The largest cities in Africa are ranked based on their population and metropolitan size. Below are some of the most populous cities on the continent:
1. Lagos, Nigeria
- Population: ~21–25 million (metro area)
- Africa’s most populous city and a major financial, trade, and tech hub.
- A global center for entertainment (Nollywood) and commerce.
2. Cairo, Egypt
- Population: ~20–22 million
- The largest city in North Africa, with historical significance.
- A major center for politics, trade, and culture in the Arab world.
3. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Population: ~16–18 million
- The largest Francophone city in the world.
- A major political, economic, and cultural center in Central Africa.
4. Johannesburg, South Africa
- Population: ~10–12 million
- Africa’s wealthiest city and a major economic hub.
- The financial capital of South Africa with strong mining and banking sectors.
5. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Population: ~7–8 million
- A key port city and economic hub in East Africa.
- One of Africa’s fastest-growing cities.
6. Khartoum, Sudan
- Population: ~6–7 million
- The capital of Sudan, located at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile.
- A major trade and political center.
7. Luanda, Angola
- Population: ~6–7 million
- A significant oil and trade city on the Atlantic coast.
- Home to a large expatriate community, especially Portuguese.
8. Nairobi, Kenya
- Population: ~5–6 million
- The leading business and tech hub of East Africa.
- Home to international organizations like the UN and numerous tech startups.
9. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Population: ~5–6 million
- The headquarters of the African Union and a major diplomatic center.
- A growing economic and aviation hub.
10. Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Population: ~5–6 million
- A major West African financial and commercial hub.
- Home to many multinational businesses and industries.
