Intelligence quotient (IQ) is a measure widely used to assess individuals’ and groups’ cognitive abilities and intellectual potential.

While it’s crucial to approach IQ scores cautiously, various factors, such as cultural biases and socioeconomic conditions, influence the general score.

They offer a glimpse into a population’s educational achievements and cognitive development.

In this article, we will explore the 20 African countries with the highest reported IQ scores, shedding light on their educational establishments that ensure the literacy level of their citizens soars higher.

Smartest Countries In Africa By IQ Levels:

1. Sierra Leone – IQ of 91

Sierra Leone, with an estimated population of around 8+ million, possesses an IQ score of 91.

Despite the country’s challenges due to conflicts and economic difficulties, the government has been working to improve educational access.

Approximately 44.5% of the population is literate, and it offers around 6,000 educational facilities for its citizens.

2. Mauritius – IQ of 89

Mauritius, a small island nation with a population of about 1.3 million, boasts an IQ score of about 89.

Its strong focus on education has led to a literacy rate of around 90%, with over 400 educational facilities serving the population.

3. Seychelles – IQ of 86

Seychelles, an archipelago nation with approximately 100,000 inhabitants, holds an IQ score of 86.

With a high percentage literacy rate of about 95%, that is offered in over 120 schools throughout the country.

4. Eritrea – IQ of 85

Eritrea, with a population of around 6+ million, has an IQ score of 85.

Despite challenges facing the nation, including limited access to education due to conflicts, the country has made strides in increasing literacy, which is currently estimated at around 80%.

5. Morocco – IQ of 84

Morocco, a nation of over 38 million, has an IQ score of 84. The country has been making progress in education, thus boasting a literacy rate of approximately 71%.

Around 35,000 educational facilities are spread out across the country.

6. Nigeria – IQ of 84

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has a reported IQ score of 84.

Despite numerous challenges, Nigeria has a significant number of literate individuals, estimated to be around 60 million. The country also houses about 73,000 educational facilities.

7. Uganda – IQ of 84

Located in East Africa, Uganda, with a population of around 46 million, it conveys an IQ score of 84.

The literacy rate is approximately 76%, with about 38,000 educational facilities serving the citizens nationwide.

8. Algeria – IQ of 83

Algeria, a North African nation with over 45 million people, boasts an IQ score of 83.

The country has made substantial investments in education, resulting in a literacy rate of about 81%.

It offers its diverse citizens around 24,000 educational facilities to serve the population.

9. Libya – IQ of 83

Situated in North Africa, with an estimated population of 8+ million, Libya holds an IQ score of 83.

Despite political instability, Libya has invested in education, yielding a literacy rate of approximately 91%.

The country is home to about 6,000 educational establishments.

10. Tunisia – IQ of 83

Known for its historical contributions to education and culture, Tunisia prioritizes learning for around 12 million people and has an IQ score of 83.

The country has a relatively high literacy rate of about 81%, with approximately 14,000 educational facilities.

11. Madagascar – IQ of 82

Madagascar, an island nation off the east coast of Africa with over 27 million inhabitants, has an IQ score of 82.

The country faces education challenges, but the literacy rate is estimated to be around 64%, with roughly 14,000 educational facilities.

12. Zimbabwe – IQ of 82

Zimbabwe, situated in Central Africa with a population of around 15 million, has an IQ score of 82.

Despite economic struggles, the country has a literacy rate of approximately 88%, with approximately 4,000 educational facilities.

13. Egypt – IQ of 81

As a cornerstone of ancient civilizations, Egypt’s commitment to education endures.

With a population exceeding 104 million, it boasts an IQ score of 81.

The country has a long history of education, resulting in a literacy rate of about 73%.

With approximately 100,000 educational facilities that make Egypt’s commitment to education is evident.

14. Kenya – IQ of 80

With the largest and most advanced economy in East and Central Africa and a population of over 55 million, Kenya has an IQ score of 80.

The country’s focus on education has led to a literacy rate of around 81%, with approximately 76,000 educational facilities spread out in the country to cater to the education need of the population.

15. Zambia – IQ of 79

Zambia, a landlocked country situated on the Southern side of Africa with an estimated population of 18 million, holds an IQ score of 79.

The country’s literacy rate is about 63%, with approximately 18,000 educational facilities.

16. Tanzania – IQ of 74.95

Tanzania, an East African nation of around 61 million, possesses an IQ score of 74.95.

The literacy rate of Tanzanians is approximately 77%, and about 49,000 educational facilities exist in the country.

17. Burkina Faso – IQ of 73.8

Burkina Faso, a landlocked West African country with a population of over 21 million, boasts an IQ score of 73.8.

Faced with unparalleled humanitarian and security crises, Burkina Faso faces educational challenges, but the literacy rate is approximately 37%, with roughly 12,000 academic centers.

18. Mozambique – IQ of 72.5

Found in Southern Africa, Mozambique, a nation of around 31 million, has an IQ score of 72.5.

The literacy rate is estimated to be about 58%, and about 11,000 educational institutions cater to its growing population.

19. Burundi – IQ of 72.09

This Central Eastern African nation places value on education standards for its nationals.

With a population of over 11 million, Burundi holds an IQ score of 72.09.

Despite challenges, the country has a literacy rate of about 61%, and there are approximately 5,000 educational facilities.

20. Niger – IQ of 70.82

While Niger’s IQ score is comparatively lower, the nation’s educational stance is evolving.

Niger’s average IQ of 70.82 highlights its commitment to continuous learning.

With a literacy rate of approximately 29%, the nation’s educational facilities are essential in fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity.

These 20 African countries demonstrate diverse levels of average IQ scores, reflecting their unique educational benchmarks and dedication to intellectual growth.

Many factors influence these scores, including education, socioeconomic conditions, and cultural interference.

The IQ scores provide a glimpse into cognitive abilities and are just one facet of a nation’s broader pursuit of knowledge and development.

Efforts to improve education, literacy, and access to educational facilities play a critical role in shaping the intellectual perspective of these African countries, contributing to their future growth and development.