Afro-Belgians (Dutch: Afrobelgen; French: Afrobelges; German: Afrobelgier) or Black Belgians, are defined as Belgians of Sub-Saharan African descent.

Black Belgians
Afrobelgen
Afrobelges
Afrobelgier
Regions with significant populations
Throughout Belgium
Languages
DutchFrenchGermanLanguages of Africa
Religion
ChristianityIslamTraditional African religionsNon-adherence

A total of 358,268 Sub-Saharan Africans live in Belgium in 2023, comprising 3.06% of the population, according to Statistics Belgium. 95,282 Sub-Saharan Africans live in Brussels.[1]

Most Sub-Saharan Africans in Belgium originate from Senegal, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo (country), Rwanda, and Burundi. The Brussels neighborhoods of Ixelles and Matonge have large Black populations.[2][3][4]

A street scene in Matonge, one of Belgium's most diverse neighborhoods with a high African population (2009)
Two supporters of the Belgian national football team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Belgium national team

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In 2017, 19 out of 52 total players in the men's Belgium national football team were of African origin.[citation needed]

Notable Afro-Belgians

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Football players

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Other sports

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Politicians

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  • Assita Kanko, politician, member of the European Parliament
  • Pierre Kompany, politician, the first black mayor in Belgium, father of football player Vincent Kompany
  • Wouter Van Bellingen, politician and the first black alderman in Belgium

Arts and music

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References

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  1. ^ "Origin | Statbel". statbel.fgov.be. Retrieved 2023-07-04.
  2. ^ Spencer, Katrina (2023-03-28). "Exploring Black Brussels: A Trip to Matongé". Vinegar Hill Magazine. Retrieved 2023-07-04.
  3. ^ "Matonge, an African home in Brussels". Reuters. 2020-06-29. Retrieved 2023-07-04.
  4. ^ Beddington, Emma (2013-11-03). "Out of Africa: Brussels' vibrant Matonge quarter". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-07-04.