As 2026 begins, a stark new report has laid bare the severe security challenges shaping daily life across the African continent. The data, published on January 8, 2026, reveals the ten nations grappling with the highest crime indexes, painting a picture of a region battling everything from urban theft and violent robberies to organised criminal networks, terrorism, and armed conflicts.
South Africa Tops the List as Most Dangerous
South Africa emerged with the highest crime index in Africa, scoring a worrying 74.5. Analysts point to widespread violent crime and property offences as the primary drivers, with major urban centres like Pretoria and Pietermaritzburg bearing the brunt of the insecurity. The persistent safety concerns highlight the scale of the challenge facing the nation.
A Continent-Wide Spectrum of Insecurity
The report underscores that crime across Africa is not monolithic. While some nations are plagued by common urban crimes, others are destabilised by deeper issues. The forms of insecurity are diverse, encompassing human trafficking, gender-based violence, political unrest, militia activity, and even piracy in coastal regions.
The listicle below details the ten African countries with the most severe crime indexes at the start of 2026:
1. South Africa
Crime Index: 74.5. The country's security landscape is dominated by violent crime and property offences, creating persistent safety concerns, especially in cities.
2. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Crime Index: 66.7. The DRC's security woes are fuelled by persistent conflicts in its eastern regions, widespread petty crime, and chronic political instability.
3. Nigeria
Crime Index: 66.2 | Safety Index: 33.8. Africa's most populous nation faces a complex mix of security threats. Reports highlight widespread issues including armed robbery, kidnappings for ransom, and a surge in cybercrime. Safety conditions vary drastically between regions, with northern areas experiencing heightened risks due to insurgent activity.
4. Cameroon
Crime Index: 65.7 | Safety Index: 34.3. Urban centres see high rates of petty theft and burglaries, while border regions remain particularly unstable due to ongoing separatist conflicts.
5. Angola
Crime Index: 65.5 | Safety Index: 34.5. The nation reports high levels of property crime and armed robberies, with security described as precarious in the capital, Luanda, and other large cities.
6. Namibia
Crime Index: 63.8 | Safety Index: 36.2. Although more stable than some neighbours, property crimes, armed robberies, and petty theft remain common in urban areas.
7. Somalia
Crime Index: 62.5 | Safety Index: 37.5. The country continues to face grave security threats, including terrorism, piracy, and clan-based conflicts, making everyday life highly unpredictable.
8. Mozambique
Crime Index: 61.0 | Safety Index: 39.0. Violent crime, including armed robbery and gang activity, is prevalent in urban areas, contributing to the nation's security challenges.
9. Zimbabwe
Crime Index: 60.4 | Safety Index: 39.6. High levels of property crime and petty theft are reported, with occasional violent incidents, particularly in major cities like Harare and Bulawayo.
10. Libya
Crime Index: 55.8 | Safety Index: 44.2. Political instability and ongoing armed conflict render large parts of the country extremely dangerous. Kidnappings, armed attacks, and militia activity are common occurrences.
Implications and Regional Concerns
This ranking serves as a crucial indicator of the multifaceted security environment across Africa. The data confirms that for millions of citizens, crime in its various forms is a defining factor of daily existence. The situation in Nigeria, which ranks third, is especially notable given its size and regional influence. The combination of traditional violent crimes like armed robbery and kidnapping with modern threats like cybercrime presents a complex challenge for authorities.
Furthermore, the presence of nations like the DRC, Somalia, and Libya on the list underscores how political instability and armed conflict are inextricably linked to high crime indexes, creating cycles of violence and insecurity that are difficult to break. The report acts as a sobering reminder of the work needed to improve safety and stability for Africa's growing population.
