7 African Countries Leading in Alcohol Consumption – See Where Uganda Stands

Alcohol is one of the world’s most extensively consumed substances, and Africa is no exception. From the continent’s 54 countries, we’ve narrowed our search to the top ten. Examining the brands of alcohol they consume as well as the amount of alcohol they consume.

7. South Africa — (9.46 liters p.a) Population of 56 million)

Drinking alcohol in South Africa could be significantly more expensive than in Gabon. Given the country’s enormous population, it’s no surprise that a variety of popular beverages are available: Beer accounted for 56% of consumption, which is predictable given people’s greater economic awareness, while wine, spirits, and ‘other’ account for 17%, 16%, and 9%, respectively.

Although the country’s huge wine vineyards, particularly in Stellenbosch and the Western Cape, have produced some of the world’s best wines thus far, the most well-known brands are Castle and Black Label.

6. Burundi — (9.47 liters p.a) Population of 11 million

Consumers in Burundi choose ‘other’ drinks, which account for 81 percent of all alcohol consumption, barely ahead of South Africa. Beer, on the other hand, accounts for 19% of total alcohol consumption, while wine and spirits scarcely register. Urwarwa, an indigenous brew, is Burundi’s most popular alcoholic beverage (banana wine). Urwarwa is a classic Indian dish that is usually served during festivals and special occasions.

5. Namibia — (9.62 liters p.a) Population of 2.4 million.

Namibians, like their South African neighbors, have a diverse range of favorite beverages, although beer is the most popular, accounting for 67 percent of consumption. Spirits account for 20% of the total, wine for 7%, and ‘other’ for 6%. Windhoek Lager, the country’s signature beer, is popular not only in Namibia, but also in neighboring countries.

4. Rwanda — (9.10 liters with a population of over 12 million people)

Despite the presence of well-known brands such as Turbo King, Primus, and Amstel, beer accounts for only 8% of total alcohol consumption in Rwanda, which is lower than in most African countries. Handmade beverages like urgwagwa, a banana beer, and ubuki, a fermented honey drink, account for the remaining 92 percent. In Rwanda, ikigage, a sort of dry sorghum, is also popular.

3. Kenya — (9.72 liters p.a) 51 millions.

Tusker is the most popular beer brand in Kenya, despite beer accounting for only 43% of total alcohol use. Kenyans were so accustomed to drinking and selling alcohol that the government took steps to curb it by putting regulations on when it could be consumed and sold. Furthermore, unlike the bulk of the countries on this list (especially Nigeria), women in Kenya are not prohibited from drinking alcohol.

2. Uganda — (11.93 liters p.a) 42 million.

Uganda, with 11.93 liters of alcohol drunk per year, leads the pack by a long shot. Beer accounts for only 4% of total consumption, while wine accounts for roughly 1%. With 94 percent usage, the ‘other’ category has a commanding lead. Uganda’s famed Ugandan Waragi, which contains roughly 42 percent alcohol, is the generic word for domestically distilled beverages. This could refer to a broad category of beverages known as pombe in the area. Lubisi, a locally created banana or millet beer, tonto, a historically fermented drink made of bananas, banana wine, and a variety of other beverages are among the locally produced beverages.

1. Nigeria (12.28 liters p.a) 200 million.

Due to the country’s large population, it ranks first in Africa in terms of alcohol consumption, with a higher amount of liters consumed per year. Beer accounts for only 16 percent of alcohol consumption in Nigeria, while ‘other’ drinks account for 84 percent. This is due to the popularity of home-brewed beverages. In the United States, religious lawmakers are making it more difficult and expensive to provide and sell alcohol.

Ogogoro is a particularly popular alcoholic beverage in the country. It contains between 30% and 60% ethyl alcohol. According to how it’s made, it’s made from the juice of Raffia ruffia trees. The well-known palm wine is loved by certain Nigerians, particularly in the country’s east.