STEREOTYPES often paint Africa as a continent of perpetual conflict, but the reality is far more diverse. Several African nations are thriving in terms of safety, stability, and overall quality of life. Contrary to popular belief, countries like Ghana have lower crime rates than Canada, and Tanzania is more peaceful than France, according to a report by Tanzania-based Altezza Travel. Let’s take a closer look at the continent’s safest countries in 2025, according to global safety indices.
To uncover Africa’s safest nations, Altezza combined data from multiple global indices, including:
- Global Peace Index (GPI): Measures societal safety, conflict levels, and militarisation.
- Global Terrorism Index (GTI): Tracks terrorism-related deaths and incidents.
- Crime Index (Numbeo): Evaluates crime levels based on citizen surveys.
- Global Safety Report: Focuses on citizens’ perceptions of safety and law enforcement effectiveness.
- Human Development Index (HDI): Reflects overall well-being, including life expectancy and education.
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Mauritius: Africa’s safety leader
Mauritius consistently ranks as Africa’s safest country, scoring highly on the Global Peace Index and boasting zero terrorism threats. With a crime rate lower than many Western countries, it remains a haven for both residents and visitors. Despite challenges in human development, Mauritius leads the continent in political stability and is well-integrated into the global community.
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Ghana: a stable beacon
Located in West Africa, Ghana defies its turbulent neighbours with a robust judicial system, multiparty democracy, and an impressively low crime rate. Ranking above countries like France and China in the Global Peace Index, Ghana stands as one of the safest African nations, with a vibrant and peaceful population.
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Zambia: political stability and security
Zambia’s political stability, paired with a crime rate lower than many European nations, positions it as one of Africa’s safest countries. Outperforming China and India in safety rankings, Zambia also boasts impressive economic growth, which directly contributes to its secure environment.
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Namibia: southern Africa’s peaceful gem
Namibia’s consistent performance in safety rankings, particularly in terms of peace and terrorism risk, has earned it a spot as one of Africa’s most secure nations. The country’s government prioritises safety, and its residents report feeling safe in their communities. With a high HDI, Namibia is a standout in Southern Africa.
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Morocco: a stable hub
Morocco ranks highly in terms of both peace and security, outperforming several Western nations. With low crime rates and a stable political environment, it’s one of the safest African countries for locals and visitors alike. The nation’s thriving infrastructure and economic growth further enhance its safety credentials.
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Tunisia: a Mediterranean haven
Tunisia, despite facing occasional security challenges, remains one of Africa’s safest countries. It outranks many European countries in peace indices and offers relatively low crime rates. While its terrorism threat level isn’t zero, it still scores significantly better than nations like Greece or India.
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Egypt: safe in the heart of North Africa
Egypt has made considerable strides in improving security, with crime rates lower than those in the UK and the United States. While political tensions in the Middle East impact its ranking, Egypt still stands as one of the safer countries in Africa, with notable advances in infrastructure and urban development.
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Tanzania: growing in safety
Tanzania’s peace and safety have significantly improved over the years. The country’s stable government and low terrorism risk, combined with a growing economy, make it a safe destination for both tourists and residents. Tanzania’s commitment to safety has earned it a top spot in the Global Peace Index.
While the media often highlights Africa’s challenges, many countries on the continent have made remarkable strides in creating safe, secure environments for their people. From Mauritius’ stunning landscapes to Ghana’s political stability, Africa is home to several nations offering a peaceful, safe lifestyle. As Africa continues to evolve, these countries set the benchmark for others to follow.
