When you think of a city in Africa, a picture often comes to mind — Johannesburg with its skyscrapers and gold, Cape Town with its mountains and beaches, or Kigali with its clean, green streets.
These images capture what each city is famous for and can help guide your plans, whether you are travelling, looking for a place to live, or seeking new opportunities to invest.
Here are 10 cities that capture the continent’s energy and make it truly remarkable. 
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10 African Cities and What They Are Famous For
1. Johannesburg, South Africa – Africa’s Richest City
Johannesburg is often called the City of Gold. This is because its wealth comes from mining, banking, and business, including the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and major banks based in the city. With about 6.3 million people, it is one of Africa’s most important cities.
2. Kigali, Rwanda – The Cleanest City
Kigali is famous for its cleanliness. The city runs a monthly cleanup day called Umuganda, when everyone helps tidy streets and public spaces. This practice has made Kigali one of Africa’s tidiest cities.
3. Cape Town, South Africa – The Most Beautiful City
Cape Town is a stunning city set between mountains and the sea. Tourists enjoy Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, historic landmarks, beaches, and great food and wine. The city attracts travellers, photographers, and people looking to live in a scenic, lively place.
4. Gaborone, Botswana – Africa’s Most Peaceful City
Per the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Gaborone is safe and calm because of low crime and political stability. The city’s steady growth and orderly urban development make it a peaceful place to live or visit.
5. Port Louis, Mauritius — Most Livable City in Africa
Port Louis is easy to live in, with good roads, modern buildings, and lovely views. The city blends cultures and offers a high standard of living for residents thanks to its well-maintained infrastructure, scenic waterfront, and high quality of life.
6. Accra, Ghana – Africa’s Commercial Hub
Accra is often called the commercial capital of Africa because it serves as the base for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. It drives trade across Africa and provides many jobs in business, manufacturing, and services.
Accra also remains an important centre for industry, services, and finance in West Africa.
7. Cairo, Egypt — Most Polluted City in Africa
Based on data from the Numbeo pollution database, Cairo, Egypt, is frequently ranked as the most polluted city in Africa, characterised by high levels of air pollution from vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and the burning of fossil fuels.
The city consistently tops the list due to severe air quality issues, with a pollution index often exceeding 90 according to Numbeo.
8. Lagos, Nigeria – Africa’s Most Populous City
Lagos has around 17 million people, making it the continent’s most populous city. Its role as Nigeria’s economic heart means it generates a large share of national GDP, with booming finance, tech, and entertainment sectors.
Lagos is known for its non‑stop hustle, making it one of the most energetic urban places on the continent.
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9. Pietermaritzburg, South Africa — High Crime Rates
Pietermaritzburg has one of the highest crime rates in many African cities and even in the world with a crime rate index of 82.0 according to Numbeo. Violent crime and theft are common, caused by unemployment and social challenges.
10. Cairo, Egypt – Rich Historical Heritage
Cairo also deserves mention for its history. Ancient Egyptian monuments and Islamic architecture make it one of the most historically rich cities in the world.
Its proximity to some of human history’s most iconic relics, from Pharaonic pyramids to centuries‑old mosques and bazaars, makes it one of the world’s richest cities culturally and archaeologically.
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