Africa’s 5 Longest Rivers and the Countries They Cross

Africa is home to some of the world’s longest and most important rivers. These waterways cross several countries and play major roles in agriculture, fishing, transportation, hydroelectric power generation and the livelihoods of millions of people.

The five longest river systems highlighted are the Nile, Congo, Niger, Zambezi and Ubangi-Uele.

1. Nile River – About 6,650 km

The Nile is Africa’s longest river and is widely regarded as the world’s longest river. It flows northward through northeastern Africa before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.

Its basin covers 11 countries, including Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Eritrea.

The river is formed mainly by the White Nile and Blue Nile, which meet in Khartoum, Sudan. The Nile has played a crucial role in agriculture and human settlement for thousands of years, particularly in Egypt.

2. Congo River – About 4,700 km

The Congo River is Africa’s second-longest river and one of the continent’s most powerful waterways. It flows through Central Africa, mainly the Democratic Republic of Congo, and forms parts of the border with the Republic of Congo before reaching the Atlantic Ocean.

The river is remarkable for its huge volume of water. It has the second-highest discharge in the world, behind the Amazon, and the highest discharge of any river in Africa.

It is also considered the world’s deepest river, with depths in parts of the Lower Congo exceeding 220 metres.

3. Niger River – About 4,180 km

The Niger River is Africa’s third-longest river and one of West Africa’s most important waterways.

It begins in Guinea and passes through Mali, Niger and Benin before entering Nigeria. It eventually joins the Benue River and flows into the Gulf of Guinea through the Niger Delta.

The Niger has a distinctive curved, or boomerang-shaped, course. It also forms the Inner Niger Delta in Mali, a major wetland that supports agriculture, fishing and livestock activities.

Major cities such as Bamako, Niamey and Lokoja are located along or close to the river.

4. Zambezi River – About 2,574 km

The Zambezi is Africa’s fourth-longest river and an important source of water and hydroelectric power in southern Africa.

It flows through or along Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique before emptying into the Indian Ocean.

The river is famous for Victoria Falls, located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It also supports major hydroelectric projects, including the Kariba Dam.

Fishing, farming, tourism and transportation are among the key activities supported by the Zambezi.

5. Ubangi-Uele River System – About 2,270 km

The Ubangi-Uele is one of the major river systems in Central Africa and an important tributary system of the Congo River.

The Uele River rises in the Democratic Republic of Congo and joins the Mbomou River to form the Ubangi. The Ubangi then flows through the Central African Republic and along parts of the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo before joining the Congo River.

The system provides water for households and agriculture while also supporting fishing and transportation in communities across Central Africa.

Together, these rivers demonstrate the enormous geographical, economic and environmental importance of Africa’s waterways.