Luanda to Overtake Lagos as Africa’s Largest City

Luanda is projected to overtake Lagos as sub-Saharan Africa’s largest city by 2050. Angola’s capital is forecast to grow 78%, from 11.4 million people in 2025 to 20.3 million, while Lagos is expected to grow by more than 25%, from 12.8 million to 16.2 million. Johannesburg is also expected to fall from fifth to eighth position, despite a projected growth from 7.1 million to 8.9 million. Bamako and Mogadishu are set to join the top 15, whereas Cape Town and Kano will drop out despite continued growth. Overall, the region will add 748 million urban residents by 2050, reaching about 1.7 billion. The World Bank says the continent’s urbanization can drive growth and jobs, but only if infrastructure, business conditions, and private investment improve.