Young people in sub-Saharan Africa rank highest in mental health globally, according to the Global Mind Health in 2025 report released by Sapien Labs.
The report, published in 2025, analysed mental well-being data from 84 countries using the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ), a large-scale assessment tool measuring emotional, cognitive and social functioning.
Top-Ranked Countries for Youth
Among adults aged 18 to 34, the top five countries are:
- Ghana – Ranked 1st
- Nigeria – Ranked 2nd
- Kenya – Ranked 3rd
- Zimbabwe – Ranked 4th
- Tanzania – Ranked 5th
All five are African countries.
By contrast, several wealthy nations ranked much lower. These include the United States, Canada, India, Japan, and Australia.
Within Europe, the highest-ranking country was Italy, at 20th place. Other European positions include:
- Finland – 40th
- France – 58th
- Ireland – 70th
- Germany – 71st
- United Kingdom – 81st
The report also found that young adults globally score significantly lower than older adults in mental health measures. In many countries, adults over 55 scored nearly three times higher than those aged 18 to 34.
Key Findings
The study identified several factors associated with stronger youth mental health in African countries:
1. Family Closeness
Respondents in sub-Saharan Africa reported higher levels of family support and stronger social ties. These factors were linked to better emotional regulation and lower distress.
2. Spirituality
Countries such as Tanzania scored highly on measures of spiritual life. The report found that spirituality was associated with improved resilience and a stronger sense of purpose.
3. Later Smartphone Access
Early access to smartphones, particularly before age 13, was strongly linked to lower mental health outcomes. In many Western countries, first smartphone ownership often occurs between ages 9 and 12. In parts of Africa, first access tends to occur later in adolescence.
4. Lower Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods
The report estimated that ultra-processed food intake accounts for 15 to 30 percent of the mental health burden in some countries. African respondents reported lower consumption compared to many high-income nations.
Ultimately, the findings show a consistent generational decline in mental health across all regions.
According to Tara Thiagarajan, founder and chief scientist of Sapien Labs:
“This is not simply a rise in anxiety or depression diagnoses. What we are seeing globally is a decline in core mental functioning among younger adults.”
She added that the decline affects areas such as emotional control, focus, stress recovery and relationship stability.
The report notes that this trend began before the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued afterward.
One of the central conclusions is that national income does not guarantee stronger mental well-being among youth.
Despite higher spending on mental health services in countries such as the United States and Canada, young adults in these countries continue to report lower MHQ scores compared to peers in sub-Saharan Africa.
In Asia, india ranked 60th out of 84 countries for youth mental health. However, Indian adults aged 55 and above scored significantly higher, ranking 49th globally in their age group.
The report warns that declining youth mental health may have long-term economic and social consequences, including reduced workforce productivity and weakened social cohesion.
The 2025 findings challenge the assumption that wealth alone ensures well-being. Instead, they suggest that social support systems, cultural practices, and lifestyle factors may play a more significant role in forming good mental health outcomes among young people.
