Top 25 Richest Cities in Africa to Visit in 2024

Cape Town is second to Johannesburg. So it ranks high among the wealthiest cities in Africa. Thanks to its booming tech scene, strong financial sector, and attracting affluent individuals. Additionally, this city is a sophisticated one with world-class restaurants, a thriving art scene, and proximity to the famed Cape Winelands, all with beautiful stunning natural land views.

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is considered one of the wealthiest cities in Africa. It has a significant number of billionaires, surpassing other major African cities. Furthermore, its wealth fuels a dynamic metropolis where you can rub shoulders with Egypt’s elite, explore world-class financial and telecommunication sectors, and immerse yourself in Cairo’s rich cultural heritage, all along the banks of the iconic Nile River.

Lagos rLagos is a magnet for wealth in Africa, boasting one of the continent’s largest stock exchanges and headquarters of numerous African business giants. Lagos offers insight into Nigeria’s economic power. When you explore the city’s busy markets, large port, famous hotels, and lively atmosphere, you’ll see a place where business and culture thrive

Along with Umhlanga and Ballito, Durban forms a wealthy collective within South Africa. While not boasting the sheer number of Johannesburg or Cape Town millionaires, Durban’s affluence is evident in its luxurious beachfront resorts, upscale neighbourhoods, and thriving tourism industry. Additionally, its economic strength brought about a vibrant city with a multicultural flair, offering beautiful beaches, exciting water activities, and a delicious culinary scene.

Nairobi’s position as one of the top wealthy cities in Africa is due to its role as East Africa’s economic powerhouse. Thus, it was nicknamed the “Green City in the Sun”. Nairobi is a hub for multinational corporations and international organizations. Therefore its financial muscle with over 4,400 millionaires, allows you to experience a sophisticated city with a thriving stock exchange alongside Nairobi’s beautiful green spaces and unique position as a gateway to Kenya’s wildlife safaris.

Luanda’s inclusion on the list might surprise some. Unlike Johannesburg, Luanda’s wealth comes from Angola’s booming oil industry. This oil business has made Luanda a modern city with luxury alongside its historic core and rich cultural heritage. However, Luanda can be an expensive city to visit, so be prepared for the contrast.

Pretoria is South Africa’s administrative capital, attracting a different kind of wealth than Johannesburg. While it has fewer millionaires (around 2,100), it is a center of government and diplomacy, housing embassies and attracting high-income civil servants. This translates to a sophisticated city with prestigious institutions and a focus on history and culture. Pretoria’s jacaranda-lined streets and beautiful gardens offer a glimpse into the heart of South Africa’s political life.

Casablanca in Morocco is an economic powerhouse that draws wealth through its strategic location and thriving industries. Thus, no surprise that it is one of the richest cities in Africa. With a concentration of 3,200 millionaires, it offers a chance to experience a blend of modern luxury and historic charm. Furthermore, here you will explore the bustling port, the Art Deco architecture, and high-end shopping, all while soaking up the rich Moroccan culture that Casablanca has to offer.

Accra in Ghana may not have as many millionaires as other African cities, but it’s a rising star in wealth with a growing number of millionaires and a booming economy. This dynamic city offers a blend of traditional Ghanaian markets and a burgeoning art scene, fueled by its status as a center for finance, trade, and increasingly, innovative startups.

Abidjan is the economic center of Côte d’Ivoire. It’s a wealthy city with a special energy. Abidjan is also a major business hub. Its successful cocoa and coffee industries make it economically strong. This mix creates a lively city with a diverse feel. You’ll find fancy hotels and restaurants, busy markets, and lots of art and culture. When you visit, go to the Ébrié Lagoon. There you can feel Abidjan’s spirit and see how modern life blends with Ivorian traditions.

Dar es Salaam might not have the eye-popping millionaire numbers of other entries on the list, but it still qualifies as a wealthy African city due to its position as Tanzania’s commercial hub. It is home to over 1,200 millionaires and is a major port city. Dar es Salaam offers a chance to experience a city on the rise. You can explore the bustling markets, Tanzanian culture, and enjoy the beautiful Indian Ocean coastline, all fueled by the city’s growing status as a trade and business center.

Alexandria has a rich history and economic significance as a major industrial center and port city on the Mediterranean making it a worthy inclusion. So, here, you will explore its ancient ruins and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern marvel, all while experiencing a vibrant city fueled by natural gas and oil pipelines. Also, Alexandria offers a unique blend of historical intrigue and modern development, waiting to be unwrapped.

Kampala is Uganda’s energetic capital. Its economic growth and emergence as a center for business and trade are undeniable. Kampala is a developing city with modern infrastructure alongside traditional markets. Kampala offers a chance to experience Ugandan culture, enjoy the stunning beauty of Lake Victoria, and feel the heart of a nation on the rise.

Windhoek is Namibia’s capital and offers a unique perspective on wealth in Africa. The city boasts a growing economy fueled by mining and tourism. Here, you can explore the city’s German colonial architecture and vibrant art scene, or venture out to experience Namibia’s stunning landscapes. Windhoek is a great starting point to discover a country rich in natural beauty and on an upward economic trajectory.

Abuja is Nigeria’s capital city, offering a glimpse into the nation’s growing wealth. Its status as a political and administrative center creates a different kind of affluence. Abuja has the presence of embassies, government institutions, and headquarters of major corporations. This fuels the sophisticated city with a well-developed infrastructure. Alongside its modern architecture and vibrant cultural scene, Abuja offers a unique perspective on Nigeria’s economic power and influence.

Addis Ababa is Ethiopia’s historic capital that signifies the political and diplomatic center of Africa, along with its role as a hub for international organizations, which fuels its economic strength. Nicknamed “Africa’s Capital,” Addis Ababa offers a unique blend of history and modern development. Hence, explore the headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, experience, Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, and enjoy a dynamic city on the rise.

Marrakech is in Morocco’s captivating heart and has a unique brand of wealth and historical heritage. While the millionaire count isn’t the highest (around 1,400), the city is a magnet for tourism and investment. This is due to its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and booming handicraft industry. Hence, you will explore the labyrinthine alleyways of the Medina, marvel at the opulent Koutoubia Mosque, or get lost in the vibrant souks. Marrakech’s economic strength is intricately linked to its ability to weave together its historical soul with a modern tourist experience, offering a city that’s both culturally enriching and undeniably wealthy.

Tangier is Morocco’s cosmopolitan city perched on the Strait of Gibraltar. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Africa and Europe has fueled its status as a major port and free trade zone. Tangier is a city brimming with international influences, where you can explore the historic kasbah, vibrant art scene, and experience the city’s unique blend of Moroccan, European, and Mediterranean cultures. Tangier is a city on the rise, attracting investment and offering a dynamic atmosphere for visitors.

Lusaka is Zambia’s busy capital, and it’s becoming an important player in African wealth. The city is seeing a lot of international companies set up there. They’re attracted by Lusaka’s role as a key mining and agricultural hub. This growth shows in the city’s wealthy neighborhoods giving a sense of Zambia’s growing economic power. Lusaka also offers a chance to experience a vibrant, developing city. Traditional Zambian culture blends with the influence of the growing business hub.

Maputo is Mozambique’s capital. its strategic location on the Indian Ocean and its abundant natural resources make it a significant economic player. Furthermore, the recent discovery of natural gas reserves has fueled optimism and investment, propelling Maputo’s growth. So, in this city, you can explore the city’s colonial architecture and Portuguese influence, relax on its beautiful beaches, and experience the warm hospitality of the locals. While luxury might not be overwhelming, Maputo offers a unique blend of cultural richness and the promise of a nation on the rise.

Gaborone is the capital of Botswana. The city’s economic strength comes from a different source – Botswana’s diamond wealth. This has turned Gaborone into a well-developed city with a high standard of living. In Gaborone, you can explore the headquarters of many companies and the Botswana Stock Exchange. You can also visit historical sites around the city and experience the vibrant cultural scene. Gaborone offers a unique look at African wealth. Responsible management of the country’s resources has fueled the growth and prosperity of this capital city.

Mombasa, Kenya’s vibrant coastal city, may not boast the highest number of millionaires compared to other entries. However, its status as Kenya’s main port city and a magnet for tourism fuels its economic strength. This translates to a chance to explore the historical Old Town, relax on pristine beaches, and delve into the bustling port scene. Mombasa’s affluence is also evident in the presence of luxury resorts and upscale residential areas, offering a glimpse into a city that thrives on trade, tourism, and its strategic position in the Indian Ocean.

Port Elizabeth in South Africa might not be on the forefront when it comes to millionaire concentration. However, its significance as a major industrial hub and a key port city within the Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan area. Furthermore, the city is boasting of a thriving car manufacturing industry and a strong maritime sector, bringing about a dynamic economy. Additionally, you will see historical sites like the Donkin Heritage Trail, spot marine wildlife on a boat trip, and the city’s vibrant restaurant scene. So, Port Elizabeth offers a unique blend of industrial heritage, cultural richness, and a glimpse into the economic engine of South Africa’s Eastern Cape.

Tshwane is also known as Pretoria and brings a distinct kind of wealth to the table. However, it may not boast the eye-popping millionaire numbers of Johannesburg or Cape Town, its status as South Africa’s administrative capital attracts a different kind of affluence. Furthermore, it is home to government institutions, embassies, and high-income civil servants, Pretoria offers a sophisticated city experience. Additionally, it has historical buildings like the Union Buildings, world-class museums, and jacaranda-lined streets. Tshwane provides a window into the heart of South African politics and culture, offering a unique perspective on wealth and power.