Africa is undergoing a profound transformation. According to the report “Dynamics of African Urbanization 2025: Planning for Urban Expansion,” produced jointly by the Sahel and West Africa Club (SWAC/OECD), the African Development Bank, Cities Alliance, and United Cities and Local Governments of Africa, the continent’s urban population is set to double by 2050, reaching 1.4 billion city dwellers. This unprecedented growth will make Africa the second most urbanized continent, trailing only Asia.
African cities will absorb 80% of this population increase, with the most significant urban growth occurring in Nigeria, where the number of city residents is expected to hit 250 million, and in Egypt, where it will reach 147 million. The number of urban centers with more than 10,000 inhabitants will rise from 9,000 in 2020 to over 11,000 by 2050. Additionally, 159 cities will surpass the one-million-resident mark, and 17 will become megacities with populations exceeding 10 million.
Beyond demographic expansion, urbanization will drive a massive spatial transformation. By 2050, the total urban land area in Africa is projected to more than double, growing from 175,000 square kilometers to 450,000 square kilometers. This expansion will be particularly pronounced in mid-sized urban areas, where spatial growth is expected to accelerate at an annual rate of 5.2%. As a result, mounting pressure will be placed on infrastructure, land resources, and urban services.
In response to these challenges, the report emphasizes the urgent need for well-planned urban policies. Strengthening local governance will be crucial for managing city expansion effectively and addressing on-the-ground realities, including the role of informal settlements and the unregulated urban economy. Urban planning must anticipate the needs of both residents and businesses, considering demographic and spatial shifts. Moreover, integrating climate and environmental concerns into urban development strategies will be essential to ensure resilience and sustainability.
Financing urban development presents another major hurdle. Both public and private investments will need to be significantly increased to support infrastructure and services. Ensuring a more balanced distribution of funds between large metropolitan areas and mid-sized cities will be key to fostering inclusive and equitable growth.
Africa’s rapid urbanization represents both an opportunity and a challenge. If properly managed, it could drive economic growth and improve living conditions. However, unchecked expansion risks deepening inequalities and exacerbating environmental pressures. The report calls for immediate action from governments, economic stakeholders, and civil society to steer Africa’s urban expansion toward a sustainable and inclusive future.
