Over the last 24 years, the global prison population has increased by 27%. In Africa, the prison population has grown significantly by 53%. Here are the top 10 African countries with the highest prison populations, with South Africa in the top spot.
Africa at a glance
Markedly, there is considerable variation between different regions of the world. The data is based on the number of prisoners in 223 prison systems across independent countries and dependent territories, as reported by Business Insider Africa.
Although Africa’s general population has increased by 78% since around 2000, the prison population has gone up by 53%.
It is important to note that this increase is partly due to Rwanda’s high prison numbers, which result from detainees in connection with the 1994 genocide. Without Rwanda in the equation, Africa’s prison population increased by 65%.
There are also significant differences within the African continent. The median imprisonment rate for Western African countries is 50, while Southern African countries have a median rate of 243.
Top 10 African countries with the highest prison population
According to the World Prison Population List, the following are the African countries with the highest prison populations.
| Country | |
| 1 | South Africa |
| 2 | Egypt |
| 3 | Ethiopia |
| 4 | Morocco |
| 5 | Algeria |
| 6 | Rwanda |
| 7 | Nigeria |
| 8 | Uganda |
| 9 | Kenya |
| 10 | Democratic Republic of Congo |
The figures include both people who are being held before their trial and those who have been sentenced.
South Africa’s reoffence rate one of the highest in the world
Earlier this year, North-West University (NWU) published an article stating that ‘crime is destined to remain one of our most pressing social problems in South Africa if the stigmatisation of criminals is not addressed’.
Markedly, South Africa has one of the highest and most unsustainable rates of recidivism (reoffence) in the world.
According to Dr Casper Lӧtter, a conflict criminologist at NWU, the solution to this problem, which is severely impacting our society, lies in eliminating the stigma associated with criminals.
According to Radio 702, overcrowding, a lack of rehabilitation, and little support after release are contributing factors to the high recidivism rate. Many South African criminals are members of gangs that provide a support structure to the released offenders. This often makes it difficult for them to adapt to a different lifestyle.
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