Which African Countries are Enjoying and Doing Well?

When we ask, “Who’s doing well in Africa?”, the answer goes far beyond money or flashy buildings. Sure, a strong economy matters but living well isn’t just about wealth. 

It’s about feeling good, staying healthy, having strong relationships, finding purpose, and feeling respected in your community. 

That’s what researchers now call flourishing. So, how are African countries doing when it comes to flourishing? The answer may surprise you.

It’s not all about money

A new way of thinking has taken hold among psychologists and social scientists: instead of only asking who’s rich or developed, they now ask who’s truly living well. 

Flourishing is about enjoying life in a deep and meaningful way. It includes things like emotional well-being, mental and physical health, purpose, strong values, friendships, and a sense of security.

That’s why some African countries are getting noticed not necessarily for their wealth, but for how well their people feel and live.

Who’s doing well?

Research led by psychological scientist Victor Counted looked at 40 African countries, using data from global studies. And the findings were interesting:

• Mauritius stood out as one of the happiest places in Africa, with people there rating their lives highly.
  
• Nigeria surprised many by ranking 5th in the world (when money was not part of the measure). People there showed strong social bonds, character, and purpose even though financial struggles remain.
  
• Kenya, Egypt, and Tanzania also performed well, especially when it came to relationships and emotional well-being.
  
• Rwanda and Ethiopia did great in areas like respect and daily learning, even though they scored lower on financial success.
  
• Senegal and Ghana were known for their joy—people there reported lots of laughter and positive emotions.
  
• Southern African countries like South Africa, despite challenges, showed strong community support built on values like ubuntu—the belief in shared humanity.
  

These results show that even in places with economic difficulties, people can still live rich and meaningful lives.

What’s behind the flourishing?

Many African communities value togetherness. From ujamaa in East Africa to teranga in the West, these cultural beliefs promote unity, care, and peace. People look out for each other. They find strength in their traditions, their families, and their faith.

And while Western countries often focus on individual success, African ways of life often focus on the collective, your family, your community, your people. This mindset brings emotional strength and helps people find joy even in hard times.

What can be done to help more countries flourish?

According to Counted, here are a few things that can help more African nations thrive:

• Focus on what matters locally: Listen to what African communities value. Don’t just copy Western ways.
  
• Measure success differently: Instead of just looking at GDP or income, look at things like hope, safety, dignity, and how connected people feel to others.
  
• Invest in good education: Not just for jobs, but to help young people grow with values, character, and responsibility.
  

Africa’s hidden strength

Africa’s biggest gift to the world may not be its natural resources, it could be its wisdom. In many places across the continent, people are choosing joy, kindness, and hope even in the face of hardship. 

They are showing the world that a “good life” isn’t always about being rich, it’s about being whole.

So, when we ask “Which African countries are doing well?”, the answer depends on how you define success. If it means living a good, full, and meaningful life—many African countries are already leading the way.