Why South Africa and Nigeria Top Africa’s Crime List in 2025

According to a new mid-2025 report from Numbeo, South Africa and Nigeria lead Africa’s list of countries with the highest crime index. 

The findings reflect how citizens, expatriates, and visitors perceive safety in their countries from petty theft and robbery to violent attacks and political unrest.

What the Crime Index Measures

Numbeo’s Crime Index is built on feedback from people who live in or visit African cities. It looks beyond police data to capture public sentiment how safe people feel in their daily lives. 

The survey factors in the likelihood of being robbed, assaulted, or harassed, as well as how comfortable residents are walking alone at night. Countries that scored above 60 on the index were classified as “High Crime,” showing widespread safety concerns across the region.

Why South Africa Ranks High

South Africa continues to battle persistent security challenges despite years of policy reforms. Many residents worry about violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and assault. 

Street crime remains a serious issue, and some locals say they avoid going out after dark, especially in cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Economic inequality and unemployment are often linked to the country’s crime problem, as many turn to illegal activities to survive. Although law enforcement agencies have increased patrols and community policing, confidence in the justice system remains low, reinforcing the perception of insecurity.

Nigeria’s Ongoing Safety Struggles

Nigeria’s position on the list reflects both urban and rural insecurity. Kidnappings, especially in the northern parts of the country, have become a national concern. 

Major cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja face frequent incidents of robbery, cult-related clashes, and violent attacks.

The combination of economic hardship, unemployment, and weak policing has made it difficult to control these crimes. In some regions, insurgent groups and armed gangs operate freely, further eroding public confidence in safety.

Widespread Crime Concerns Across Africa

The challenges are not limited to South Africa and Nigeria. Angola reports growing cases of armed robbery and theft in urban centres, while Libya remains unstable due to human trafficking and ongoing civil unrest. 

In Cameroon, street crime and politically motivated violence have made city life increasingly unpredictable.

Namibia, once considered relatively safe, now faces rising property crimes. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, conflict in the eastern regions continues to fuel local violence. Zimbabwe’s residents also report burglary and theft as regular threats, while Somalia and Mozambique struggle with insurgency, piracy, and armed banditry.

It’s Impact on Business and Travel

The perception of insecurity has wide-reaching effects. Businesses expanding into African cities are spending more on private security, transport safety, and risk assessment. 

The tourism sector is also taking a hit, as travellers often avoid destinations perceived as unsafe even when official statistics suggest otherwise.

This situation creates a difficult balance for governments, who must not only improve safety but also rebuild public trust.