How the share of older residents changed in Southern Africa
South Africa’s estimated share of residents aged 65 or older rose from 3.95% in 1990 to 6.89% in 2025. Botswana also increased, while Zambia’s share fell from 2.88% to 2.00%.
Sources checked
Southern Africa Review Editorial Team
1990 and 2025Residents aged 65 and older by country
1990
Shared scale · 0% to 6.89%
Botswana3.23%
Lesotho4.14%
Mozambique3.02%
Namibia3.48%
South Africa3.95%
Zambia2.88%
2025
Shared scale · 0% to 6.89%
Botswana4.08%
Lesotho3.88%
Mozambique2.73%
Namibia3.79%
South Africa6.89%
Zambia2%
Switch between years to compare the share of residents aged 65 and over.
Its share was 5.37% in 2015 and 6.89% in 2025. Botswana increased from 3.56% to 4.08% over the same period. Namibia reached 3.79% in 2025 after a 2020 estimate of 3.58%. Source 1
Zambia’s share turned upward after a long fall
The estimate fell from 2.88% in 1990 to 1.74% in 2015 and then rose to 2.00% in 2025. Lesotho also rose after 2015, while remaining below its 2000 estimate of 4.53%. Source 1
Population shares change with the age mix
Survival to later ages affects the numerator. Births and migration change the population below 65 and can alter the share even if the number of older residents grows. A planning forecast can use both age-group counts and percentages. Source 2
The age threshold makes comparisons consistent
Using age 65 defines the same demographic group across all six countries. Eligibility for a pension, demand for health care and the number of people still working use different concepts and need their own measures. Source 2