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Top 5 African Countries With The Highest Alcohol Consumption

Published

8 months ago

December 28, 2024

Alcohol consumption varies across Africa due to differences in culture, social habits, and economic conditions. Some countries consume very little alcohol because of religious or cultural restrictions, while others have some of the highest consumption rates in the world.

In 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report on alcohol consumption worldwide. The report aimed to help countries reduce harmful drinking and its negative effects. It showed that the highest alcohol consumption is found in Central Europe, the South Pacific, and parts of the Caribbean. In Europe, beer and wine are the most popular drinks, with countries like France and Germany leading because of their long history of producing and drinking alcohol.

On the other hand, countries like Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait have the lowest alcohol consumption rates. This is largely due to religious rules that forbid drinking alcohol.

Below are the top five African countries with the highest per capita alcohol consumption (in litres of pure alcohol per year):

5. South Africa – 7.21 Litres

South Africa, a country known for its rich beverage industry, takes the fifth position with 7.21 litres per capita consumption annually.

South Africa has a strong wine culture due to its world-class vineyards and a thriving beer industry. Alcohol is a common feature at parties, gatherings, and social events. Wine and beer are the top choices, followed by spirits like brandy and whisky.

4. Burkina Faso – 7.28 Litres

Burkina Faso ranks fourth, with the average person consuming 7.28 litres of alcohol per year.

The cultural significance of traditional brews like dolo (a beer made from millet) influences consumption. Alcohol is often a key part of community celebrations and special events. Traditional drinks like dolo dominate, but some people in urban areas also drink commercial beer and spirits.

3. Eswatini – 7.68 Litres

Eswatini, a small country in Southern Africa, comes in third, with an annual per capita alcohol consumption of 7.68 litres.

Alcohol plays an important role in Eswatini’s social and cultural traditions, especially during ceremonies and gatherings. Affordable homemade brews also contribute to high consumption rates. Umqombothi (traditional beer) is widely enjoyed, along with commercially produced beers and spirits.

2. Tanzania – 7.81 Litres

Tanzania takes the second spot, with an average consumption of 7.81 litres per person each year. Alcohol is a big part of life in many Tanzanian communities.

Traditional homemade brews, like pombe (fermented beer) and banana beer, are deeply tied to Tanzanian culture. Urban areas also see an increasing preference for commercial beers and imported spirits. Alongside traditional brews, Tanzanians enjoy Konyagi (a local spirit), beer, and other alcoholic beverages.

1. Seychelles – 9.48 Litres

Seychelles, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, ranks as the highest alcohol consumer in Africa. Each person consumes an average of 9.48 liters of pure alcohol annually.

Seychelles’ strong tourism industry boosts alcohol consumption, with both locals and tourists enjoying a variety of beverages. Festive events and social gatherings also make alcohol a central part of the country’s culture. Beer and spirits are the most commonly consumed drinks, with wine gaining popularity among locals.
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Over 600 Pilgrims Hospitalised After Chlorine Gas Leaked In Iraq

Published

2 hours ago

August 10, 2025

Editor

More than 600 pilgrims in Iraq were briefly hospitalised with respiratory problems after inhaling chlorine as the result of a leak at a water treatment station, authorities said on Sunday.

The incident took place overnight on the route between the two Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, located in the centre and south of Iraq, respectively.

This year, several million Shiite Muslim pilgrims are expected to make their way to Karbala, which houses the shrines of the revered Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas.

There, they will mark the Arbaeen — the 40-day period of mourning during which Shiites commemorate the death of Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.

In a brief statement, Iraq’s health ministry said, “621 cases of asphyxia have been recorded following a chlorine gas leak in Karbala”.

“All have received the necessary care and left the hospital in good health,” it said.

Security forces charged with protecting pilgrims, meanwhile, said the incident had been caused by “a chlorine leak from a water station on the Karbala-Najaf road”.

Much of Iraq’s infrastructure is in disrepair due to decades of conflict and corruption, with adherence to safety standards often lax.

In July, a massive fire at a shopping mall in the eastern city of Kut killed more than 60 people, many of whom suffocated in the toilets, according to authorities.

AFP

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PHOTOS: US Soldier Searching For Her Nigerian Father

Published

3 hours ago

August 10, 2025

Editor

Old photos of Zainab James Parents, Lateef Quadri and Claudine James. Credit: Facebook

A US soldier, Zainab James, has launched a public search for her Nigerian father, identified as Lateef Quadri

The 31-year-old took to Facebook on Sunday to share old photographs of her father and her late mother, Claudine James, including one where Claudine was pregnant with her.

According to Zainab, her mother became pregnant in 1993, and she was born in 1994. Sadly, she lost her mother.

Old photos of Zainab James Parents, Lateef Quadri and Claudine James. Credit: Facebook

In her post, Zainab wrote, “Update: Mother’s name : Claudine James, born Decenber 9, 1969 in Montego Bay, Jamaica (deceased) , Hey All! A real shot in the dark but why not! My mom(pictured) got pregnant with me in 1993 ( I was born 1994) while living in Brooklyn New York. I’m looking for my father or any of his family. All I know is he was Nigerian, possibly named Lateef Quadri or something like that. They didn’t have a long term relationship as he wasn’t present at my birth but he did choose my name. No one in my family met him either. Apparently she was friends with his sister who worked in a jewelry store with her.”

Old photos of Zainab James Parents, Lateef Quadri and Claudine James. Credit: Facebook

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FULL LIST: 13 More Cars Now Eligible For Up To £3,750 UK’s Electric Vehicle Grant

Published

11 hours ago

August 10, 2025

Editor

The United Kingdom (UK) government has announced 13 additional cars that qualify for its new electric vehicle grant. None of them currently qualify for the full discount available.

According to a statement on the government’s website, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that from August 5, buyers can get £1,500 off four Citroën models – the Citroën ë-C3, ë–C4, ë-C5 and the ë-Berlingo. The discount will be applied automatically at purchase, with no extra paperwork required.

These are the first models approved under the £650 million Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme. More vehicles are expected to be added in the coming weeks. The ECG allows carmakers to apply a discount at the point of sale for eligible electric vehicles that meet high sustainability standards.

The scheme is funded until the 2028–2029 financial year and aims to boost EV sales, support jobs, and attract investment.

Since July 2024, over 17,300 public chargepoints have been installed in the UK — a 27% increase from last year — bringing the total to more than 82,000. The government plans to expand this to over 100,000 in the coming years, with a new chargepoint added roughly every 30 minutes.

Models from Renault, Nissan and Vauxhall are also now eligible for the £1,500 grant, although none meet the criteria for the full £3,750 discount yet as they are classified among the Band 2 cars. Nissan believes its new Leaf, to be built in Sunderland, may qualify for the higher grant, but this is not confirmed.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the grant, a vehicle must:
Be an M1 passenger vehicle
Produce 0g CO₂/km at the tailpipe

Have a minimum range of 100 miles (160 km)
Include a 3-year or 60,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first)

Be powered by a battery with an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first)

Meet minimum sustainability standards

Cars Eligible for EV grants
Nissan

Micra – Based on the Renault 5 with some design changes, sharing the same motors and batteries. Starting price after the grant is under £22,000.

Ariya – Electric SUV with a spacious interior. Nissan plans to reduce the price to qualify for the grant.

Leaf – The new model offers up to 375 miles of range. Nissan expects it may qualify for the full grant.

Renault & Alpine

Renault 5 – Compact hatchback priced under £23,000 before the grant.
Renault 4 – Larger and roomier than the Renault 5, starting at £27,000.
Renault Megane – Modern design with Google-based infotainment. Prices start at £32,500.
Renault Scenic – Family-sized EV with up to 381 miles of range. Starts at £35,495 after the grant.
Alpine A290 – Performance-focused version of the Renault 5.

Vauxhall

Corsa Electric – Small hatchback with potential savings beyond the grant.
Combo Life Electric – Practical MPV with a spacious interior.
Astra Electric – Family car available in hatchback or estate form.
Mokka Electric – Compact SUV with distinctive styling.
Frontera Electric – Affordable SUV with a large boot.
Grandland Electric – Larger family SUV with a lower price than some competitors.

Citroën

ë-C3 – Compact EV priced from £20,600 after the grant.

ë-C3 Aircross – Larger version of the ë-C3 with more boot space.
ë-C4 – Alternative to the VW ID.3 with a simpler interior layout.
ë-C4 X – Saloon-style version of the ë-C4.
ë-C5 Aircross – Flagship SUV arriving in the UK in October 2025.
ë-Berlingo – Large electric MPV with a focus on practicality.

The government has confirmed more models from other manufacturers will be added to the scheme as they are approved.