A new ranking by The Africa Report has revealed the continent’s most attractive cities for 2025. These are places where people genuinely want to live, work, and invest. The selection combines hard data with real feedback from residents, examining quality of life, infrastructure, governance, and economic opportunity.
This top 20 list highlights dynamic, fast-growing cities that are redefining what attractive truly means in a modern African context.
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Africa’s Top 20 Most Attractive Cities
1. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is at the top of the list, thanks to massive foreign direct investment (FDI), notably from Gulf states and China. The city’s appeal is a mix of historical depth, a huge market, a growing middle class, and ongoing mega-projects (like its New Administrative Capital).
Despite typical megacity challenges like density, traffic, pollution, Cairo remains the continent’s leading magnet for investors and opportunity.
2. Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali is in second place and this is due to its high quality of life, effective municipal governance, safety, cleanliness, and order. The city is increasingly seen as a model for sustainable urban governance in Africa, and a hub for innovation, conferences, and green-economy ambitions.
3. Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi, often dubbed “Silicon Savannah” is in third place as a result of its growing reputation as East Africa’s tech and business hub. Its dynamic startup ecosystem, investor interest, and evolving urban amenities make it a magnet for both young professionals and multinationals.
4. Cape Town, South Africa
Capetown used to be the most attractive city in Africa but in 2025, it dropped to 4th place. Its enduring appeal comes from a blend of natural beauty (mountains, seas), robust infrastructure, a vibrant tourism and creative economy, and a relatively high quality of life compared to many African cities.
5. Rabat, Morocco
Rabat is valued for its stability, security, organized urban infrastructure, and balance of tradition and modernity. The city appeals to professionals, diplomats, investors, and families seeking a moderate-pace but cosmopolitan city in North Africa.
6. Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg stands out as Africa’s financial engine. It’s home to major corporations, the continent’s largest stock exchange, and a rapidly evolving corporate services sector. For many, the sheer scale of opportunity in finance, real estate, business services keeps Johannesburg among Africa’s top picks for work, investment, and growth.
7. Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca is one of North Africa’s commercial and industrial hubs. With a major port, financial district, strong industrial base, and a growing startup scene, Casablanca remains a go-to city for commerce, trade, and multinational operations.
8. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos is one of Nigeria’s economic powerhouse. The city offers massive opportunities in finance, entertainment, tech, real estate, and trade. Its energy, youthful population, booming startup scene, and sheer market scale make Lagos a city where ambition often meets opportunity, despite challenges in infrastructure, traffic, and living costs.
9. Tangier, Morocco
Tangier is at 9th position because of its strategic location, modern port facilities (including the world-class Tanger-Med port), manufacturing, and trade sectors which has made it a rising commercial hub in North Africa.
10. Alexandria, Egypt
Alexandria is Egypt’s Mediterranean port city and is a mix of coastal charm, port and logistics importance. The city has a moderate pace of life which makes it attractive for those seeking balance between opportunity and lifestyle.
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Here are cities ranked 11–20:
| Rank | City |
|---|---|
| 11 | Mombasa, Kenya |
| 12 | Accra, Ghana |
| 13 | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire |
| 14 | Marrakech, Morocco |
| 15 | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania |
| 16 | Cotonou, Benin |
| 17 | Abuja, Nigeria |
| 18 | Freetown, Sierra Leone |
| 19 | Lusaka, Zambia |
| 20 | Durban, South Africa |
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