods such as Oshodi, Ajegunle, Ketu, Shomolu, and Obalende are home to individuals living on the streets, under bridges, or in informal clusters, often due to unaffordable rents and migration from neighbouring states in search of better opportunities.
Waterfront settlements like Makoko feature stilt houses where families reside without secure tenure or access to basic sanitation. Similar patterns of street homelessness and overcrowded informal housing are observed in other major Nigerian cities, including Abuja and Kano.
In Uganda, Kampala accommodates the largest urban homeless population, with street-living communities concentrated near bus terminals, marketplaces, and peri-urban neighbourhoods due to internal migration and limited affordable housing.
Similarly, Khartoum and surrounding towns in Sudan experience high levels of homelessness linked to economic instability and displacement.
In Egypt, dense informal districts on the outskirts of Cairo and Alexandria, such as Ezbet El Haggana, reflect widespread housing precarity, with residents living in self-built homes lacking infrastructure and services.
In DR Congo, Kinshasa and Lubumbashi host populations in sprawling informal neighbourhoods, while Mogadishu in Somalia faces high homelessness resulting from prolonged conflict and displacement.
Similarly in Zimbabwe’s Harare and Bulawayo contain street populations intertwined with informal settlements.
Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso has concentrated homelessness among displaced and economically marginalized populations.
Maputo in Mozambique and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia both have expanding informal settlements on city fringes, where rural-to-urban migrants and low-income residents face precarious living conditions.
Consequently, the 2025 estimates show that Nigeria estimated homeless population is at 4.5 million people in 2025 with a population 233.34m, Uganda followed closely with an estimated homeless population of 4 m and a population of 51.54 m then Sudan with an estimated homeless population of 3m – 2025 and a population of 50.58m Egypt is also in the list with estimated homeless population of 2m and a 2025 Population of 112.72m
DR Congo is also on the list with an estimated homeless population of 1.5 m and a 2025 Population estimate of 108.41m . Also, Somalia has an estimated homeless Population of 1.4m and a 2025 Population estimate of 18.14m
Zimbabwe also has an Estimated Homeless Population of 1.2m and a 2025 Population of 16.9m in the same vein, Burkina Faso has an estimated homeless population of 700,000 and a 2025 Population estimate of 26.84m while Mozambique has an estimated homeless population of 640,000 and a 2025 Population of 34.1m, just as Ethiopia has an estimated homeless population of 600,000 and a 2025 Population of 137.35 m
Huge housing challenge in Africa
Homelessness in African cities is driven by rapid urbanization, inadequate housing, economic inequality, conflict, and environmental pressures. However, the consequences are most acutely felt by children, who represent a highly vulnerable group among the homeless.
According to UNICEF, many children engage in hazardous street work, such as navigating traffic to sell goods, while others are forced into illegal activities, including theft, commercial sex, drug trafficking, or organized begging due o lack of shelter. These circumstances underscore the urgent need for protective measures and child-focused interventions to safeguard their rights and well-being.
Also, homelessness is a global challenge, affecting both developed and developing countries. While nations in Europe, North America, and Asia implement policies such as affordable housing programs, social support networks, and emergency shelters, African countries face unique pressures from rapid urbanization, economic inequality, and conflict.