Africa's four longest rivers and the countries they flow through

They are more than just waterways; they are the lifelines of entire communities and regions, providing habitat for important fish and marine species but also serving as drinking water, irrigation, transportation, and energy generation enablers among others.

Africa’s longest river, the Nile, spans 6,650 kilometres and flows through 11 countries, including Egypt, Sudan, and Uganda, finally reaching the Mediterranean Sea. For centuries, its waters have been essential to agriculture, trade, and culture in North and East Africa.

The Congo River, Africa’s second-longest at 4,700 kilometres, flows through the Congo Basin, passing through the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic.

Other major rivers like the Niger and the Zambezi are just as crucial in Africa. The Niger, stretching 4,200 kilometres across West Africa, is vital to farmers, fishers, and traders along its banks. The Zambezi, known for the stunning Victoria Falls, flows 2,600 kilometres and fuels major hydroelectric projects, including the Kariba Dam, which powers parts of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Here’s a compilation of Africa’s longest rivers.