Cities & towns in Africa

This section provides varied information on aspects of the urban system for (currently) 18 cities and towns in Northern Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa (which may be added to over time). The profiles of some cities contain more information than others due to the availability of published information online. The range of information provided for each city / town varies (from the likes of local government teams, researchers, think tanks and newspapers) and it may change over time. Whilst every effort is made to ensure all links are active, source links may change (please let us know if you do find any links that do not work).

For a general review about the African economy, read about the economic power of Africa's cities published by the OECD. A piece about Africa's urbanisation by The Economist in March 2023 is also worth reading (access to this piece from The Economist may be restricted).

Urbanisation in Africa is taking place rapidly. Some of it is planned, much of it is not. It is estimated that in 1900, some 89% of Africans survived through farming, hunting & gathering, cattle nomadism, and fishing (Aase, 2003:1), with 11% or less people living in urban places. Fast forward to the 2020s and the situation is very different. From small towns like Assin Fossu in Ghana to mega-cities like Lagos in Nigeria, urban environments in Africa are expanding, with a young and growing population. They are a critical part of the world's urban future.

Fast links:

1. Northern Africa

2. Sub-saharan Africa

Note: This section includes images of cities and towns to provide a small snapshot of what they look like. These images are either from the website owner or they have been sourced from free-to-use image sites. If you see an image that could / should be replaced, please contact the website owner.