The Africa Report/Jeune Afrique Unveils The First Ranking Of Africa’s 30 Most Attractive Cities
The African and sister magazine Jeune Afrique, the leading pan-African media, just published the very first ranking of Africa’s 30 most attractive cities. This groundbreaking ranking offers a detailed, multidimensional analysis of Africa’s major cities, based on nearly 2,000 responses from its engaged community of readers as part of an extensive participatory survey.
The ranking of Africa’s 30 most attractive cities employs a unique methodology with a 360° evaluation, going beyond traditional economic indicators. It examines cultural, social, environmental, and practical aspects of the cities assessed. The ranking is based on 26 sub-criteria grouped into five main categories:
- Quality of life (safety, green spaces, cleanliness, etc.)
- Infrastructure and housing (transport, accessibility, availability of decent housing, etc.) 3. Employment and economic opportunities (job market dynamism, attractiveness for entrepreneurs, etc.)
- Essential services (access to water, electricity, healthcare, education, etc.) 5. Foreign direct investment (cumulative investment amounts and number of projects from 2019 to 2023)
With 900 million Africans expected to live in urban areas by 2050, this ranking highlights the major challenges facing the continent’s cities: urban planning, integrating new urban residents, and strengthening infrastructure. Rapid urbanization is both a challenge and an opportunity, requiring a coordinated and strategic approach.
The most attractive cities on the continent stand out with diverse and innovative approaches to these challenges. Cape Town, ranked first, excels with exemplary governance, economic appeal, and its stunning natural environment. Kigali shines with its remarkable quality of life. Johannesburg, despite
security challenges, remains a major economic hub. Casablanca and Rabat complete the top five, reflecting Morocco’s balanced dynamic between economic growth and quality of life.
