Africa’s urban population set to double by 2050, soaring from 700 million to 1.4 billion.
Africa’s urban population is set to double by 2050, soaring from 700 million to 1.4 billion, making it the world’s second-most urbanised continent after Asia, according to a new report released on March 6, 2025.
The report, Africa’s Urbanisation Dynamics 2025, warned that without urgent government intervention, rapid urban expansion could overwhelm infrastructure, deepen inequalities, and hinder sustainable development.
By mid-century, Africa will have the world’s second-largest urban population after Asia, which is projected to reach 3.5 billion. Nigeria, with an estimated 250 million urban residents, will become the world’s fourth-largest urban centre, while Egypt (147 million) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (111 million) will rank as Africa’s second- and third-largest urban hubs. Together, these three countries will account for over a third of the continent’s total urban population, according to the report, jointly released by the OECD, African Development Bank, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), Africa and Cities Alliance.
West Africa will remain the continent’s most populous urban region, reaching 436 million by 2050, while Central Africa is expected to experience the fastest growth, with its urban population increasing 2.4 times to reach 199 million, the report projected.
Source: DOWNTOEARTH
