The population of Africa is expectedly to double by 2050, and this is to reach more than 2 billion people. Africa is rising in many ramifications and has become a unique marketing environment for many foreign investors. Here are the top 10 fastest-growing cities in Africa:
1. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos was once the capital city of Nigeria; Lagos ceded that title to Abuja in 1991. The government cited the city’s sprawling population as a factor as it became increasingly difficult to lower the population influx into the country’s biggest market.
Presently Lagos has over 20 million inhabitants. Some sources also claimed that the population of the city is close to 25 million. Lagos is the industrial and commercial hub of Africa’s most populous country. It has been estimated that Lagos will have a population of 45 million and a much younger workforce by 2050.
2. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Congo is a French-speaking country in central Africa. Kinshasa, which is the country’s capital, also is the most populated city in the country. In 2005 Kinshasa had a population of 10 million people. However, in 2005, it was estimated that Kinshasa, the powerful city, will be hosting 18 million people.
Kinshasa is an important commercial hub for all of central Africa, Although Kinshasa is not as famous as some other African cities, which are Johannesburg, Cairo, and Lagos. Kinshasa is the world’s second-largest city, with about 84 million inhabitants.
3. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo remains a highly recognized city and the largest city in Africa by landmass. Cairo is an ancient city dating back to prehistoric times, yet it remains a highly recognized city. Cairo still serves as the central hub to the rest of the Arab world and North African countries beyond the Sahara.
In recent times, the city has had to find revolutionary solutions to its increasing population, which will become 40 million by 2100. As a result of this, there is a new development happening 40km Easts of Cairo. When completed, the new city will host an additional 7 million people.
4. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
The city has over 6 million population, which makes the city one of the largest cities on the African continent. The city may not be the Tanzania government’s capital seat. It has several embassies and professional service firms.
The growth of the city has been attributed to migration and urbanization. The port of Dar es salaam also contributes significantly to economic activities in the city. About 6 million people live in Dar es salaam today.
5. Luanda, Angola
Launda is the capital and the largest city of Angola. Angola trades crude oil and other commodities through its city Luanda.
Launda has a population pegged at around 7 million, which is a huge increase from 4.8 million in 2005.
6. Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi has a population potential of 6.5 million. It may not be one of the best African cities with tens of millions of inhabitants, but Nairobi remains a powerhouse.
Nairobi hosts several foreign international organizations, which include the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters. Nairobi remains a choice location for tourists visiting Africa. The east city serves as the country’s capital city and commercial hub.
7. Johannesburg, South Africa
Just like Nairobi, Johannesburg is one of the top tourist destinations in Africa. Johannesburg is also the largest city in South Africa which is located in the southern part of the country.
Johannesburg’s status as a modern city has steadily increased ever since South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA world cup.
8. Accra, Ghana
Accra is the capital state of Ghana; Accra doubles as the country’s largest city, located on the Gulf of Guinea near the Atlantic Ocean. The city sits partly on a cliff, 25 to 40 feet (eight to twelve meters) high, and speeds north over the Accra plain. It is an indisputable market in the Ghana region.
Accra’s population has risen from a little over 2 million to about 3.5 million since the year 2005. Its architecture ranges from traditional African buildings to large, elegant colonial houses and modern high-rise blocks.
9. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Addis Ababa is a city in Ethiopia that accommodates one in four urban Ethiopians, serving as the Ethiopian capital and largest city. The city has a population of 4 million people; according to the current growth rate, Addis Ababa is estimated to accommodate over 35 million people by 2100.
Addis Ababa is referred to as the political capital of Africa due to its historical, diplomatic, and political significance in the continent. Addis Ababa serves as the headquarters of major international organizations such as the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
10. Dakar, Senegal
Dakar is regarded as one of Africa’s historical cities. Dakar serves as the capital of Senegal. The city is an important trade hub, especially between Europe and West Africa.
The capital, Dakar, is a vibrant city famous for its lively markets and rich musical culture. The city has a proper population of 1,030,594, whereas the population of the Dakar metropolitan area is estimated at 3.94 million in 2021.
