Africa’s population is growing rapidly, and with it, urban areas are expanding at an unprecedented rate. As cities continue to develop and new ones emerge, the continent is experiencing a significant shift toward urbanization. By 2050, Africa’s population is projected to double, surpassing 2 billion people.
But which cities are the largest? Using data from the most recent official censuses and population estimates, this list highlights the 50 most populous cities in Africa. It includes only cities that are geographically located on the continent, along with relevant island territories.
Top 50 Largest Cities in Africa
| Rank | City | Country | Population | Year of Estimate |
|---|
Urban Giants and Growing Hubs
Africa’s largest cities are spread across multiple countries, with some nations having several urban centers boasting significant populations. Nigeria, for instance, is home to Lagos, the second-largest city on the continent, with over 16 million residents. But Lagos isn’t Nigeria’s only densely populated city—Kano and Ibadan also have populations exceeding 3.5 million, while Abuja, the country’s capital, is not far behind.
South Africa is another country with multiple high-population cities. Johannesburg, the nation’s economic hub, has over 6 million residents, while Cape Town and Durban each have populations exceeding 4 million. Pretoria and Ekurhuleni also contribute to South Africa’s urban density, highlighting the country’s strong network of major metropolitan areas.
Egypt, home to Cairo—the third-largest city in Africa with over 10 million residents—also has other populous cities such as Giza and Alexandria, both with millions of inhabitants. Meanwhile, Angola’s capital, Luanda, has nearly 9 million residents, making it one of the most significant urban centers in Central Africa.
Beyond these mega-cities, Africa is dotted with numerous mid-sized urban centers. Cities such as Lusaka in Zambia, Dakar in Senegal, and Kampala in Uganda each have populations around 3 to 4 million. Other capitals, including Rabat in Morocco and Harare in Zimbabwe, fall within the range of 1.5 to 2 million residents.
Given Africa’s vast geography and rapid urbanization, the continent features a wide spectrum of city sizes, from massive metropolitan areas to smaller but still significant urban hubs. While cities like Kinshasa, Lagos, and Cairo dominate in terms of sheer size, many other African cities are growing rapidly, shaping the continent’s economic and demographic landscape.