Alcohol, a widely consumed beverage with significant cultural resonance, holds a prominent position in human history, especially in Africa.
While some societies embrace its consumption as a source of enjoyment, others regard excessive drinking as morally objectionable.
In 2019, the World Health Organization released a comprehensive report on the global status of alcohol in order to help countries tackle the harmful intake of alcohol and also avoid its negative effects.
Below are the top 10 African countries with the highest alcohol consumption, shedding light on the cultural, social, and economic factors that shape drinking habits across the continent.
- Seychelles
With its alcohol consumption at 9.48 per capita, Seychelles has the highest alcohol consumption rate amongst other African countries.
You will find bars and resorts serving locally made rum as well as imported wines, catering to both locals and tourists.
- Tanzania
Tanzania’s diverse ethnic groups contribute to the country’s rich drinking traditions. At the coastal regions they drink “mnazi” (coconut palm wine) , while inland, banana beer is brewed for ceremonial occasions.
Tanzanians consume alcohol at a rate of 7.81 per capita.
- Eswatini
Formerly known as Swaziland, Eswatini has high levels of alcohol consumption due to cultural traditions, limited regulations and other social economic factors.
Eswatini’s alcohol consumption stands at 7.81 per capita, with traditional brews like “umqombothi” commonly served at special events.
- Burkina Faso
In Burkina Faso, many people drink a lot of alcohol because it is a big part of their culture, and easy to find.
Local alcoholic beverages like “Dolo”, “Tchoukoutou” and “Banji” are served in social gathering ceremonies and festivals in Burkina Faso alongside commercially produced beers and imported spirits.
Burkina Faso’s consumption stands at 7.28 per capita.
- South Africa
South Africa is one of the African countries famous for its wine and beer.
With its alcohol consumption at 7.21 per capita, it is famous for its big wine regions where people go on tours and in cities like Cape Town, there are festivals dedicated to trying different beers.
- Uganda
In Uganda, drinking alcohol is a big part of their culture. They have local drinks called “malwa” that they share with friends. Even in cities like Kampala, nightlife revolves around alcohol. Uganda’s alcohol consumption is 6.82 per capita. - Gabon
Gabon is one of the countries where people drink the most in Africa. They have their traditional drinks but also import a lot of alcohol.
Gabon’s alcohol consumption stands at 6.47 per capita.
- Rwanda
Rwanda’s drinking culture is growing alongside its economy.
With a growing drinking culture and a consumption rate of 6.35 per capita, Rwanda sees the dominance of local beers like “Sokol” and “Primus,” along with the emergence of craft breweries.
- Equatorial Guinea
In Equatorial Guinea, local alcoholic beverages like “Malamba” “Nkoko” and “Rumbot” are commonly enjoyed alongside commercially produced beers and imported spirits.
Guinea’s alcohol consumption is 6.11 per capital and is influenced by social, economic and cultural factors.
- Botswana
With a consumption rate of 5.98 per capita, Botswana’s drinking scene reflects a mix of traditional drinks like “bojalwa” in rural areas and imported beverages in urban centers, mirroring the country’s prosperity.
Source: Nigerian Tribune
