Top 7 African Countries With the Most Olympic Medals

The Olympic Games remain one of the most prestigious sporting events on the planet, bringing together countries of the world competing in multiple events across multiple disciplines.

African nations have made their mark at the Games, excelling in various disciplines over the years.

For many athletes, just qualifying for the Olympics is a dream come true, but winning a medal can change their lives forever, bringing financial rewards, global recognition, and national pride.

While Africa has long been known for its dominance in long and middle-distance running, the continent has also shone in boxing, swimming, cycling, and weightlifting.

looks at the top seven African countries with the highest Olympic medal counts, ranked from seventh to first.

Tunisia has made a name for itself in multiple sports, earning 18 Olympic medals, four Gold, three Silver and 11 Bronze since its debut.

The country’s success spans athletics, swimming, boxing, and weightlifting.

The most famous Tunisian Olympian is swimmer Oussama Mellouli, who won gold in the 1500m freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and another gold in the 10km marathon swim at the 2012 London Olympics.

five Gold, four Silver and 11 Bronze largely thanks to its prowess in athletics, boxing, and judo.

One of its most celebrated athletes is who won gold in the men’s 1500m at the 2012 London Olympics before adding two silver medals in Rio 2016.

Morocco has won 26 Olympic medals since making its debut in 1960, with most of its success coming from athletics with 21 medals and four from bronze boxing , plus a historic football bronze medal.

is Morocco’s most recent Olympic hero, claiming gold in the men’s 3000m steeplechase at both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics.

Egypt is the most decorated North African country at the Olympics, boasting 41 medals across various sports.

Weightlifting has been its strongest area, delivering 15 medals, followed by wrestling which has delivered eight, boxing four, and taekwondo four.

One of Egypt’s greatest Olympians is Karam Gaber, who won gold in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Ethiopia has built its Olympic legacy mostly on athletics, winning 62 medals in long-distance running events.

The country first participated in the Games in 1956 and has remained a powerhouse in track and field.

Legendary runner is Ethiopia’s most successful Olympian, claiming four medals, three gold and one silver, while

, despite being banned from seven straight editions from 1964 to1988 due to apartheid.

Since returning in 1992, the country has thrived in multiple sports, particularly athletics, swimming, and boxing.

Notable South African Olympians includeand swimmer Chad le Clos, who won four Olympic medals, including gold in the 200m butterfly in 2012.

Kenya stands tall as Africa’s most successful Olympic nation, thanks to its dominance in athletics. Of the country’s 124 Olympic medals, 117 have come from track and field.

Kenya’s best-ever Olympic performance was at Beijing 2008, where it won 16 medals with six being gold, four silver, and six bronze.

The country’s greatest Olympians includeand, who won two gold and two silver.

The likes of has also contributed to that tally with two golds, a silver and a bronze.

Another top performer is with one gold, two silver and a bronze.

Africa continues to shine at the Olympics, producing legendary athletes and record-breaking performances.

While distance running remains the continent’s stronghold, there’s growing success in other disciplines.