These are Africa’s most attractive cities
The Africa Report, in collaboration with Jeune Afrique, has released its debut ranking of Africa’s 30 most attractive cities. This survey assesses cities across the continent based on their overall livability and investment potential. With about 2,000 respondents participating in the evaluation, this ranking aims to shed light on the cities driving progress in Africa.
Criteria for the rankings
The rankings were established using an approach that evaluated cities on:
- Quality of life – Safety, accessibility, and urban amenities.
- Infrastructure and housing – Transportation systems, housing availability, and urban planning.
- Employment and economic opportunities – Job market vibrancy and prospects for economic growth.
- Essential services – Availability and reliability of healthcare, education, and other fundamental services.
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) – Cities’ attractiveness to international investors and business opportunities.
Cape Town tops the list
Cape Town, South Africa, emerged as the top-ranked city, celebrated for its scenic beauty, robust tourism sector, and relatively high quality of life. It was closely followed by Kigali, Rwanda, known for its remarkable cleanliness, and Johannesburg, South Africa, which stood out as an economic powerhouse in the region.
Other notable cities in the top 10 include Casablanca and Rabat in Morocco,Nairobi, Kenya, and Accra, Ghana.
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Capital cities dominate
This ranking underscores the prominence of capital cities and economic hubs. Capitals such as Cairo, Rabat, and Accra feature prominently due to their strategic role as national centers for governance, culture, and commerce. They are often the first point of interaction with foreign governments and investors, which ensure a steady stream of infrastructure projects, international aid, and development funds. Their status as administrative and cultural hubs naturally drives investment into essential services, public amenities, and urban planning.
However, non-capital cities like Cape Town and Casablanca demonstrate the growing importance of cities that combine economic significance with unique cultural and tourism assets. These findings have broader implications for Africa’s development trajectory.
Attractive, livable cities are magnets for tourism, investment, and skilled professionals. They enhance national branding and contribute significantly to economic growth.
The future of Africa’s cities
As African nations strive to attract more investment and improve living standards, urban centers will continue to play a pivotal role. The focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusivity in urban planning will determine the future competitiveness of these cities. Moreover, they provide an environment that retains talent, nurtures innovation, and promotes tourism.
Top 10 Most Attractive Cities in Africa by Africareport
- Cape Town, South Africa – 7.7
- Kigali, Rwanda – 7.6
- Johannesburg, South Africa – 7.6
- Casablanca, Morocco – 7.5
- Rabat, Morocco – 7.5
- Nairobi, Kenya – 7.4
- Alexandria, Egypt – 7.3
- Cairo, Egypt – 7.2
- Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – 7.1
- Accra, Ghana – 6.9
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