Many of the world’s fastest-growing cities in 2024 were right here in Africa. Though their share of the global economy remains relatively modest for now, the momentum is rising.
- Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 best African cities in 2025
- The list is courtesy of Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index.
- Many of the world’s fastest-growing cities in 2024 were in Africa.
When people talk about the world’s most powerful cities, names like New York, London, and Tokyo dominate the conversation.
According to Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index, the 1,000 largest cities were home to a third of the global population. Still, they punched way above their weight, producing nearly 60% of global GDP in 2024.
These urban hubs are not just population centres, they are powerhouses of productivity, innovation, and opportunity.
While U.S. and Chinese cities continued to drive a big chunk of global growth in 2024, 18% and 15%, respectively, the next 25 years are expected to look very different.
DON’T MISS THIS: African cities ranked among the world’s 50 best in 2025
Growth is tilting south and east, with cities in India, Southeast Asia, and notably, Africa poised to become key players in the global economic narrative.
Many of the world’s fastest-growing cities in 2024 were right here in Africa. Though their share of the global economy remains relatively modest for now, the momentum is rising.
The 2025 edition of the Global Cities Index dives deep into what makes a city tick, measuring Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment, and Governance. Using robust urban economic forecasts and global datasets, the index ranks the 1,000 largest cities on how well they’re positioned for the future.
Below are the top 10 best African cities in 2025
1) Cairo, Egypt
Cairo ranks as Africa’s top city in the Global Cities Index. As Egypt’s capital and largest city, Cairo is a historical and cultural hub that continues to play a key role in the region’s political and economic landscape.
- Economics: 171
- Human Capital: 56
- Quality of Life: 492
- Environment: 823
- Governance: 846
- Global Rank: 301st
2) Port Louis, Mauritius
As the capital of Mauritius, Port Louis benefits from a stable, business-friendly environment, strong institutions, and a skilled workforce.
- Economics: 305
- Human Capital: 785
- Quality of Life: 353
- Environment: 144
- Governance: 160
- Global Rank: 338
3) Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi comes in third, reflecting its growing reputation as East Africa’s innovation and financial capital.
- Economics: 216
- Human Capital: 166
- Quality of Life: 907
- Environment: 69
- Governance: 621
- Global Rank: 381
4) Accra, Ghana
Accra ranks fourth in Africa, buoyed by political stability, improving infrastructure, and decent human capital. It is one of West Africa’s most livable cities, offering relatively good quality of life.
- Economics: 437
- Human Capital: 309
- Quality of Life: 541
- Environment: 232
- Governance: 370
- Global Rank: 387
5) Algiers, Algeria
Algiers places fifth, with solid environmental and economic performance. As the capital of a resource-rich country, it benefits from hydrocarbon revenues.
- Economics: 507
- Human Capital: 243
- Quality of Life: 308
- Environment: 592
- Governance: 859
- Global Rank: 389
6) Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca ranks sixth and stands out as Morocco’s economic powerhouse. With a strong performance across most metrics, it is a center for finance, logistics, and manufacturing in North Africa.
- Economics: 412
- Human Capital: 260
- Quality of Life: 584
- Environment: 555
- Governance: 596
- Global Rank: 431
7) Rabat, Morocco
Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital, ranks seventh and performs well across the board.
- Economics: 398
- Human Capital: 463
- Quality of Life: 557
- Environment: 292
- Governance: 596
- Global Rank: 447
8) Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg remains South Africa’s financial and industrial heart, with world-class infrastructure and regional influence.
- Economics: 316
- Human Capital: 43
- Quality of Life: 969
- Environment: 819
- Governance: 372
- Global Rank: 457
9) Constantine, Algeria
As one of Algeria’s major urban centers, it has benefited from public investments in infrastructure and housing, though economic opportunities remain uneven.
- Economics: 599
- Human Capital: 293
- Quality of Life: 371
- Environment: 643
- Governance: 859
- Global Rank: 474
10) Gaborone, Botswana
Gaborone has carved out a reputation as one of Southern Africa’s most stable and economically sound capitals. Fueled by Botswana’s diamond-driven wealth and a tradition of prudent fiscal management, the city has become a magnet for regional investment and business development.
- Economics: 551
- Human Capital: 149
- Quality of Life: 951
- Environment: 121
- Governance: 332
- Global Rank: 475
