Stereotypical media coverage shows Africa as an underdeveloped continent, full of huts and caves. What is under-reported is the beauty and development of some of Africa’s many cities.
This article highlights everything from the stunning horizons of Abidjan to the tranquil suburbs of Dar es Salaam, from the landscape of Nairobi to the bustling streets of Lagos.
Which is the best capital city in Africa?
According to Knight Frank’s Africa Horizons Report 2021/22, Nairobi, Kenya’s capital is the best city in Africa. Cape Town, Johannesburg and Dakar, some of the most developed cities, are economically significant for the continent and the rest of the world.
They serve as financial, fashion, commercial and educational centres. They are global centres of activity where people from all over the world go to discuss ideas, trade goods and services and engage in leisure activities.
These cities have many residences, offices, shopping malls, parks, zoos, theatres, stadiums and other amenities that bring them to life. Consequently, they effortlessly attract tourists from different cultures.
Below is the list of the 10 most developed cities in Africa in 2022.
- Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa, is a city with breath-taking natural beauty for visitors and ide deniable architectural brilliance. This city has evolved into something extraordinary. A collection of impressive, tall, contemporary structures stand in the centre of Cape Town. When viewed from above, it almost looks like New York.
The city has some of the best infrastructure in the world. With an excellent fusion of architecture and technology, the Cape Town Stadium is among the most spectacular in the world.
- Port Louis, Mauritius
Located in Mauritius, Port Louis is one of the most developed cities in Africa. Incredibly well developed, the city has a long and magnificent history. Its impressive architecture pays homage to the country’s colonial past and the city’s importance in the modern world. The Jummah Mosque, Saint James Cathedral and the Tamil Indian Temple are some of the city’s notable landmarks. Mauritius is an island nation that welcomes visitors from all over the world.
- Abidjan
The capital of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, is a centre for international trade and investment. It is on the list because of its beautiful surroundings and tourist attractions. Abidjan, is one of the most important French-speaking cities in Africa and was once an important trading centre for the continent. The main core of Abidjan is a convergence of skyscrapers. The waterways leading up to the port face the city centre. The port, of great importance, helps to link Abidjan with the entire world in the transport of goods and services.
- Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Tanzania’s capital is also one of the most developed cities, which will probably surprise many people. Dar Es Salaam, however, has experienced significant growth in recent years, establishing itself as one of the most impressive cities in Africa. Beautiful Dar Es Salaam is situated around a body of water. It is a unique port city, in which you can walk out of one skyscraper and then take a boat to another area of the city to attend a conference in another skyscraper. Large hotels and impressive commercial structures line the city’s main thoroughfares. The city’s transport system is efficient, with travel by bus, taxi or boat possible.
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the most historically significant nations on the continent. It is an ancient and culturally rich nation. Addis Ababa’s infrastructure and imposing buildings complement the city’s role as one of Africa’s most developed cities. Addis Ababa is the headquarters of the African Union. Because of its historical, diplomatic and political importance to the continent, the city is known as “the political capital of Africa”.
- Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos takes great pleasure in being the most populous city in Africa and the “economic hub” of West Africa. Lagos is one of the busiest cities on the continent and is home to many enterprises.
The two main areas of the city, the mainland and the island, are home to some of the best and busiest areas in the world, including Lekki, Victoria Island, Broad Street, Ojuelegba and many others. Because of Lagos Night attractions, the city is known as the “city that never sleeps”.
- Nairobi, Kenya
Politically and economically, Nairobi is one of the most important cities in Africa. Many local businesses call it home, and it is consistently ranked as one of the top tourist cities in the world.
It also serves as the headquarters of many international organisations, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Office in Nairobi, which acts as the main UN regional coordination office for Africa and the Middle East.
In Nairobi, commerce and culture coexist.
- Tunis, Tunisia
With over 2.6 million inhabitants, Tunis has consistently been considered one of the most developed cities on the continent. Tunisia’s capital is an important centre of history, culture, trade and tourism. This port city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Africa.
Skyscrapers, huge buildings and ancient structures that display traditional North African architecture make up the skyline.
- Gaborone, Botswana
Gaborone in Southern Africa is a stunning region with dynamic infrastructure, stable politics and a culture as diverse as it is prosperous.
Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, has a development that is unrivalled on the continent. It is an economic centre and a tourist hotspot. And it is one of the world’s leading diamond producers.
- Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is one of South Africa’s best and most prestigious travel destinations and the richest city on the continent.
The city was founded during the Witwatersrand gold rush in 1886. Rich prospectors transformed the area into one of Africa’s finest and richest cities.
The Carlton Centre Office Tower sits atop one of the skyscrapers in the city centre. Other major landmarks of the city include Nelson Mandela Square, the Art Gallery of Johannesburg and the Montecasino, which attracts gamblers from all over the world.
08/01/2022
