Top 10 African countries with the most extensive road networks in 2026

Roads remain a key part of transport infrastructure across Africa, connecting cities, communities, markets and economic centres.

In many parts of the continent, rail networks do not cover enough areas to meet passenger and freight transport needs. This leaves roads as the main means of moving people, agricultural produce, manufactured goods and other commodities.

Road networks also affect access to healthcare, education and public services. For rural communities, a road connection can determine how easily people reach schools, hospitals, markets and employment opportunities.

Road infrastructure is also linked to trade. As African countries work to increase cross-border commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), road connections will remain important for moving goods between producers, markets and neighbouring countries.

Read also: Beyond roadmaps: Why modern product management is about solving customer problems

According to Global Firepower data, a country’s total road coverage indicates the size of its road network and its capacity to support the movement of people, goods, and equipment.

Here are the 10 African countries with the highest total road coverage in 2026, based on the data.

1. South Africa — 750,000 km

South Africa ranks first in Africa, with a total road coverage of 750,000 km. The country also ranks 11th globally.

Its road network connects major cities, industrial centres, ports, mining areas and agricultural regions. Roads support the movement of goods across the country and provide connections to neighbouring countries.

2. Nigeria — 195,000 km

Nigeria has 195,000 km of total roadway coverage, placing it second in Africa and 28th globally.

The network links major commercial centres, states, ports and rural communities. With Nigeria’s population and large domestic market, road transport plays a major role in the movement of people and goods.

3. Ethiopia — 180,000 km

Ethiopia ranks third in Africa with 180,000 km of total road coverage and 30th globally.

Roads are important to the country’s agricultural economy, connecting production areas with markets and urban centres. They also provide links between Ethiopia and other parts of East Africa.

4. Kenya — 161,452 km

Kenya has 161,452 km of total road coverage, ranking fourth in Africa and 32nd globally.

The country’s roads connect Nairobi and other urban centres with agricultural regions, border areas and the port of Mombasa. The network also supports trade within East Africa.

5. Democratic Republic of the Congo — 152,373 km

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) ranks fifth in Africa, with 152,373 km of total road coverage.

Given the country’s size, roads are important for connecting communities and supporting the movement of agricultural products, minerals and other goods.

6. Tanzania — 145,203 km

Tanzania ranks sixth, with 145,203 km of total road coverage and a global ranking of 36th.

Roads connect the country’s cities, farming communities, ports and border crossings. They also support Tanzania’s role in regional trade within East Africa.

7. Mali — 139,107 km

Mali has 139,107 km of total roadway coverage, placing it seventh in Africa and 38th globally.

Road connections are important for linking communities across the country’s large territory and for moving goods between domestic markets and neighbouring countries.

8. Algeria — 112,696 km

Algeria ranks eighth in Africa, with 112,696 km of total road coverage and 47th globally.

Its road network provides connections between northern cities, economic centres and areas across the country’s large landmass.

9. Zimbabwe — 97,267 km

Zimbabwe has 97,267 km of total roadway coverage, ranking ninth in Africa and 51st globally.

The country’s roads support movement between cities, farming areas, mining locations and border points, making them part of domestic and regional trade.

10. South Sudan — 90,200 km

South Sudan completes the list with 90,200 km of total road coverage, ranking 57th globally.

Roads are important for connecting communities and supporting the movement of goods and services across the country.