Christianity in Africa: History, Spread, Countries & Population

Christianity is one of the most practiced religions in Africa today. With hundreds of millions of followers across the continent, Africa now stands as one of the strongest centers of global Christianity. But how many Christians are in Africa? Which countries are considered Christian countries in Africa? Let’s see the answers.

🌍 How Many Christians Are in Africa?

As of 2025, there are over 685 million Christians in Africa, and that number is still growing rapidly. This makes Africa the continent with the highest Christian growth rate in the world.

🔗 Source: Pew Research Center, 2022

Experts project that by 2060, over 40% of all Christians in the world will live in sub-Saharan Africa. This dramatic growth is transforming Africa into a global hub for Christianity, both in terms of numbers and influence.

📊 What Percentage of Africa Is Christian?

Approximately 49% of Africa’s population identifies as Christian, followed closely by Muslims at about 41%. The remaining 10% practice traditional African religions or are unaffiliated.

🔗 Source: World Population Review – Religion by Continent, 2024

Christianity is more dominant in Sub-Saharan Africa, while Islam is predominant in North and parts of West Africa. In countries like Nigeria, the population is split between Christians in the south and Muslims in the north.

📆 When Was Christianity Introduced to Africa?

Christianity was introduced to Africa as early as the 1st century AD, particularly in North Africa through Egypt and Ethiopia. Some historians even argue that Africa was among the earliest regions to accept Christianity, possibly before some parts of Europe.

🔗 Source: BBC – Christianity in Africa History

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church claims a direct link to the evangelism of Philip the Evangelist in the Book of Acts, marking it as one of the oldest organized Christian bodies in the world.

✍️ Was Christianity in Africa Before Colonialism?

Yes, Christianity was present in Africa long before European colonialism. In fact, early African theologians like St. Augustine of Hippo, Origen, and Tertullian made major contributions to Christian thought.

North Africa had a thriving Christian community during the Roman Empire, with Alexandria in Egypt serving as a major Christian center.

🔗 Source: The Church in Africa, Oxford University Press

However, the spread of Islam in the 7th century significantly reduced the Christian presence in North Africa. Centuries later, Christianity experienced a resurgence through European missionaries.

🙏 Who Introduced Christianity to Africa?

There were two main introductions:

1. Early Period (1st–6th Century AD):
   • Christianity spread through Roman Egypt, Carthage (Tunisia), Nubia, and Aksum (Ethiopia).
   • African saints and scholars were vital to early Christian theology.
2. Colonial Period (15th–19th Century):
   • Brought by Christian missionaries in Africa from Europe: Portuguese, British, French, and others.
   • These missionaries built churches, schools, and hospitals and spread the gospel through education and literature.

🔗 Source: World Council of Churches

See>>> 10 Most Religious Countries in Africa

📚 How Did Christianity Spread to Africa?

Christianity spread in Africa through multiple channels:

• Trade routes via the Mediterranean and Red Sea
• Roman influence in North Africa
• Christian missionaries who came with colonial administrations
• Bible translations into local languages
• Revivalist movements and local evangelists

Indigenous churches and African evangelists played a key role in expanding Christianity beyond colonial missions, adapting Christian practices to local cultures.

🌐 Christianity in North Africa

North Africa was once a stronghold of Christianity, especially during the early centuries AD. Today, it has small Christian minorities due to the dominance of Islam.

• Egypt: Home to the Coptic Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world.
• Algeria, Tunisia, Libya: Once strong Christian areas, now have small Christian populations.

The legacy of Christianity in North Africa lives on in its historical influence and remaining churches.

🔗 Source: Coptic Orthodox Church History

📃 List of Christian Countries in Africa

Below is a list of countries with a majority Christian population and their estimated percentages:

🔗 Sources: The Joshua Project, CIA World Factbook

These nations are often referred to as Christian African countries or Christian-majority countries in Africa.

🌏 Christianity in West Africa Before Colonialism

Unlike North and East Africa, Christianity in West Africa before colonialism was minimal. Christianity began to take root through:

• Portuguese contact in the 15th century (e.g., Congo Kingdom)
• Missionary activity in the 18th and 19th centuries
• Establishment of schools and printing presses

West African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone later became major Christian strongholds.

🌟 Fastest-Growing Christian Populations in Africa

The fastest growing Christian populations are found in:

• Nigeria: Home to many megachurches and Pentecostal revivals
• Ethiopia: Orthodox Christianity is dominant, but Protestant growth is rising
• Uganda and Kenya: Youthful populations embracing Pentecostalism

🔗 Source: Pew Research Center

By 2060, Africa could be home to over 1 billion Christians.

🤔 FAQs About Christianity in Africa

How many Christian countries are in Africa?

Over 30 African countries have a majority Christian population.

What is the most Christian country in Africa?

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has the highest percentage of Christians (~95%).

What percent of Africa is Christian?

About 49% of Africa’s population is Christian.

Was Christianity in Africa before colonialism?

Yes. It existed in North and East Africa from the 1st century AD.

Who introduced Christianity to Africa?

Christianity came through early apostles and Roman influence, and later through European missionaries.

Christianity in West Africa before colonialism?

It was limited but grew significantly during and after colonial missionary efforts.

Did Christianity originate in Africa?

No, it originated in the Middle East, but Africa was among the first continents to adopt it.

Christianity in Africa percentage?

Roughly 49% of Africans are Christian, depending on the region.

Who brought Christianity to Africa?

Early Roman-era evangelists and later European Christian missionaries.

How much of Africa is Christian?

Almost half of the continent.

Final Thoughts

Christianity in Africa is not just a borrowed religion. It has deep roots and has grown to reflect African identity, values, and resilience. From ancient churches in Ethiopia to booming Pentecostal revivals in Nigeria, African Christianity is dynamic, contextual, and globally significant.

Whether you’re checking the history, the numbers, or the spiritual impact, the Christian population in Africa represents a powerful force shaping the continent’s future.

“If the 20th century belonged to Europe and America, the 21st century belongs to African Christianity.”