Depression knows no border; it is a global mental health concern that affects people to varying degrees across different continents, including Africa.
In Africa, the causes of depression are diverse ranging from economic challenges to social issues.
For instance, many African economies have been faced with several challenges such as poverty, unemployment, inflation, increasing debt burden, and limited access to education and healthcare. These issues strain the quality of life for citizens, potentially contributing to depression.
As critical as depression is, it often faces stigma or misunderstanding in many African societies due to a lack of awareness and education.
Traditional beliefs and cultural norms have contributed to the stigma surrounding mental health, which makes it challenging for people to seek help or discuss their struggles openly.
As per a Wisevoter report, Tunisia holds the top spot among African countries for the highest depression rate. It also ranks among the top five globally, alongside Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Palestine, with depression rates ranging from 6.52% to 5.75%.
Below are the 10 African countries with the highest depression rate:
| 1 | Tunisia | 5.75% | 5th |
| 2 | Morocco | 5.49% | 7th |
| 3 | Gabon | 5.12% | 15th |
| 4 | Libya | 5.01% | 23rd |
| 5 | Republic of the Congo | 4.81% | 32nd |
| 6 | Central African Republic | 4.67% | 36th |
| 7 | Equatorial Guinea | 4.63% | 40th |
| 8 | Mauritius | 4.63% | 41th |
| 9 | Uganda | 4.48% | 47th |
| 10 | South Africa | 4.45% | 48th |
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