Top 10 largest cities in Africa by population 2025

Below is a list of the top 10 largest cities in Africa by population for 2025, based on the most recent estimates and projections from available sources. Population figures are approximate, as urban growth rates and data collection vary, and some estimates reflect city proper while others include metropolitan areas. Where discrepancies exist, I’ve prioritized data from 2024–2025 sources, adjusted for growth trends.

Top 10 Largest Cities in Africa by Population (2025)

1. Lagos, Nigeria

• Population: ~9–25 million
• Details: Nigeria’s economic hub, Lagos is Africa’s largest city, with estimates ranging from 9 million (city proper, Statista 2024) to over 25 million (metro area, Intel Region 2025). Rapid urbanization, driven by trade, tech, and entertainment (Nollywood), fuels growth. Key infrastructure like the Lekki Deep Sea Port and Eko Atlantic City supports its megacity status.
• Growth Rate: ~3.54% annually

1. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

• Population: ~15.6–21.9 million
• Details: The capital and largest French-speaking city globally, Kinshasa’s population is projected at 15.6 million (Business Insider Africa 2024) to 21.9 million by 2030 (UN estimates). Located on the Congo River, it’s a cultural and economic hub despite infrastructure challenges.
• Growth Rate: High, driven by rural migration and a 6+ fertility rate

1. Cairo, Egypt

• Population: ~7.7–23.1 million
• Details: Egypt’s capital, with 7.7 million (city proper, World Population Review 2024) to 21.75 million (metro area, Business Insider Africa 2024), ranks as Africa’s most populous capital. Its economy thrives on tourism (Pyramids of Giza), shipping, and manufacturing. Projections suggest 25.5 million by 2030.
• Growth Rate: Steady, with dense Nile River settlement

1. Alexandria, Egypt

• Population: ~3.8–4 million
• Details: A Mediterranean port city, Alexandria’s population is estimated at 3.8 million (Nigerian Leaders 2025). Tourism, driven by its ancient history, and oil pipelines from Suez bolster its economy.
• Growth Rate: Moderate, supported by industrial activity

1. Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

• Population: ~3.6–4.4 million
• Details: The economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan houses 3.6 million (Nigerian Leaders 2025) to 4.4 million (Top10HQ 2018). Its modern skyline, port, and industries like food processing and oil refining drive growth.
• Growth Rate: Rapid, fueled by economic migration

1. Kano, Nigeria

• Population: ~3.6–5.2 million
• Details: Northern Nigeria’s trade and cultural hub, Kano’s population is estimated at 3.6 million (World Population Review 2024) to 5.2 million (Intel Region 2025). Its textile industry and agricultural economy attract investors.
• Growth Rate: High, driven by commerce and Hausa heritage

1. Ibadan, Nigeria

• Population: ~3.5–4.5 million
• Details: Nigeria’s third-largest city by population and largest by landmass (3,080 km²), Ibadan has 3.5 million (Nigerian Leaders 2025) to 4.5 million (Intel Region 2025). A tech and agricultural hub, it ranks high in West Africa’s startup ecosystem.
• Growth Rate: Steady, with urban sprawl

1. Cape Town, South Africa

• Population: ~3.4–4.5 million
• Details: South Africa’s legislative capital, Cape Town’s population is 3.4 million (Statista 2023) to 4.5 million (World Population Review 2025, metro area). Known for Table Mountain and its harbor, it’s a tourism and tech hub.
• Growth Rate: Moderate, with urban migration

1. Casablanca, Morocco

• Population: ~3.2–3.6 million
• Details: Morocco’s financial center, Casablanca has 3.2 million (Nigerian Leaders 2025) and is projected to grow within the Casablanca-Fez cluster to 23 million by 2050. Its port and stock exchange drive economic activity.
• Growth Rate: Steady, with industrial and banking growth

1. Durban, South Africa
   • Population: ~3.1–3.4 million
   • Details: South Africa’s second-largest city, Durban has 3.1 million (Statista 2023) to 3.4 million (Nigerian Leaders 2025). A key port city, it thrives on tourism, manufacturing, and trade.
   • Growth Rate: Moderate, with coastal economic activity

Notes and Critical Analysis

• Data Variability: Population estimates vary widely due to differing definitions (city proper vs. metro area) and inconsistent census data. For instance, Lagos’s 9 million (Statista 2024) contrasts with 25 million (Intel Region 2025), reflecting metro area inclusion. Cairo’s figures similarly range from 7.7 million to 23.1 million.
• Growth Trends: Africa’s urbanization rate, at 44% in 2021, drives population surges, with cities like Kinshasa and Lagos growing fastest due to high birth rates and rural migration.
• Challenges: Rapid growth strains infrastructure, leading to overcrowding, housing shortages, and sanitation issues, as noted in Business Insider Africa (2023).
• Projections: By 2035, Africa’s top 100 cities will house 21% of the continent’s population and generate 60% of GDP, with megapolises like Lagos-Abidjan and Cairo-Alexandria emerging.
• Source Reliability: Recent sources (2024–2025) like Statista, World Population Review, and Business Insider Africa are prioritized over older data (e.g., Wikipedia 2019). X posts, such as @Nairametrics, align with these rankings but are inconclusive alone.

Sources

• Statista, World Population Review (2024)
• Business Insider Africa (2023–2024)
• Intel Region, Nigerian Leaders (2025)
• The Business Year, DownToEarth (2024)
• Posts on X

This list reflects the best available data for 2025, acknowledging the dynamic nature of Africa’s urban growth. For precise figures, consult official government or UN census updates.