10 Biggest Cities In Africa Ranked By Population
With over 1.4 billion people, Africa is home to some of the world’s largest and fastest-growing cities. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the 10 biggest cities in Africa, ranked by population.
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What Are The Top 10 Largest Cities In Africa?
Here are the most populous cities In Africa, with their population estimation:
- Lagos, Nigeria – 9.0 million
- Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo – 7.8 million
- Cairo, Egypt – 7.7 million
- Alexandria, Egypt – 3.8 million
- Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – 3.6 million
- Kano, Nigeria – 3.6 million
- Ibadan, Nigeria – 3.5 million
- Cape Town, South Africa – 3.4 million
- Casablanca, Morocco – 3.2 million
- Durban, South Africa – 3.1 million
1. Lagos, Nigeria – 9.0 million
Lagos, Nigeria is arguably Africa’s largest and busiest city. With an estimated population exceeding 9 million, it is Nigeria’s economic, financial, and cultural hub.
Once the country’s capital, Lagos remains a major trade, entertainment, and innovation center. However, the city is divided into two main areas: Lagos Island, the historic core, and the Mainland, which has expanded due to rapid urban growth.
Its location along the Atlantic coast makes it a key port city, handling significant trade and transportation. Lagos is also home to one of Africa’s busiest airports, Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Lagos, originally settled by the Awori people in the 15th century, has grown into a dynamic megacity with a fast-paced lifestyle.
It is part of the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, an emerging West African megalopolis. Despite challenges like overcrowding and traffic congestion, Lagos continues to thrive, attracting businesses and people from across Africa.
The city is famous for its vibrant music, film, and fashion industries, which have contributed to Nigeria’s global influence. With ongoing development and modernization, Lagos is expected to remain a leading African city for years to come.
2. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo – 7.8 million
Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing cities. With a population exceeding 7.8 million, it is the most populous city in the country and a major economic, political, and cultural center.
Located on the Congo River, it sits opposite Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo, making it the world’s closest capital city separated by a river.
The city covers nearly 10,000 square kilometers, with most urban development concentrated in the west. It is a major hub for industries such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and banking.
French is the official language, while Lingala is the most commonly spoken language among residents, known as Kinois.
Kinshasa was originally a settlement called Nshasa and later renamed Léopoldville during the colonial era before adopting its current name in 1966.
The city is home to key institutions like the People’s Palace and the National Museum. It also has the country’s largest airport, N’Djili International Airport.
Known for its vibrant music scene, Kinshasa was recognized as a UNESCO City of Music in 2015. Despite its rapid growth, much of its surrounding land remains rural.
3. Cairo, Egypt – 7.7 million
Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt, home to over 7.7 million people. It sits near the Nile River and has a history dating back to ancient times.
Nearby are the famous Pyramids of Giza, as well as the ancient cities of Memphis and Heliopolis. The city was officially founded in 969 by the Fatimid dynasty, but earlier settlements existed long before.
Cairo is often called “the city of a thousand minarets” because of its mosques and Islamic architecture. It is a major center for politics, culture, and education in the Arab world.
Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest in the region, is located there. The city also has a thriving film and music industry.
As a massive metropolis, Cairo faces challenges like heavy traffic and pollution. However, it has Africa’s oldest metro system, opened in 1987, which helps millions travel daily. The city is also an economic hub, ranking as one of the most important in the Middle East.
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4. Alexandria, Egypt – 3.8 million
Alexandria, Egypt, is the country’s second-largest city, home to about 3.8 million people. Located along the Mediterranean Sea, it was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and quickly became a major center of Greek culture and trade.
It later served as Egypt’s capital under the Ptolemaic dynasty and was famous for landmarks like the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Great Library, once the largest in the ancient world.
Throughout history, Alexandria played a key part in trade between Europe, Africa, and Asia. It was an intellectual and religious hub, important to both early Christianity and Islamic civilization.
Over the centuries, it was ruled by the Romans, Byzantines, and later the Arab Muslim empire. By the 19th century, Alexandria became a massive international port, attracting people from around the world.
Today, Alexandria is a bustling city with a mix of ancient history and modern life. It is an important economic and cultural center, with industries in trade, shipping, and tourism.
The city remains a bridge between Egypt’s past and present, which has made it one of the country’s most fascinating places.
5. Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – 3.6 million
Abidjan, the largest city in Côte d’Ivoire, is a bustling economic and cultural hub in West Africa. With a population of over 3.6 million, it is among the continent’s most populous cities.
Known for its modern skyline, vibrant markets, and busy port, Abidjan has been instrumental in the country’s economy.
Originally a small fishing village, Abidjan grew rapidly during French colonial rule. It became the capital of the French colony in 1934 and remained the country’s main city after independence in 1960.
Though the political capital moved to Yamoussoukro in 1983, Abidjan remains the economic heart of the nation. The city’s growth was affected by notable infrastructure projects, including the Vridi Canal, which connected its lagoon to the sea.
Abidjan has different districts, from the upscale Cocody to the historic Plateau business center. However, Abidjan has experienced political instability, including conflicts in the 2000s, but continues to recover. Yet, it thrives as a center for commerce, arts, and culture, attracting businesses and tourists.
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6. Kano, Nigeria – 3.6 million
Kano, Nigeria, is one of Africa’s largest cities, with a population exceeding 3.6 million. It is the capital of Kano State and a key commercial hub in northern Nigeria.
Located south of the Sahel, Kano has been a major trade center for centuries, benefiting from its position on the trans-Saharan trade routes.
The city has historical roots, dating back to the 7th century when early settlers engaged in ironwork on Dala Hill. By the 10th century, Kano became a kingdom under the Bagauda dynasty.
Islam arrived in the 11th century. During the 15th century, Sultan Muhammad Rumfa expanded Kano’s influence, developing its economy and infrastructure.
By the 19th century, Kano was incorporated into the Sokoto Caliphate, becoming a key center for trade and Islamic scholarship.
Under British colonial rule in the 20th century, Kano continued to grow, becoming a major industrial and agricultural center.
Ever since Kano city has been a vibrant city known for its markets, textiles, and historical sites like the Gidan Rumfa (Emir’s Palace).
7. Ibadan, Nigeria – 3.5 million
Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, Nigeria, is one of the largest cities in Africa, with a population of nearly 4 million people.
It is the biggest city in Nigeria by land area, covering over 3,000 square kilometers. Located about 129 kilometers from Lagos, Ibadan serves as a key connection between coastal and inland Nigeria.
Founded in 1829, Ibadan began as a military camp during a time of conflict in Yorubaland. Its strategic location helped it grow into a major economic and political center.
By the late 19th century, Ibadan had built a powerful empire, known for its warrior class, which ruled the city instead of traditional kings.
During British colonial rule, Ibadan became the administrative headquarters of Western Nigeria. The city remains a fast-growing metropolis, ranking high in technology startups and education. In 2016, it joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.
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8. Cape Town, South Africa – 3.4 million
Cape Town, South Africa, is the biggest city in South Africa, and one of the largest cities in Africa with a population of around 3.4 million.
It is the country’s legislative capital and one of its most famous tourist destinations. Located on the shores of Table Bay, Cape Town is known for its stunning scenery, including Table Mountain and Cape Point.
However, the city was founded in 1652 as a supply station for Dutch ships traveling to Asia. Since then, it has grown into a major port and economic center.
The British took control in the early 19th century, and Cape Town became the capital of the Cape Colony. During apartheid, racial segregation laws affected the city.
Many non-white residents were forcibly removed from their homes, particularly in District Six. Cape Town was also home to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.
Today, Cape Town is a popular travel destination, often ranked as one of the world’s best cities to visit. It has a strong economy based on tourism, finance, and trade. However, the city still faces challenges like economic inequality and high unemployment.
9. Casablanca, Morocco – 3.2 million
Casablanca, Morocco, with a population of around 3.2 million, is the largest city in Morocco and serves as the nation’s economic heart.
It is the busiest port in the country, handling much of Morocco’s international trade. The Port of Casablanca is one of Africa’s largest artificial harbors and plays a key part in the local economy.
Also, the city is a major financial hub, with the Casablanca Stock Exchange being Africa’s third-largest by market value.
Historically, the area was known as Anfa before being renamed Casablanca, which means “The White House” in Arabic. History dates back to the 7th century BC, with influences from Berbers, Phoenicians, and Romans.
Over the centuries, the city developed, especially after the Portuguese and later the French established their influence.
Today, Casablanca is a modern city, with historic architecture with new developments. It’s also a cultural center, hosting major events and pushing Morocco for greater development.
10. Durban, South Africa – 3.1 million
Durban, South Africa, is the third-largest city in the country, with a population of around 3.1 million. Located on the eastern coast, it is the busiest port city in sub-Saharan Africa.
In the early 19th century when British traders established a post at Port Natal in 1824, the city was later named after Sir Benjamin D’Urban, the governor of Cape Colony, in 1835. The city is known for its cultural diversity, with notable Zulu, Indian, and European communities.
Durban’s coastline is famous for its beautiful beaches, particularly along the Golden Mile, making it a popular tourist destination, though tourism has declined in recent years.
The city also boasts landmarks like uShaka Marine World and the Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Durban is the economic heart of KwaZulu-Natal province, which has contributed significantly to both the province’s and South Africa’s GDP through sectors such as manufacturing, finance, and tourism.
