Abstract: In order to understand and master the present situation of desertification of African countries, the degree and distribution. Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria were selected as 3study areas and MODIS MOD13Q1-NDVI data with high temporal resolution were used in this study. Based on the accumulation of NDVI values in 2010, the images of NDVI were obtained in Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria. The vegetation coverage of Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria was calculated by the dimidiate pixel model, which was used to assess desertification in the study area. Results showed that: there was a serious problem of desertification in Egypt and Algeria, desertification area accounts for more than 94% of land area, and serious desertification accounted for the largest proportion of desertification area. There was less affected by desertification in Nigeria, desertification proportion of the total land area of 14.77%, and slight desertification accounted for the proportion desertification area would reach 99%. Different countries with different degree of desertification, had distribution in different administrative districts of different provinces. The results could be the scientific basis for desertification control, protecting the ecological environment and the sustainable development of national economy in Africa.