𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟏𝟎 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 (2025)

In 2025, the race toward sustainability and environmental excellence has become a continental priority in Africa. From zero-waste cities to advanced recycling infrastructure and grassroots eco-programs, African nations are stepping up to redefine what it means to be clean, green, and forward-thinking. The Environmental Performance Index (EPI), a global benchmark for environmental health, climate policies, and waste management, offers a transparent lens into the countries leading the charge.

Whether you're planning a visit, looking to invest in eco-conscious markets, or simply curious about how Africa is transforming its cities and ecosystems, here's our curated list of the Top 10 Cleanest Countries in Africa in 2025.

1. Rwanda – The Cleanest Country in Africa

EPI Score: 83.1
Global Rank: 23rd

Rwanda holds the crown as Africa’s cleanest nation, and for good reason. Since banning plastic bags in 2008, Rwanda has built a culture of cleanliness and civic duty. Its capital, Kigali, is globally renowned for being spotless — thanks to “Umuganda,” a mandatory monthly community cleanup day observed by over 90% of citizens.

Key initiatives:

• Nationwide plastic ban enforcement.
• Over 30 million trees planted annually.
• 95% waste collection rate.
• 85% access to clean drinking water.

Rwanda's environmental integrity is not just policy—it’s a national identity.

2. Zimbabwe – Smart Regulations for a Cleaner Nation

EPI Score: 51.7
Global Rank: 55th

Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, is undergoing a green renaissance. Through its “Clean City” program, the country has reduced landfill waste by 40%. Strict fines for littering and robust recycling laws are elevating urban hygiene standards across the nation.

Notable programs:

• National Cleanliness Strategy enforcement.
• Mandatory recycling ordinances.
• Public-private waste management partnerships.

Zimbabwe is proving that legislation can fuel transformation.

3. Botswana – A Tech-Driven Green Leader

EPI Score: 49.0
Global Rank: 66th

Botswana is championing AI in waste collection through Gaborone’s Smart City Waste Network, achieving 92% efficiency in trash retrieval. A plastic tax has reduced single-use plastics by 67% since 2022.

Sustainability Highlights:

• AI-guided waste trucks.
• National plastic tax.
• Extensive solar and water conservation programs.

Botswana is merging environmentalism with innovation.

4. Seychelles – Island Nation, Ocean Protector

EPI Score: 48.2
Global Rank: 70th

This island paradise is not only a top tourist destination but also a model of marine sustainability. Seychelles collects 12 tonnes of ocean plastic monthly and recycles 83% of construction waste thanks to its Circular Economy Act.

Eco wins:

• Marine plastic interceptors.
• Strong coral reef protection policies.
• Coastal city waste bans and composting laws.

Seychelles leads in both ecological preservation and urban cleanliness.

5. Mauritius – Turning Waste into Power

EPI Score: 47.3
Global Rank: 78th

Mauritius operates Africa’s first waste-to-energy plant in Port Louis, converting 1,200 tonnes of waste daily into electricity. The Eco-Island Initiative ensures new buildings are topped with green roofs.

Clean initiatives:

• Waste-to-energy power generation.
• Mandatory green architecture policies.
• Island-wide plastic reduction plans.

Mauritius is paving the way for energy-efficient environmentalism.

6. Zambia – Drones and Green Ambassadors

EPI Score: 46.1
Global Rank: 85th

Zambia uses aerial drones to combat illegal dumping and employs over 15,000 “Green Ambassadors” who lead neighborhood cleanup drives. Lusaka’s proactive approach has cut dumping by 73%.

What’s working:

• Drone surveillance for waste sites.
• Community-based environmental programs.
• School and youth engagement in cleanups.

Zambia is building a movement from the ground up.

7. Tunisia – Tradition Meets Tech

EPI Score: 45.7
Global Rank: 88th

In Tunis, a unique RFID-tagged waste tracking system ensures a 94% collection rate. Meanwhile, the Green Medina Project revives historical neighborhoods with eco-friendly water conservation systems.

Cultural sustainability:

• Modern waste tech.
• Urban greenery initiatives.
• Electric mobility and bike-sharing programs.

Tunisia proves heritage and environmental innovation can coexist.

 8. Morocco – Waterwise and Plastic-Free

EPI Score: 44.9
Global Rank: 92nd

Morocco’s “Zero Mika” initiative has successfully eliminated 3.2 billion plastic bags per year. Casablanca’s $300 million wastewater treatment plant now serves over 5 million residents, improving sanitation and water quality.

Achievements:

• Massive reduction in plastic pollution.
• Water treatment and reuse on a national scale.
• Large-scale urban tree planting programs.

Morocco is blending infrastructure with bold environmental reform.

9. Democratic Republic of Congo – Greening Urban Futures

EPI Score: 44.9
Global Rank: 93rd

The DRC’s “Green City Wall” campaign has planted over 1.2 million trees in its cities. A revised mining code now demands a 5% environmental levy, redirecting industrial funds into restoration.

Standout moves:

• Urban forestry as pollution control.
• Eco-taxation on extractive industries.
• Pilot composting and reuse centers.

The DRC is turning extractive reform into green regeneration.

10. Algeria – Clean Transit, Cleaner Air

EPI Score: 44.8
Global Rank: 94th

Algiers has modernized its public transport with a new electric fleet, reducing PM2.5 air pollution by 38%. Construction waste is recycled into new building materials at industrial scale.

Key policies:

• Electrified public transportation.
• Major city recycling plants.
• Air quality regulations and tree-planting.

Algeria’s urban evolution is built on clean mobility and circular economics.

Honorable Mentions for 2025

• Rwanda (Previously unlisted in 2024 rankings) – Now Africa’s cleanest based on 2025 EPI scores and sustainable infrastructure.
• Kenya – With an EPI score of 52.6, strong recycling and renewable energy initiatives are positioning it among Africa’s eco-leaders.
• South Africa – Cape Town leads the way with a 70% waste diversion rate and water conservation infrastructure.
• Ghana – Urban tree planting, recycling incentives, and eco-markets in Accra and Kumasi have earned global recognition.

Why Cleanliness in Africa Matters

Clean cities are more than just visually appealing—they contribute to:

• Better public health: Less pollution = fewer respiratory diseases.
• Increased tourism: Travelers are drawn to safe, organized, green cities.
• Environmental resilience: Recycling and green energy reduce ecological stress.
• Civic pride: Community participation in keeping cities clean fosters unity.

From Kigali to Gaborone, from ocean cleanup in Seychelles to solar-powered suburbs in Tunisia, Africa is reshaping its environmental identity. These nations aren’t just cleaning up—they’re leading a continental movement toward sustainable urban living. As environmental awareness deepens across the globe, Africa’s cleanest countries in 2025 are setting standards others can learn from.

If you're planning your next trip, investing in green markets, or simply seeking inspiration, these countries are leading the way toward a cleaner, brighter, and more sustainable Africa.