African cities are on the cusp of experiencing unprecedented growth, with projections forecasting significant urban expansion by 2035.
According to reports published by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Africa will have six megacities, each home to over 10 million residents, marking the continent as the fastest urbanizing region globally.
These burgeoning megacities—Luanda and Dar es Salaam will join the ranks of Cairo, Kinshasa, Lagos, and Greater Johannesburg—all reflect the continent's booming young population and rapid economic development.
By 2035, Africa's urban population is expected to soar from 650 million to nearly 1 billion. This remarkable growth means over half of the continent's residents will live in cities.
East Africa is projected to lead the urban growth, but Central and West Africa will also contribute significantly to this urban boom.
Cities like Addis Ababa, Kampala, and Abidjan are anticipated to grow at impressive annual rates of around 9% or more, indicating their importance as urban centers.
The report highlights the potential of urban areas, forecasting 17 cities with populations exceeding 5 million, alongside nearly 100 cities with populations over 1 million.
Growing urbanization is driven by several factors, including economic opportunities and improved living standards.
Yet, this rapid urban expansion brings challenges—overcrowding, informal settlements, unemployment, and insufficient public services could undermine progress.
Many city planners will need to navigate these significant hurdles to maintain sustainable growth.
The sprawling city clusters forming along the West African coast—from Abidjan to Lagos—are expected to create one of the world's largest urban corridors, anticipated to house more than 50 million people.
Meanwhile, another promising cluster around Cairo and Alexandria could emerge as another megapolis, enhancing the urban fabric of North Africa.
Cities like Kinshasa are projected to reach populations of 25 million as these isolated pockets of urban development grow.
Addressing the urban challenges amid this rapid growth is key; cities will need to strengthen infrastructure and services or risk social instability.
There’s also the looming threat of climate change, as many African cities are situated near coastlines, making them vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
According to the report, the relationship between improving infrastructure, strong economies, and rapid urban population growth is complex.
Rapid urbanization presents opportunities for innovation, investment, and business development but must be managed responsibly.
The stark reality is clear: as the continent embraces this dynamic change, it must also prioritize resilience and sustainability to thrive.
By forming integrated and well-connected city clusters, Africa's urban future may prove exceptionally bright, but only if the challenges are met head-on.
To navigate the uncertain waters of urban growth effectively, private and public sectors must collaborate to build resilient cities capable of providing quality living standards.
The coming years will undoubtedly be pivotal for Africa as it continues its path toward urbanization and economic resurgence.
With the right strategies and innovative practices, African cities can transform their challengesinto opportunities, setting the stage for sustainable development well beyond 2035.
