A new continental ranking of Africa’s most attractive cities has placed Johannesburg in 6th position, behind Cairo, Kigali, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Rabat — sparking renewed debate about the city’s competitiveness, safety, and economic direction.
The list, published by The Africa Report, examines African cities drawing the most investment, talent, and global attention. While Cairo tops the rankings, Johannesburg remains firmly within the top tier — recognised as the continent’s financial engine — but no longer dominant in areas where it once led comfortably.
Cairo takes the crown
Cairo, a megacity of more than 22 million people, claimed the top spot thanks to its strong foreign direct investment performance. The Egyptian capital attracted $11.3 billion in FDI between 2019 and 2023, with $4.3 billion recorded last year alone, according to fDi Intelligence.
Its scale, aggressive development strategy, and regional influence continue to pull in companies, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
Kigali continues its rise
Kigali placed second, cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s most organised and efficiently run cities. With low corruption, strong safety, and investor-friendly governance, the Rwandan capital has become a magnet for conferences, startups, and green innovation.
Nairobi solidifies its tech dominance
Nairobi came in third. East Africa’s commercial powerhouse — often called the “Silicon Savannah” — continues to benefit from its dynamic tech ecosystem and multinational headquarters. Despite chronic traffic and rising costs, it remains one of the continent’s most vibrant economic hubs.
Cape Town keeps global appeal
Cape Town placed fourth, thanks to its strong tech sector, creative industries, tourism pull, and quality of life. It continues to attract global talent even as South Africa faces broader economic turmoil.
Rabat impresses with stability
Rabat rounded out the top five. With strong governance, security, and modern infrastructure, Morocco’s administrative capital is gaining attention as a stable, structured environment for investors and diplomats.
Johannesburg: Africa’s financial engine, but losing ground
At number six, Johannesburg remains a heavyweight — home to Africa’s largest stock exchange, major banks, and multinational headquarters. Its economy spans finance, tech, property, manufacturing, and the creative industries.
But the ranking makes it clear:
Johannesburg’s competitiveness is being held back by inequality, crime, and unreliable infrastructure.
Investors still view the city as a high-opportunity environment, but an increasingly high-maintenance one. While Joburg’s scale, talent, and economic depth remain uncontested, rival cities are outpacing it through cleaner governance, safety improvements, and modernisation.
The rest of the top 10
7. Casablanca, Morocco – A commercial hub with a strong port, growing industrial base, and major international presence.
8. Lagos, Nigeria – Africa’s chaotic but powerful megacity, home to fintech giants and a booming creative sector.
9. Tangier, Morocco – Fast-rising logistics and industrial powerhouse, driven by the Tanger-Med Port.
10. Alexandria, Egypt – A vital port city blending Mediterranean appeal with strong industrial activity.
What Johannesburg must do next
Urban analysts say Johannesburg could move back into the top five if it strengthens:
• Security and policing
• Power and water reliability
• Public transport
• Spatial planning and inequality
• Ease of doing business for emerging industries
Despite the challenges, Johannesburg remains one of Africa’s most important cities — a place where ambition is rewarded and industries are born. But the latest ranking is a reminder that the city needs urgent reforms to stay competitive in a rapidly shifting continental landscape.