11 Fastest Growing Cities in Africa

Today, we look at the 11 fastest growing cities in Africa. Africa has been known to be a continent with rich natural resources and a very promising economic potential. Unfortunately for some countries, fiscal mismanagement and poor governance has plagued these nations for decades. But times are changing, as Africa has had the fastest growth for all continents in terms of GDP in 2015. Though different countries have different rates of growth, peace across the continent has led to increased economic activity. Improved technology and governance, urbanization, and increased trade all fuel the economies of the most robust African nations. Combined with a growing number of young middle-class populations, the African economy is bound to be one the most dynamic in a few years time. In line with our previous article of the 11 Fastest Growing Cities in the World, we present to you the 11 fastest growing cities at the forefront of Africa’s rally as an economic powerhouse.

Factors considered in ranking the 11 fastest growing cities in Africa were the population growth rate from 2010 to 2025 and GDP rate per annum from 2008-2025. Information was based on reports published by PriceWaterhouse’s Global City GDP Rankings 2008-2025 and African Development Bank’s Tracking Africa’s Progress in Figures.

City ranks per category (in parentheses) were determined by ranking each city based on their GDP growth rate and population growth change, with 15 as the highest score in each category. Final ranks were determined by adding the rank of each city, which is reflected in the overall score. Watch as these 11 fastest growing cities in Africa transform into economic powerhouses in the near future.

11. Cairo, Egypt

Population growth: 23% (4)

GDP growth: 5% (6)

Overall score: 10

“The city of a thousand minarets”, Egypt’s capital has the 15^th largest metropolitan area in the world. Cairo’s population is still expected to increase by 23% in the next 10 years, with its GDP by 2030 2^nd only to Johannesburg as Africa’s largest.  

10. Algiers, Algeria

Population growth: 28.4% (6)

GDP growth: 4.6% (5)

Overall score: 11

Situated on a bay of the Mediterranean Sea, Algiers is sometimes called “Algiers the White” as its buildings glisten this color when viewed from the sea. With its location and being the capital of Algeria, it is an important commercial and financial center. “Megaprojects” have been introduced by the current government, focused on the development of the railway network, revitalization of the sea front and construction of a “city of wellness”.

9. Alexandria, Egypt

Population growth: 28.7% (7)

GDP growth: 5.2% (7)

Overall score: 14

From being a small town founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria has grown into Egypt’s largest seaport. The city is also a major industrial shipping center since the Suez Canal opened. Income from both shipping and the oil pipelines from the Suez Canal have made Alexandria a major industrial port.

8. Kano, Nigeria

Population growth: 49% (8)

GDP growth: 6.2% (9)

Overall score: 17

The second largest city in Nigeria after its capital Lagos, Kano used to serve as the southernmost point of the trans-Saharan trade routes. Today, Kano has a been an important economic center of the region, and it is also where the richest black man, Aliko Dangote, has made his fortune.

7. Khartoum, Sudan

Population growth: 53.8% (10)

GDP growth: 5.5% (8)

Overall score: 18

Located at the confluence of the White Nile and the Blue Nile, Khartoum has witnessed significant economic developments since 2005, when the peace agreement between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and the government. Industries here include food processing, printing, and glass manufacturing.

6. Lagos, Nigeria

Population growth: 49.5% (9)

GDP growth: 6.4% (13)

Overall score: 22

Having the largest metropolitan area in Africa, Lagos is ranked as the seventh fastest-growing city in the world in terms of population growth. It contributes a significant portion of Nigeria’s GDP, owing to its port, which is one of the busiest in Africa. The city has one of the highest standards of living in Africa, which may be the reason for the migration of people into the city.

5. Luanda, Angola

Population growth: 69.2% (12)

GDP growth: 6.3% (11)

Overall score: 23

The capital of Angola, it is the country’s most important city as it is the economic, cultural and industrial center of the nation. Almost a third of Angolans live in Luanda, contributing to the 53% poverty incidence rate. However, Luanda is projected to be have the 3^rd largest GDP by 2030 among African cities, along with 69% increase in population by 2025. A booming oil industry combined with large domestic and foreign investment has dramatically increased economic activity in this city, paving the way for rapid growth.

4. Kinshasa, Zaire

Population growth: 71.8% (13)

GDP growth: 6.3% (11)

Overall score: 24

The third largest urban center in Africa, Kinshasa was once a site of fishing villages during its early history. Being the capital of Zaire, the city has become its economic and industrial center, with food processing, construction and service as the most important industries.

3. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Population growth: 62.4% (11)

GDP growth: 6.8% (15)

Overall score: 26

Often referred to as the political center of Africa, Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and where the headquarters of the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa are located. Manufacturing dominates the economy of the city, but high-rise buildings and several malls have been constructed in recent years.

2. Nairobi, Kenya

Population growth: 77.4% (14)

GDP growth: 6.4% (13)

Overall score: 27

Founded originally as a rail city, Nairobi has been Kenya’s capital since 1907. The city is home to a number of international companies’ African headquarters such as Google, Coca-Cola and IBM to name a few. Having a national park with the city boundaries, Nairobi has a robust tourism industry, in turn fueling an increased construction in hotels and resorts.

1. Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Population growth: 85.2% (15)

GDP growth: 6.5% (14)

Overall score: 29

Translated as “the residence of peace”, it is Tanzania’s largest and richest city, and fastest growing city in Africa. This major economic center has had a construction boom for the past few years, due in part to a steady influx of foreign investment. Fueled by a projected 85% population growth, Dar Es Salaam will have the 9^th largest GDP among African cities by 2030.