The World Happiness Report 2025, released on March 20 to coincide with the United Nations International Day of Happiness, highlights a shift in Africa’s happiness rankings. Mauritius has taken the top spot as the happiest nation on the continent, surpassing Libya, which ranked highest last year. The report, based on data collected between 2022 and 2024 from over 140 countries, evaluates factors such as economic stability, social support, life expectancy, and personal freedom.
Mauritius led the continent, followed closely by Libya, Algeria, South Africa, and Mozambique. These countries have shown resilience despite facing economic challenges and political uncertainty in recent years. Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Congo, Guinea, and Namibia completed the list of the top 10 happiest nations in Africa, reflecting some positive trends in life satisfaction across the continent.
One of the key findings of the report is the increase in acts of kindness and generosity in African communities. In an experiment where wallets were deliberately dropped in public spaces, a higher-than-expected number were returned, indicating a growing sense of social responsibility and trust. Additionally, the report highlighted a decline in “deaths of despair,” which include deaths caused by suicide and substance abuse. This trend suggests that mental health awareness and support systems are improving in many African countries.
However, not all African nations recorded positive outcomes. Nigeria, the continent’s largest oil producer, dropped from 11th place last year to 19th in 2025, reflecting the impact of economic struggles and political tensions. Similarly, Kenya fell from 20th to 25th. At the bottom of the list were Sierra Leone (146th), Malawi (144th), Zimbabwe (143rd), Botswana (142nd), and DR Congo (141st), where ongoing challenges continue to affect overall well-being. Sudan, which has been engulfed in civil war since April 2023, was not evaluated this year due to ongoing conflict and instability.
The World Happiness Report 2025 presents a complex picture of happiness in Africa. While acts of kindness and community resilience offer hope, economic struggles and political instability remain major obstacles. The report provides valuable insights that can help African leaders prioritize policies that enhance the well-being of their citizens.