10 African countries with high crime rates in 2025

Crime remains a significant challenge for many African nations, driven by socio-economic disparities such as poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education.

Rapid urbanisation has worsened these issues, particularly in informal settlements, where crime thrives due to inadequate housing, sanitation, and security services.

These nations share common struggles—poverty, unemployment, and political instability—which contribute to high crime rates. Addressing these challenges is key to improving public safety across the continent.

Read also: Africa’s top 10 cities with the most alarming crime rates in mid-2024

According to Numbeo, here are the top 10 African countries with high crime rates in 2025

1. South Africa — Crime index: 74.7

South Africa remains the country with the highest crime index in Africa, a position it has held for several years. With a crime rate of 74.7, it struggles with a range of violent crimes, including robberies, assaults, and murders. Factors such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment contribute to the high crime rate.

2. Nigeria — Crime index: 66.6

Nigeria ranks second with a crime index of 66.6. The country faces challenges including political instability, terrorism, and armed robbery. While crime rates are widespread across both urban and rural areas, certain regions are more vulnerable due to insurgencies.

Read also: Five South Africa cities rank among top 10 for highest crime rates worldwide

3. Angola — Crime index: 66.3

With a crime index of 66.3, Angola faces a crime environment influenced by both historical factors and current socio-economic conditions. While Angola has experienced significant economic growth over the last two decades, poverty and unemployment rates are still high, especially in rural regions.

4. Cameroon — Crime index: 65.5

Cameroon holds a crime index of 65.5, reflecting a significant security challenge in the country. Ongoing conflicts, such as the Anglophone Crisis, have created instability in several parts of the country. As a result, violence and crime, including looting and abductions, have become more common.

Read also: See how high Nigeria ranks on 2024 crime index

5. Somalia — Crime index: 63.9

Somalia’s crime index stands at 63.9, with the country continuing to grapple with terrorism, piracy, and organised crime. Decades of civil war have severely weakened the country’s infrastructure and law enforcement capabilities. This has resulted in widespread lawlessness, especially in rural and coastal areas, where militia groups and armed gangs often operate without fear of prosecution.

6. Namibia — Crime index: 63.5

Namibia’s crime index is 63.5, which highlights concerns about rising crime rates. The country faces challenges related to property crime, car theft, and violence. While Namibia is known for its relative stability compared to other African nations, certain urban areas experience higher crime rates.

Read also: 10 least liveable cities in the world in 2024

7. Zimbabwe — Crime index: 60.7

Zimbabwe, with a crime index of 60.7, has witnessed a rise in various types of crime in recent years. While the country has struggled with economic hardship, these conditions have driven people into desperate circumstances. Violent crimes, including robberies and assaults, are often linked to the country’s economic crisis, which has left many without stable livelihoods or prospects.

8. Mozambique — Crime index: 60.1

Mozambique has a crime index of 60.1, with significant concerns about violent crime and armed conflict. While the country has experienced steady economic growth in recent years, insurgencies in the northern provinces have contributed to insecurity.

Read also: UAE cities dominate list of world’s top 10 cities with lowest crime rates

9. Ivory Coast — Crime index: 56.4

Ivory Coast holds a crime index of 56.4, a reflection of the ongoing challenges in the country. Despite the relative political stability that the country has seen in recent years, crime rates remain high. Political tensions and economic inequality have created an environment where both property crime and violent crime continue to pose serious concerns.

10. Libya — Crime index: 56.4

Libya rounds out the top 10 with a crime index of 56.4. The country has been severely impacted by years of instability and civil war, which have contributed to a breakdown of law and order. While armed groups and militias continue to fight for control in many areas, the country also faces challenges with human trafficking, organised crime, and terrorist activity.