Jeune Afrique’s 2025 ranking offers a comprehensive look at Africa’s leading cities by combining the views of residents with an objective assessment of economic strength and overall attractiveness. The report has quickly become a key reference for understanding the urban transformation taking place across the continent.
For this second edition, the methodology has been enhanced. The ranking draws from an opinion survey conducted with Sagaci Research involving 7,877 residents across major African cities. Participants evaluated quality of life, infrastructure, housing, economic vibrancy, and access to essential services.
This was paired with an in-depth review of foreign direct investment (FDI) trends between 2020 and 2023, along with data from additional cities such as Dar es Salaam, Marrakech, Mombasa, and Tangier offering a more complete picture of Africa’s evolving urban landscape.
Cairo claimed the top spot this year, overtaking Cape Town. The Egyptian capital continues to attract impressive levels of foreign investment particularly from the Gulf and China and is bolstered by massive development projects, including the New Administrative Capital. These initiatives highlight Egypt’s broader strategy for national urban transformation. Despite challenges with congestion, mobility, and pollution, Cairo stands out in economic performance and FDI, securing its place at the top of the ranking.
Kigali retains second place thanks to its strong governance, high quality of life, clean environment, and commitment to innovation. The Rwandan capital continues to earn recognition as one of Africa’s most well-managed and forward-looking cities.
Nairobi makes one of the most significant jumps in this year’s ranking, landing in third place. While recent political tensions posed challenges, the city continues to strengthen its position as a continental tech hub. Its ongoing mobility upgrades, major infrastructure projects, and appeal to global investors are driving its rise.
Looking ahead, Jeune Afrique notes that by 2050, several of these cities could rival long-established global metropolitan centres.
“This ranking arrives at a time when Africa is experiencing rapid and historic urbanisation,” explains Julien Wagner, the journalist overseeing the report. “The continent’s urban population is expected to double by 2050, reaching nearly 1.4 billion people. This puts urban management at the centre of Africa’s development priorities. With growing demands for housing, infrastructure, mobility, and essential services, African cities must adopt new financing models, strengthen governance, and remain adaptable to shifting climatic, social, and economic realities.”
