The MegaCities in Africa | future

A melting pot of religions, languages, wildlife, and history make up the expansive continent of Africa. It indeed has small villages, and poverty does exist there as it does in many other parts of the world, but to only think of Africa in this way would be inaccurate. Africa boasts bustling cities that contribute to the global economy, where billions of dollars are made each year, From East African safari tours to the startup tech center of Cape Town, South Africa.
Africa is predicted to be the home of many megacities in the coming decades, thanks to its ever-growing economic interests and foreign investors pouring money into its future. To be considered a megacity, usually defined as a city with more than 10 million inhabitants, is a significant turning point not only on a local level but in the global landscape as we move further towards urbanization.

Current megacities of Africa
To date, there are only three cities that are true African megacities by definition, although many are predicted to arise in the years to come. What makes these megacities so significant is that they have seen exponential population and economic growth in past years, and are now competing on a competitive, global scale with powerhouses like China and Japan. These are Africa's current megacities.

Lagos, Nigeria
With a population of almost 15 million people, Lagos, Nigeria, is the largest megacity in all of Africa. A main contributor to the Nigerian economy, it makes up an astounding 30% of the entire GDP for the country. What makes Lagos a significant megacity is not only its current population and economy, but also its forecasted growth as one of the fastest-growing cities in all of Africa, and eventually, predicted to be one of the largest cities in the world.

Although not typically recognized as a prominent tourist destination, Lagos offers one of the most intriguing art experiences that Africa has to offer. Visitors at the Nike Art Center will get both the experience of a local art gallery and the opportunity to see these painters, sculptors, and craftspeople at work, as the center doubles as an artist workplace.
Another cultural experience to learn about Lagos is a trip to the Kalakuta Republic Museum. An icon in Nigerian history, Fela Kuta is the center of this museum as you explore his political activism and learn the story of his multi-instrument music and background, giving insight into this megacity's roots through the lens of one of its cultural pioneers.

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Thus far one of only three megacities in Africa, by definition, is Kinshasa. The Democratic Republic of Congo's capital city boasts a population of more than 10 million people and robust commercial activity supporting it. The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most natural-rich countries in the world, and Kinshasa benefits from businesses centered around this mineral wealth. Also the home of worldwide public and private enterprises, Kinshasa houses companies like the United Nations and Heineken. This megacity is forecasted to continue significant employment and economic growth each year, making it a contender to potentially be one of the most economically successful and largest cities in the world.

Cairo, Egypt
Combining ancient ruins with a busy metropolis, Cairo is the third megacity on the African continent and contributes greatly to Egypt's overall economy. The capital city has an advantageous location near the Suez Canal, allowing for more direct shipping routes throughout Europe, Asia and Africa, and facilitating Cairo's importance in the global economy.

Apart from its strategic location, Cairo is home to many oil and gas companies. Egypt holds some of the most oil reserves in the world, making the capital an important player in the energy sector. Cairo also boasts a consistent manufacturing industry, including the production of textiles and petroleum products.

Although some may find Cairo a noisy, busy city its Giza Pyramids are a breathtaking distraction. It's one of the seven wonders of the world, and attracts tens of millions of tourists each year, contributing a significant amount of revenue to the country. Perhaps just as a well-known tourist attraction is the Nile River, the longest in the world, and symbolic for its important role in the development of ancient society.

With a history dating back to 2,000 B.C., one of Cairo's main cultural sights is the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, displaying artwork and artifacts from an ancient civilization that many envision when they think of Egypt, including pottery, jewelry, and even mummies.

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