Top 5 most dangerous African countries mid-way into 2025

As 2025 passes its mid-point, Africa continues to pursue economic growth, attract foreign investment, and uplift its population, but one persistent challenge remains a serious threat to progress: a high crime index.

Business Insider Africa presents the top 5 most dangerous African countries mid-way into 2025.
This list is courtesy of Numbeo.
South Africa ranks number on the list

For any African country grappling with rising crime rates, the impact is far-reaching, undermining economic potential, scaring off investors, and eroding public trust in institutions.

A high crime index signals widespread insecurity, and its first major casualty is investment.

Investors, both local and foreign, are wary of putting their money in environments where assets and personnel may not be safe.

Businesses may hesitate to expand or even consider relocating altogether to more stable countries.

This hampers job creation, reduces tax revenues, and slows down innovation, all of which are essential for national development.

At the communal level, a high crime index fosters mistrust and stagnation. This results in reluctance to engage in businesses late at night, attend school safely, or move freely around their areas.

Women and disadvantaged groups have additional constraints in their daily lives. This social instability undermines community cohesion and has the potential to perpetuate cycles of violence and distrust.

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Furthermore, in high-crime areas, the government’s reputation decreases greatly. When law enforcement is incompetent or perceived as corrupt, public trust in governmental institutions erodes.

Citizens may resort to informal or vigilante justice, further disrupting society and weakening the rule of law.

With that said, here are the African countries with the highest crime index, as per Numbeo.