The African continent is home to a rich diversity of cultures, shaped by a history of colonialism, migration, and global interactions. While most African nations have predominantly indigenous populations, many also have significant white communities, largely due to the continent’s colonial past. These white populations are typically descendants of European colonizers, settlers, or more recent migrants.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 African countries with the highest white populations, highlighting where these communities are located and how they contribute to their respective nations today.
Top 10 African Countries with the Highest White Population
1. South Africa
South Africa is the African country with the largest white population, which continues to play a significant role in the nation’s social, economic, and political fabric. The white population, primarily made up of Dutch (Afrikaners), British, and other European groups, was historically central to South Africa’s colonial and apartheid systems.
Although the white population has decreased since the end of apartheid in 1994, they still account for about 8% of the total population. White South Africans are mainly concentrated in urban areas like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria, and they remain influential in sectors such as business, agriculture, and education. When it comes to which African country has the most white population, South Africa leads by a significant margin.
2. Namibia
Namibia, a former German colony, has a significant white population, mostly of German descent. The white community makes up about 6% of the total population, placing Namibia among the top African countries with a substantial white presence.
Historically, white Namibians were heavily involved in agriculture and mining, and they continue to play a vital role in the economy, especially in the farming sector. Even after Namibia gained independence in 1990, the white population remains an influential group in the nation’s economic activities, particularly in the capital city, Windhoek.
3. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, once known as Rhodesia, has a deep history of European settlement, particularly by British immigrants. The white population in Zimbabwe, which was around 5% before the country’s independence in 1980, has significantly declined since the controversial land reform programs in the early 2000s. Today, white Zimbabweans make up about 1-2% of the total population.
Despite the challenges of land redistribution, many white Zimbabweans remain active in the agricultural sector. Even with their reduced numbers, they continue to have an impact on the country’s business and economic landscape.
4. Kenya
Kenya has a smaller white population compared to countries like South Africa and Namibia, but it still boasts a notable community, primarily of British descent. As a former British colony from the late 19th century until its independence in 1963, Kenya’s history of British settlement is still visible in certain regions.
Today, the white population makes up a small but significant portion of the country’s residents, mostly living in Nairobi and the fertile highlands. White Kenyans are often engaged in agriculture, tourism, and business, and their influence extends to sectors like education and diplomacy.
5. Botswana
Botswana, celebrated for its stability and robust economy, has a white population that makes up about 2% of the total population. Most of Botswana’s white community is of South African and British descent.
The country’s diamond mining industry, one of the largest in the world, has drawn many white expatriates who play a key role in its operations. Although the white population is relatively small, they remain an influential part of Botswana’s business community, particularly in mining and commerce.
6. Mozambique
Mozambique, a former Portuguese colony, has a relatively small white population compared to other African countries. However, there is still a community of Mozambicans of Portuguese descent, particularly in the capital city, Maputo.
The white population in Mozambique plays a significant role in the country’s business and agricultural sectors, even though they make up only a small portion of the overall population. After gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, many Portuguese settlers left, but some stayed and continue to contribute to the nation’s economy.
7. Angola
Angola, similar to Mozambique, was a former Portuguese colony, and its white population is mainly of Portuguese descent. The white community in Angola is small but remains influential, especially in the oil and construction industries.
Following Angola’s post-independence civil war and the subsequent economic boom driven by oil exports, there has been an increase in the expatriate population, including Portuguese nationals and other Europeans. Although the white population makes up a small percentage of Angola’s total population, they continue to play a key role in the country’s economic recovery and growth.
8. Eswatini
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, has a relatively small white population, consisting of European settlers and businesspeople from South Africa and Britain. The white community in Eswatini is primarily involved in agriculture, especially sugar production, and commerce.
They are mostly concentrated in urban areas and play a significant role in the nation’s economy. While the white population in Eswatini isn’t as large as in some other African countries, they remain an important part of the country’s economic landscape.
9. Gabon
Gabon, a country in Central Africa, has a modest white population, primarily made up of French nationals. The white community in Gabon is active in business and industry, with many working in the country’s profitable oil sector.
White expatriates in Gabon often hold key positions in the energy and resources sectors and contribute to the development of the country’s infrastructure. Although the white population is small, their economic influence, particularly in the oil industry, is substantial.
10. Rwanda
Rwanda has a smaller white population compared to many other African countries, but it does have a modest community of expatriates, particularly from Europe. White residents in Rwanda are often engaged in development work, international organizations, and business ventures.
Rwanda’s recent push to become a hub for technology, tourism, and international conferences has attracted a growing number of foreign nationals, including Europeans. The white population in Rwanda mainly consists of professionals and aid workers, and they continue to play a significant role in the country’s economic and social development.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the top 10 African countries with the highest white populations reflect the legacy of European colonialism and migration. Although the white population has significantly declined since the independence movements of the 20th century, these communities remain influential in various sectors.
So, in which country is the white population the highest? South Africa leads by a considerable margin, but countries like Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya also have notable white populations that continue to play important roles in their respective nations.