Africa , a continent of immense diverseness , history and speedy urbanization , is base to some of the fastest - grow city in the world . Its largest urban centre are economic and ethnical powerhouses , showcasing a blend of traditional heritage and advanced ontogeny . Thelargest cities in Africareflect the continent ’s vibrancy and its pivotal role on the planetary stage .
From bustle about megacities to historical hub , Africa ’s largest cities are as dynamic as they are unparalleled . Here are the 15 biggest cities in Africa , ranked by population . Population estimates have been reference from official political science nose count figures , or if unavailable , from themost late U.N. datum .
1. Cairo, Egypt (19.30 million)
As Egypt ’s legislative capital , Cairois an ancient city of some of humanity ’s oldest known landmarks as well as modern sprawling .
The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx fend as symbols of its plenteous history , while its hustle streets and markets reflect its contemporary biography . Known as the City of a Thousand Minarets , Cairo also boasts stunning Muslim architecture .
The urban center economy of Cairo today is for the most part based transportation and tape transport infrastructure , thanks to its commodious attitude on the coast of the Red Sea .
2. Lagos, Nigeria (18.00 million)
Lagosis large of African cities and a worldwide megacity bursting with energy . Known as the economic power station of Nigeria , it features a vibrant arts prospect , bustling markets and a roaring night life . triiodothyronine
he metropolis ’s straggle beach and cultural landmarks like the National Museum make it a hub of activeness and growth . The total population of Lagos is not intimately trail , but theU.N. estimatesit to currently be between 18 and 20 million people .
Both Lagos and Cairo have a bun in the oven the title of " megacity , " placing them among the most populous cities in the earthly concern with tens of one thousand thousand of resident . This next entry is poised to become a megacity itself in the near time to come .
3. Luanda, Angola (8.86 million)
Luanda , Angola ’s uppercase , combine compound - era architecture with rapid urban development . Located along the Atlantic coast , it ’s a major interface metropolis and the center of the land ’s rock oil industry . Its beach and vivacious night life add to its appeal .
4. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (7.00 million)
Once the Das Kapital of Tanzania , Dar es Salaamremains thecountry ’s largest cityand economic hub . Situated along the Indian Ocean , it boasts beautiful beaches , bustling ports and a mixture of Swahili , Arabic and colonial architecture . Its grow sensible horizon reflect its grandness among Africa ’s biggest cities .
5. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (5.72 million)
Kinshasa , locate along the Congo River , is the largest French - speaking city in the earthly concern . The city is a cultural hub , known for its medicine , vibrant securities industry and rapidly growing universe . Its proximity toBrazzaville , the capital of the Republic of Congo , creates a unparalleled moral force as two capitals face up each other across the river .
Current population data for Kinshasa is incomplete , but as of the 2005 census it stood at just over 5.7 million .
6. Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (5.62 million)
Abidjan , the economic capital of the Ivory Coast , is a bustling metropolis known for its modern skyline and lagoon - side setting . Its thriving music and nightlife scenes — along with landmarks like St. Paul ’s Cathedral — highlight its ethnical vibrancy . The Plateau district is the metropolis ’s commercial-grade heart .
7. Johannesburg, South Africa (4.80 million)
Johannesburg , aka Joburg , is South Africa ’s largest city and the continent ’s leading financial and occupation marrow , known for its ties to the gold boot and apartheid . For decades , pan - African leaders like Nelson Mandela fought valorously to abolish apartheid , eventually transform Johannesburg and all of South Africa into a racially integrate social club .
The urban center is domicile to landmark like the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill . Its modern skyline and vibrant neighborhoods like Soweto make it a dynamic metropolis .
8. Alexandria, Egypt (4.11 million)
Alexandria , located along the Mediterranean Sea , is Egypt ’s secondly - expectant city and the historic coastal gem of North Africa .
Known for the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria , one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World , the city also shoot a line modern attractions like the Bibliotheca Alexandrina . Its blending of history and culture make it a unique destination .
9. Durban, South Africa (3.47 million)
Durbanis a coastal urban center known for its gilt beach , fond climate and diverse culture . The metropolis ’s Indian and Zulu influence are evident in its cuisine , festival and markets . The bustling waterfront anduShaka Marine Worldmake it a popular destination .
10. Casablanca, Morocco (3.36 million)
Casablancais Morocco ’s largest city and its economic and business hub . Known for its modern vibe , the urban center sport iconic landmarks like the Hassan II Mosque , one of the largest mosque in the human race .
Its blend of traditional Moroccan culture and widely distributed energy make it a standout among African countries .
11. Nairobi, Kenya (3.13 million)
Nairobi , the capital of Kenya , is a active city intermix urban animation and economic growth with natural sweetheart .
know as the Green City in the Sun , it ’s home to Nairobi National Park , where wildlife roams against the backdrop of skyscraper . Its thrive tech scene and rich ethnic inheritance make it a leader in East Africa .
12. Cape Town, South Africa (3.10 million)
Cape Town , with its stunning Table Mountain background , is one of Africa ’s most iconic city . Known for its raw beauty , historic sites like Robben Island and vivacious neighborhoods like Bo - Kaap , it ’s a top address for travelers . The city ’s wine country and beach add together to its allure .
13. Dakar, Senegal (3.03 million)
Dakar , the cap of Senegal , is a vivacious city known for its euphony , graphics and ethnic festivals . Situated on the Atlantic coast , it boast watershed like the African Renaissance Monument and Goree Island , a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Its blend of custom and modernity make it a cultural hotspot in West Africa .
14. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (2.74 million)
Ethiopia ’s capital urban center , Addis Ababa , is the political and cultural heart of the body politic . As the headquarters of the African Union , it ’s also a hub for diplomacy .
The metropolis feature turning point like the National Museum , menage to the notable " Lucy " fogy , one of the first known ancient human specimen and vibrant markets like Mercato .
15. Kampala, Uganda (1.68 million)
Kampala , the capital of Uganda , is a bustling city spread across seven hills . know for its lively market , historic sites like Kasubi Tombs and a grow technical school sector , it ’s a dynamical hub in East Africa . The city ’s cultural festivals and music scenes reflect Uganda ’s plenteous heritage .
Uganda is a comparatively small country , with the monolithic Lake Victoria taking up most of its southerly territory and South Sudan to the north , but this also make Kampala an of import city for trading by water and land .
We produce this article in conjunction with AI engineering science , then made certain it was fact - checked and edit by a HowStuffWorks editor .
