The top African cities in 2026
The 2026 Global Cities Index identifies Cairo, Accra, and Nairobi as key emerging urban centers in Africa. These cities are experiencing rapid growth driven by population expansion, ICT development, and industrial manufacturing.
Why it matters
Understanding the growth of African urban centers is essential for global economic forecasting and investment strategies.
The 2026 Global Cities Index highlights the growing prominence of African cities in the global urban landscape. Africa is changing rapidly, driven by huge population growth, expanding labour markets, accelerating urbanisation, and the increasing adoption of new technologies.
The new ‘Cities to Watch’ section of our 2026 Global Cities Index highlights five cities in the region – Accra, Cairo, Dakar, Luanda, and Nairobi – that we think are the most dynamic. They’re increasingly charting their own growth paths.
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