Top 10 African countries with the highest number of universities in 2023

While education is one of the most important aspects of human life, higher education positions itself as one of the easiest keys to unlocking personal achievement.

In Africa, higher education has been a priority, and governments have invested heavily in establishing institutions of higher learning. Over the years, there has been a significant increase in the number of universities in Africa, and today, there are numerous universities spread across the continent. 

According to a December 2022 report by Statista, “Nigeria has the highest number of universities in Africa [and] many African universities are located in North African countries,” with Tunisia having 203 universities, and Morocco, the country with the second-highest number of universities in North Africa, positioned with a count of 148.

In this article, Edugist looks at 10 African countries with the highest number of universities in 2023.

Nigeria (279)

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and has about 279 universities, including federal, state, and private universities. The country is known for producing a significant number of graduates every year. Some of the notable universities in Nigeria include the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, and Covenant University, among others.

Tunisia (203)

Tunisia has a little over 200 universities, including public and private institutions. The country is known for its vibrant culture and rich history, and its universities provide quality education to students. Some of the notable universities in Tunisia include the University of Tunis, Sousse University, and Monastir University.

Morocco (148)

Morocco has 148 universities, including public and private institutions, and provides high-quality education to students. Some of the notable universities in Morocco include Mohammed V University, Al Akhawayn University, and Hassan II University.

Kenya (123)

Kenya has over 120 universities, including public and private institutions. The country is known for its quality education, and its universities produce a significant number of graduates every year. Some of the notable universities in Kenya include the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and Moi University.

South Africa (121)

South Africa is one of the most developed countries in Africa, and it has over 120 universities and colleges. South African universities are known for their high-quality education. Many international students visit South Africa to study. Some of the notable universities in South Africa include the University of Cape Town, the University of Witwatersrand, and the University of Pretoria.

Algeria (102)

Algeria has over a hundred universities, including public and private institutions. The country has made significant strides in the education sector. Some of the notable universities in Algeria include the University of Algiers, Oran University, and Constantine University.

Somalia (83)

Somalia’s education system has been affected by years of conflict and instability, and the government and international partners have made efforts to rebuild the sector. With more than 80 universities, including private and public institutions, some of the notable universities include Mogadishu University, Benadir University, and the University of Hargeisa.

Egypt (73)

With more than 70 universities including public, private, and technical universities, Egypt’s universities are recognised for their quality education, and many students from other African countries visit Egypt to study. The oldest university in Egypt, Al-Azhar University, was established in 970 AD and is still operational today. Some of the notable universities in Egypt include Cairo University, Ain Shams University, and Alexandria University.

Ethiopia (70)

Ethiopia has a long history of education. Education in Ethiopia was dominated by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church for many centuries until secular education was adopted in the early 1900s. With 70 universities, including both public and private institutions, some of the notable universities in Ethiopia include Addis Ababa University, Hawassa University, and Jimma University.

Uganda (67)

In Uganda, the education sector has undergone significant transformation in the past few decades, with initiatives such as the Uganda Free Zone attracting international universities to set up campuses in the country. There are about 67 universities in Uganda, both public and private. Some of the top universities in Uganda include Makerere University, Uganda Christian University, and Kampala International University.