The Global Peace Index, an annual assessment published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, is frequently used to assess African nations’ safety. This index assesses peacefulness using 23 factors across three main themes: ongoing international and domestic conflict, societal safety and security, and militarization. Countries with lower GPI scores are considered safer.
From experience and research, Mauritius, Gabon, Cape Verde, Seychelles, and South Africa make the top 5 safest countries in Africa, in this article we are going to give you a list of top 20 safest countries on the continent.
Africa is a great continent with wealth of resources, many would like to know which of the countries are save with a low crime rate. You will enjoy your experience across the continent, with the people welcoming and friendly to visitors. This is more reason you find a lot of unique and naturally intact tourist attractions in Africa.
Top 20 Safest African Countries You Can Visit
Africa is the world’s second-largest and second-most populated continent, covering over 11.6 million square miles and home to around 1.4 billion people. It is made up of 54 officially recognised nations plus a few lesser-known states and territories. Despite being the poorest continent with issues ranging from political instability to underdevelopment, certain African countries stand out for their safety, particularly for tourists.
I hope it won’t surprise you that Nigeria which is the largest black nation doesn’t rank among the top 20 safest. You will sure find doing business and living in Mauritius quite a loveable experience as it is the number one on the list.
Here is a list of the top 20 safest countries in Africa with their Global Peace Index (GPI) scores for 2024: Mauritius scores the highest with 1.546, followed by Botswana at 1.762, Sierra Leone at 1.792, Ghana at 1.799, and Senegal at 1.827. Madagascar comes next with a score of 1.846, then Namibia at 1.859, The Gambia at 1.888, Zambia at 1.898, and Liberia at 1.946. Malawi stands at 1.970, Equatorial Guinea at 2.013, Tanzania at 2.058, Lesotho at 2.060, and Eswatini at 2.077. Rwanda scores 2.086, Mozambique at 2.119, Cape Verde at 2.141, São Tomé and Príncipe at 2.149, and Benin at 2.151.
- Mauritius: With a GPI score of 1.546, Mauritius is one of the safest countries in the region for both residents and visiting Americans. Crime rates have remained relatively flat in recent years.
- Botswana: Scoring 1.762 on the GPI, this southern African country has a very lovely landscape and is safe for business.
- Sierra Leone: With a GPI score of 1.792, this coastal nation in West Africa, known for its beaches and rainforests, has climbed in safety rankings.
- Ghana: With a GPI score of 1.799, this West African country has been without civil unrest for several years, making it a safe destination.
- Senegal: At 1.827 on the GPI, Senegal is admired for its mix of scenic beaches, forests, and cultural attractions, with a reputation for generous hospitality.
- Madagascar: Scoring 1.846, Madagascar is renowned for its unique biodiversity and rich cultural heritage, offering a safe environment for leisure tourism.
- Namibia: With a GPI of 1.859, this country is known for good governance and offers travelers an adventure of a lifetime.
- The Gambia: With a GPI score of 1.888, this small nation on Africa’s west coast is known for its tourism centered around “sun, sand, sea, nature, and culture.”
- Zambia: Scoring 1.898, Zambia is a landlocked country with spectacular natural attractions like Victoria Falls, making it a top safari destination.
- Liberia: At 1.946 on the GPI, this country has shown improvement in peace rankings, though it still faces some issues with crime and civil unrest.
- Malawi: With a GPI score of 1.970, Malawi has improved its security situation, making it one of the best African countries to visit.
- Equatorial Guinea: Scoring 2.013, this country’s major tourist attraction is Monte Alen National Park, known for its biodiversity.
- Tanzania: At 2.058 on the GPI, Tanzania is celebrated for its kind and friendly locals, offering one of the best safari experiences in Africa.
- Lesotho: With a GPI score of 2.060, this small, landlocked country is known for its mountain landscapes and traditional Basotho culture.
- Eswatini: Scoring 2.077, this monarchy is making strides in tourism with its scenic beauty and cultural attractions.
- Rwanda: With a GPI of 2.086, Rwanda is noted for its safety, where people feel secure walking alone at night.
- Mozambique: At 2.119, this country’s safety has improved, offering beautiful beaches and rich marine life.
- Cape Verde: Scoring 2.141, this peaceful archipelago nation is known for its volcanic landscapes and laid-back atmosphere.
- São Tomé and Príncipe: With a GPI score of 2.149, this small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea is known for its tropical climate and cocoa production.
- Benin: At 2.151, this French-speaking country is considered one of the safest in Africa, and is notably the birthplace of Voodoo religion.
Analysis of this list of the top 20 peaceful countries to do business in Africa 2024
There are 54 countries on the African continent, so all the countries on this list are really doing great in terms of security. South Africa takes the number 5 spot on this list, and the country is without a doubt Africa’s most developed market, but the is the high crime rate in South Africa.
Botswana, Mauritius, and Rwanda are small countries, which are never the less attracting increased attention from the business and investment community.
So if you want to set up a fresh business, and do not want to worry about lengthy business bureaucracy, corruption, poor leadership, re-occurring conflicts, or high taxes then Botswana, Mauritius, and Rwanda are just the countries for you.
There you have it on this post “Top 20 Safest / Peaceful Countries In Africa [Latest list].” I hope you found this informative.
