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In Africa, Cairo stands out as the continent’s restless megacity and a growing magnet for capital and talent.

• Business Insider Africa presents Africa's most attractive cities.

• The list is courtesy of The Africa Report.

• Cairo tops the list.

A fresh ranking by The Africa Report has identified the continent’s most attractive cities, shining a spotlight on the urban centres driving Africa’s economic evolution. Topping the list is Cairo, the continent’s restless megacity of more than 22 million people and a magnet for capital and talent.

Long known as “the city that never sleeps,” Cairo has reinforced its regional dominance by attracting an impressive $11.3 billion in foreign direct investment between 2019 and 2023, including $4.3 billion last year alone, according to fDi Intelligence.

The new ranking sheds light on the African cities drawing investors, reshaping economies, and setting the pace for urban competitiveness.

1. Cairo, Egypt 🇪🇬

Cairo blends historic depth with modern economic power. As Egypt’s commercial hub, it attracts investors with its large market, burgeoning tech scene, and strategic location between Africa and the Middle East. Despite congestion, its scale, talent pool, and energy make it one of Africa’s most opportunity-rich cities.

2. Kigali, Rwanda 🇷🇼

Kigali stands out for its cleanliness, order, and pro-business governance. The city has become a hub for tech, green innovation, and global conferences. With low corruption, strong security, and efficient public services, Kigali offers stability and opportunity, making it one of Africa’s most attractive and livable emerging cities.

3. Nairobi, Kenya 🇰🇪

Nairobi is East Africa’s business and tech powerhouse, home to multinational headquarters and a thriving startup ecosystem. Known as “Silicon Savannah,” it attracts innovators, investors, and creatives. Despite traffic and high costs, its energy, talent, and regional influence make Nairobi one of Africa’s most dynamic and opportunity-filled cities.

4. Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦

Cape Town mixes natural beauty with economic depth. Its strong tech sector, vibrant tourism industry, and entrepreneurial culture attract global talent. With top universities, good infrastructure, and a high quality of life, it remains one of Africa’s most desirable cities, despite South Africa’s broader economic challenges.

5. Rabat, Morocco 🇲🇦

Rabat is calm, organised, and strategically significant. Known for security and efficient governance, it offers clean infrastructure, cultural richness, and stability. As Morocco’s administrative capital, it attracts diplomats, investors, and professionals seeking a balanced environment. Rabat’s growing modern districts and sustainability efforts enhance its appeal across Africa.

6. Johannesburg, South Africa 🇿🇦

Johannesburg is Africa’s financial engine, home to the continent’s largest stock exchange and countless multinational headquarters. Its economy spans finance, tech, real estate, and creative industries. Despite inequality and security concerns, Johannesburg’s scale, ambition, and opportunities make it a key destination for business and investment in Africa.

7. Casablanca, Morocco 🇲🇦

Casablanca drives Morocco’s economy with its major port, financial district, and strong industrial base. The city hosts multinationals, growing startups, and major infrastructure projects. Busy, modern, and commercially vital, Casablanca remains one of Africa’s top business hubs, connecting the continent to Europe and global markets.

8. Lagos, Nigeria 🇳🇬

Lagos is Africa’s bustling megacity, powering Nigeria’s tech, finance, entertainment, and creative industries. Despite traffic and infrastructure challenges, it offers unmatched scale, energy, and opportunity. Fintech unicorns, startups, and millions of entrepreneurs thrive here. Lagos rewards ambition, making it one of the continent’s most influential and attractive cities.

9. Tangier, Morocco 🇲🇦

Tangier is rising fast, driven by major investments and the world-class Tanger-Med Port. Its strategic location links Africa to Europe, attracting manufacturers, logistics companies, and investors. Clean, modern, and expanding, Tangier is transforming into a dynamic industrial and commercial hub with increasing global relevance.

10. Alexandria, Egypt 🇪🇬

Alexandria blends Mediterranean charm with industrial strength. As one of Egypt’s key ports, it anchors manufacturing, logistics, and maritime trade. Less hectic than Cairo yet economically vital, Alexandria offers growing business opportunities and ongoing infrastructure upgrades, making it an appealing coastal hub for investors and professionals.

Source: https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/top-10-most-attractive-cities-in-africa-according-to-latest-ranking/kqw1pl4

Good to see Lagos on the list.


Even tho I can't afford to spend a night in that city

A place where everyone is always in a hurry,all through the days of their lives

Nothing even Abuja? Lagos sef but ranking lower down there is too bad. This is not good for Nigeria @all. It all shows how low this nation has gone. Giant of Africa on paper.

Replace Lagos with Luanda





To be honest, amongst the mega cities of the continent Lagos is the least attractive... Even Abidjan in West Africa here is way more attractive.



Ronus should travel and see... Even online travel will open their eyes, use your smartphones...

Lagos is the heartbeat of Africa.

If you are not in Lagos then you are not a serious and mega investor or foreigner/tourist in Africa.

Invest in Lagos today for the best returns on investment and best experience in Africa.

I would like to travel to this countries, so beautiful

Warri no Dey carry last.
Is that the reason why it is not there.

Thought Lagos would be number one followed by Abeokuta based on IGR.

Bad belle, since your state no dey, so they have to remove Lagos I pray your children no inherit this character from you.

christejames:
Replace Lagos with Luanda

To be honest, amongst the mega cities of the continent Lagos is the least attractive... Even Abidjan in West Africa here is way more attractive.

Ronus should travel and see... Even online travel will open their eyes, use your smartphones...

They are here again. Thy have woken to their another miserable day scouting Internet for anything to demarkerting Nogeria and rains insults.

Lagos should be replaced with Durban south Africa. Sanwo olu has successfully destroyed lagos.

Great100000:
In Africa, Cairo stands out as the continent’s restless megacity and a growing magnet for capital and talent.

• Business Insider Africa presents Africa's most attractive cities.

• The list is courtesy of The Africa Report.

• Cairo tops the list.


Source: https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/top-10-most-attractive-cities-in-africa-according-to-latest-ranking/kqw1pl4

At least one state Nigeria made it to the list.
Means one State in Nigeria had great governance.

Sonnobax15:

Good to see Lagos on the list.


Even tho I can't afford to spend a night in that city

A place where everyone is always in a hurry,all through the days of their lives

Being in a hurry is not really an issue, good governance across board to make life meaningful in an equitable manner is what Lagos and Naija at large needs

Putting Kigali and Nairobi before Joburg and Cape Town directly tells me how Lagos got into that list.


The compiler of the list is in Oshodi

FreeStuffsNG:
Lagos is the heartbeat of Africa.

If you are not in Lagos then you are not a serious and megs investor or foreigner/tourist.

Lagos is the heartbeat of Africa and it's on number 8? Not even number 1 to 5?

The heart beats of Africa are on the number 1 to 5 list and Lagos isn't among them.

Una supposed dey shame sometimes when you talk

Great100000:
In Africa, Cairo stands out as the continent’s restless megacity and a growing magnet for capital and talent.

• Business Insider Africa presents Africa's most attractive cities.

• The list is courtesy of The Africa Report.

• Cairo tops the list.


Source: https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/top-10-most-attractive-cities-in-africa-according-to-latest-ranking/kqw1pl4

sad news for Lagos and yoruba haters…..btw I can’t see any of the billionaires region on the list. With all their mansion with gold plated roofs, this must be marginalisation

Racoon:
Nothing even Abuja? Lagos sef but ranking lower down there is too bad. This is not good for Nigeria @all. It all shows how low this nation has gone. Giant of Africa on paper.

I no see Onitsha or Owerri on the list, wetin happen?

Ok maybe they cannot be deemed as cities, more classified as mega towns?

Where is Abuja? Who did this write up...

Op go and find the person for meo

DMCA:
If anything should be attractive, it is any city in south africa
the women with their wonderful sizes of nyash

Samantha125 what is ur nyash size?

True talk, I have been to Joburg a few times, & I can attest to that.

LagosOrigin:
Lagos is the heartbeat of Africa and it's on number 8. Number even number 1 to 5?

Una supposed dey shame sometimes when you talk

No vex. It's your Owerri that's not in the first 1 million in Africa that's no1.
Smh.

Impostor work no be work o

christejames:
Replace Lagos with Luanda





To be honest, amongst the mega cities of the continent Lagos is the least attractive... Even Abidjan in West Africa here is way more attractive.



Ronus should travel and see... Even online travel will open their eyes, use your smartphones...

Many of you go into serious bitter states anytime anything good is said about Lagos

FreeStuffsNG:
No vex. It's your Owerri that's not in the first 1 million in Africa that's no1.
Smh.

Impostor work no be work o

Oga pele o, I know the truth is like a bitter pill to you .

The heart beats of Africa are on the number 1 to 5 list and Lagos isn't among them.

gerrardomendes:
Thought Lagos would be number one followed by Abeokuta based on IGR.

At least Lagos made it unlike Oweri, Abia, Onitsha and Enugu who are bedevilled by sit-at-home

May visit kenya by 20th for an inhouse chess conference all things equal as it stands.



Shout-out to Chess players on nairaland earning via the game.

Great100000:
In Africa, Cairo stands out as the continent’s restless megacity and a growing magnet for capital and talent.

• Business Insider Africa presents Africa's most attractive cities.

• The list is courtesy of The Africa Report.

• Cairo tops the list.


Source: https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/top-10-most-attractive-cities-in-africa-according-to-latest-ranking/kqw1pl4

How can Cairo be more attractive than Capetown or Johannesburg?

Cairo wey be like Lagos ?

LagosOrigin:
Lagos is the heartbeat of Africa and it's on number 8? Not even number 1 to 5?

The heart beats of Africa are on the number 1 to 5 list and Lagos isn't among them.

Una supposed dey shame sometimes when you talk

The thing dey pain you say Lagos is on the list and your bitterness is showing.

Your villages of Oweri, Aba, Onitsha and Enugu which are bedevilled by sit-at-home is not your concern

Burruchaga71:
Lagos should be replaced with Durban south Africa. Sanwo olu has successfully destroyed lagos.

Let accept sanwo destroyed lagos has u said. Pls what state are you from and hope your governor has made ur state better than the state sanwo olu has destroyed? Which I can 100% say it's no. You are always welcome to lagos.

No Anambra state that obi build to world class? this news is fake according to obi supporters

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Ronus should travel and see... Even online travel will open their eyes, use your smartphones...[/quote]One small question for you. Did Ronus write this article? If not, then don't insinuate what is not.