Nairobi Breaks Into Top Three Most Attractive African Cities for 2025

Nairobi has secured its highest-ever ranking in the newly released Jeune Afrique 2025 African Cities Attractiveness Index, taking third place and strengthening its reputation as one of the continent’s fastest-growing tech and investment hubs.

The report notes that Nairobi’s rise comes despite recent socio-political tensions, crediting the capital’s expanding digital ecosystem, major infrastructure upgrades, and sustained investor confidence as the key forces behind its improved standing.

“Nairobi records the most notable rise on the podium, reaching third place, supported by its ambition to position itself as a continental tech hub, as well as its major infrastructure and mobility projects and its attractiveness to investors.”

The study places Nairobi’s performance within a broader continental context, calling on African cities to innovate as they face rapid growth and shifting economic pressures.

“This ranking comes at a time when Africa is experiencing unprecedented urbanization. African metropolises must invent new financing models, strengthen governance capacities, and adapt to a constantly evolving climatic, social, and economic context.”

Now in its second edition, the index evaluates 30 major African cities using a blend of resident perceptions and objective economic metrics such as foreign direct investment (FDI) flows from 2020 to 2023. The research incorporates responses from more than 7,800 urban residents, assessing quality of life, infrastructure, economic dynamism, and access to essential services.

Cairo took the top spot in the 2025 ranking, overtaking Cape Town, driven by strong FDI inflows from the Gulf and China as well as large-scale development projects like the New Administrative Capital.

Kigali held onto second place, with researchers praising its clean urban environment, strong governance structures, and reputation for safety.

The report also highlights widening contrasts between francophone and anglophone cities, noting that anglophone urban centers show stronger resilience in attracting investment. Meanwhile, new entrants such as Dar es Salaam, Tangier, and Mombasa are reshaping the continent’s competitive urban landscape.

Other cities featured in the index include Cape Town, Johannesburg, Casablanca, Rabat, Dakar, Abidjan, Marrakech, Alexandria, and Mombasa, underscoring the diversity and growing competition defining Africa’s urban future.

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