Top 10 cleanest African countries leading the way in sustainability and urban cleanliness

Cleanliness in cities goes beyond just looking good; it reflects a nation’s commitment to public health, environmental sustainability, and forward-thinking urban planning. In 2025, several African countries are leading the charge, setting global standards with their impressive urban cleanliness efforts and eco-friendly initiatives.

These nations are transforming their urban landscapes while ensuring the future sustainability of their environments.

Here are the top 10 cleanest countries in Africa, ranked based on their Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and innovative approaches to cleanliness and sustainability:

1. Gabon
   EPI Score: 53.1 (45th globally)
   Gabon takes the top spot in Africa, leading with a zero-waste urban strategy in Libreville and protecting an impressive 88% of its forest cover. The capital boasts Africa’s first city-wide pneumatic waste collection system, and the country aims to integrate 25% renewable energy by 2030.

2. Zimbabwe
   EPI Score: 51.7 (55th globally)
   Zimbabwe’s “Clean City” program in Harare has drastically reduced landfill waste by 40% through mandatory recycling laws. Their National Cleanliness Strategy enforces strict fines for littering, encouraging greater urban cleanliness.

3. Botswana
   EPI Score: 49.0 (66th globally)
   Botswana uses AI technology in Gaborone’s Smart City Waste Network, achieving an impressive 92% waste collection efficiency. The introduction of a plastic tax has helped reduce single-use plastics by 67% since 2022.

4. Seychelles
   EPI Score: 48.2 (70th globally)
   Seychelles is actively tackling marine pollution with interceptors that collect 12 tonnes of ocean plastic every month. The Circular Economy Act has enabled the recycling of 83% of construction debris, making it a leader in sustainable waste management.

5. Mauritius
   EPI Score: 47.3 (78th globally)
   Mauritius operates Africa’s first waste-to-energy plant in Port Louis, converting 1,200 tonnes of waste daily into 35 MW of electricity. Their Eco-Island Initiative requires all new buildings to have green roofs, pushing sustainability at the urban level.

6. Zambia
   EPI Score: 46.1 (85th globally)
   In Lusaka, Zambia utilizes aerial drones to monitor waste, reducing illegal dumping by 73%. The country’s 15,000 “Green Ambassadors” lead neighborhood cleanups and raise awareness about environmental issues.

7. Tunisia
   EPI Score: 45.7 (88th globally)
   Tunisia’s capital, Tunis, utilizes an RFID-tagged waste tracking system, achieving a 94% waste collection rate. The Green Medina Project is revitalizing historic urban areas using traditional water conservation methods, blending sustainability with heritage preservation.

8. Morocco
   EPI Score: 44.9 (92nd globally)
   Morocco has invested $300 million in a wastewater treatment plant in Casablanca, which serves 5 million residents. Their “Zero Mika” program has effectively eliminated 3.2 billion plastic bags annually through strict bans.

9. Democratic Republic of Congo
   EPI Score: 44.9 (93rd globally)
   The DRC’s “Green City Wall” initiative has led to the planting of 1.2 million trees in urban areas. The government has also revised its mining code to include a 5% environmental levy on extractive industries, signaling a strong commitment to environmental protection.

10. Algeria
    EPI Score: 44.8 (94th globally)
    Algeria has enhanced air quality in its cities through an electric public transit network, reducing PM2.5 levels by 38%. Algiers is a leader in recycling construction waste, processing 850,000 tonnes annually into reusable building materials.

These nations are setting ambitious standards for urban sustainability, tackling issues ranging from waste management to air quality and renewable energy, and offering valuable lessons for others to follow in their footsteps.