hahaha, pole, that is the reason why you think nairobi is the best city in africa. nakubaliana na ninyi, you are ahead of us with our dsm or kampala, but still nairobi is an "african city" not a world class city compared to cape town, europeans cities and towns, americans and asians. i actually was wondering if you have been outside Africa, naona uelewa wako upo limited to east africa...hahaha.sikulaumu.
The Top 10 Most Liveable Cities in Africa
Posted by Yolaan Begbie
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Thinking about making a move to the
continent for business, family, or adventure?
Africa.com has the insider information you
need to make the best decisions about your
move in our list of the most liveable cities in
Africa.
1. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities
in the world, let alone Africa, having already
won a number of prestigious international
travel awards. Its where most people in South
Africa wish they lived. It possesses all of the
amenities and sophistication of a urban area,
yet the pace is decidedly relaxed, with the city
being nestled between the ocean and the
mountains, creating an ideal mix of work and
play. A short drive away and you can find
yourself in one of the hundreds of vineyards
that produce some of the worlds top wines.
While summers (OctoberApril) are lovely,
winters can be dreary with much fog, rain, and
wind. Thats why some would prefer to call
Cape Town the Windy Cityits in fact
known at the Mother City and is the
caretaker of the insurance and now
burgeoning digital sector. Its also where
youll find the advertising execs and creatives,
with many retailers and fashion designers
headquartered there. Housing options vary,
from Tuscan-styled homes (a trend seen
across the country), funky SoHo-style
downtown lofts, and gated urban estates.
While crime rates remain high, security is
generally considered to be less of a concern
than in Johannesburg, and is evidenced
through the conspicuous absence of the
ubiquitous high walls and electric fences on
each and every home as seen in some parts of
Johannesburg and Pretoria. Like many 2010
World Cup host cities, Cape Towns public
transport infrastructure was given a boost,
primarily through the MyCiTi rapid bus service.
Routes are still limited though, so unless
youre willing to commute via railway or
chance the minivan taxis, it still is the kind of
city where its best to have your own car to
get around.
2. ACCRA, GHANA
In addition to being a wonderful urban home for
roughly 20 percent of Ghanas 20 million total
population, Accra has become the leisure
destination of choice for upscale Nigerians who
take a quick 45-minute flight to spend time at
their Accra weekend homes. Ghanas capital
city is a sophisticated urban area, with a full
range of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and
increasingly, shopping malls. There are many
affluent areas, including East Legonthe
location of the citys only traditional shopping
complex, Accra Mall. Another popular option is
Osu, locally referred to as Oxford Street, where
many go to shop and hang out. The downtown
area has seen much development over the last
decade and the range of serviced high rise
apartments makes it an easy location to set up
home quickly. The warmth of the Ghanaian
people is an asset and is an important part of
what attracts Nigerians to want to spend their
leisure time here. The tropical climate makes it
all the more appealing. Things are changing for
the better, and fast. Many citizens who left to
the West are returning home, bringing with
them enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and degrees from
top universities abroad. Coupled with the
governments commitment to investing
proceeds into social and physical infrastructure,
one can only imagine that Accra will become
even more liveable in the years to come.
3. NAIROBI, KENYA
Nairobi is fast becoming the African city of
choice for multinational companies seeking a
foothold for their African operations. Nairobi is
a gracious city that possesses much of the
sophistication of the large South African cities,
but provides these offerings in a kinder and
gentler way. General Electric and the
Rockefeller Foundation recently chose Nairobi
to anchor the African operations, so too the
likes of Chinas CCTV news broadcaster. While
there is some tension surrounding the
upcoming elections, the government is
generally considered stable. Housing options
include many comfortable suburban style
homes at affordable prices relative to other
African cities, often with a reasonable amount
of land. Apartment compounds have also
sprung up in recent years, many with the
comforts of swimming pools and fitness
centres. The technology industry offers much
promise, and internet connectivity is
considered tone he best on the continent
today. Getting around remains tricky. Best to
buy your own vehicle though with import
taxes, its fairly expensive. Other options that
offer quite an experience include the mini-bus
matatu to boda-boda motorcycle taxiboth
mainly used by locals.
4. JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
From the moment you step off the plane at OR
Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), it
becomes clear why Johannesburg is
considered a world-class city. ORTIA rivals
some of the best airports in developed worlds.
Its sleek, modern, expansive and offers a
wealth of stores and restaurants, much like
many parts of South Africas and Africas
economic capital. Since the late 1800s,
thousands migrated to the city seeking
employment at one of the many gold mines.
The quarries have since dried up but an influx
of people continues today. They come from
other parts of the country and from across the
continent, to work and to make money.
Johannesburg is also an attractive base for
many African companies as it provides easier
access to international opportunities. In recent
years there has been efforts to revive the
neglected inner city. Money has been invested
by local government to clean the streets, and
renovate the derelict buildings. Its paid off,
with the private sector now playing a role, too.
The area is home to the plush headquarters of
AngloGold Ashanti and others. New apartment
blocks are being filled up and plans are being
made for a new mall. Malls though, are not
hard to find. Apart from the larger Sandton
City and Eastgate mall, virtually every suburb
has one or two of their own. Though a
concrete jungle in some parts, many are
surprised by how lush and green the city
actually is. In fact, Johannesburg holds the
title of the largest man-made forest in the
world!
5. GABORONE, BOTSWANA
Though younghaving only gained
independence from Britain in the 1960s
Gaborone has flourished. Politically stable and
economically buoyant, Botswanas capital is
considered to be a peaceful city. Its likely
partly due to it being small in size, with a
population of just over 230,000, but still offers
a diverse mix of people, and places to see.
Gabs, as it is popularly known, is located in a
country known for being one of the worlds
largest producers of rough diamonds. The
precious stone continues to play a major role
in the citys development. Just recently,
leading diamond producer de Beers announced
it would be moving some of its operations to
the sub-Saharan country from London. Apart
from diamonds, the economy is also driven by
its beef exports, the majority of which is sold
in Europe as well as the growing tourism
industry. The development of modern sports
facilities saw the city successfully hosting the
Africa Junior Athletics Championships in
2011, and has made it a popular contender to
host the 2014 African Youth Games. Gaborone
is also well connected to South Africas
capital, Pretoria. Its strategic location means
that youll find South African stores in
Gaborones many large malls. It shares many
similarities with its neighbour, though is
considered to be somewhat safer.
6. LIBREVILLE, GABON
Modern and vibrant, the countrys largest city
is home to just over half a million people.
Theyre young (nationally, half are 19 and
younger) and urbanized. School enrollment
rate in Gabon is over 70 percent and literacy is
close to 90 percent. In Libreville, its over 63
percent, which translates into a most capable
service staff in restaurants, hotels, and shops.
The French influence extends beyond being the
official language, providing for a very stylish
city that boasts a grand boulevard with
beautiful architecture and monuments. This
city on the beach makes the transition from
work to play very easy. Librevilles newly built
Stade dAngondjé stadium recently host the
final match of the 2012 African Cup of
Nations. Preparation for the sporting event
saw increased government investment in
improving roads and other public spaces.
More property development projects are also
popping up across the city to keep up with
rapid urbanization. Oil has been the main
driver of economic growth here, but with
reserves declining, theres increased efforts to
investment in other mining production
projects. Away from the mines, youre spoilt
with vast natural landscapes. The countrys
government made a commitment a decade
ago to set aside more than 10 percent of total
land for national parks and nature reserves.
Close to Libreville, theres the Akanda
National Park, one the more than a dozen
across the country thats helped it become a
popular eco-tourist destination.
7. TUNIS, TUNISIA
A lot has changed here since the Arab Spring
unrest started nearly two years ago. While
unemployment remains a concern and the new
government still works toward stabilizing the
economy, the smallest country in North Africa
is becoming one of the fastest developing. The
first half of this year, saw a GDP growth rate of
3.5 percent, with a steady increase in the
manufacturing sector. French territory for over
seven decades, theres a rich diversity in the
culture hereAfrican, Arab and European. Along
modern infrastructure, the old world remains
through the Medina of Tunis, one of the first
Arabo-Muslim towns, and now also a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. People live longtheres a
life expectancy of 74.6 years. It might have
something to do with the picturesque setting of
the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop. People
here are happy too, says the Happy Planet
Index (HPI). Measuring sustainable well-being,
Tunisia was named the second happiest place
in Africa (after Algeria). Once on the wealthiest
cities in the Muslim world, Tunisias capital is
now also considered to be the least expensive
city (for expats) in the region. Getting around is
fairly easy with the extensive rail network that
links the capital to other parts of the country.
8. DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA
Dar es Salaam is a rapidly growing city, from
the new infrastructural projects to its people,
literally. With an annual population increase
of over three percent each year, its the third
fastest growing city in Africaand one of the
fastest in the world! It also has a large
expatriate community. Though no longer the
countrys capital, Dar es Salaam is the largest
city in Tanzania and remains the political and
economic hub. There has been great
investment in education here, with an
extensive programme to provide free primary
schooling, efforts that were lauded by
international bodies when enrolment rates
reached over 90 percent. The city is also home
to the largest and oldest public university in
Tanzania, the University of Dar es Salaam,
which recently celebrated its 50-year
anniversary and has seen a sharp increase in
the number of registered students. Theres
also the Institute of Technology (DIT), one of
the leading institutions providing technical
training in the region. Theres also plans to
revamp the neglected railway transport
network. Millions has also been spent over the
past five years to improve the cities roads,
making travelling a lot more efficient. Situated
close to the equator, the city enjoys tropical
conditions for most of the year. Though Dar es
Salaam has its own magnificent beaches
(including many exclusive resorts), the island
of Zanzibar is also just a short ferry ride away.
9. WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA
From the language to the distinct architecture,
the German influence on Windhoek is evident
a lasting reminder of Namibias early colonial
history. Dont expect big city living; the most
recent count puts total population just over
320,000. The small but active city is home to
just about every national government
institution, making it the countrys political,
cultural, social, and economic capital. If
Namibia is best known for the Namib Desert,
the oldest in the world, then Windhoek is best
known for its beer. Windhoek Lager is one of
the fastest-growing premium beers in the
region and is sold abroad in over 20 countries.
The old brewery still stands tall in the citys
central business district and now hosts many
cool restaurant, bars and shots. When visiting
there and other parts of the city, expect to
meet a diverse range of people with a
multitude of background, from the indigenous
San, Hereo, and Kavango groups to expat
Europeans. The city is attractive for many
reasons: its clean, relatively safe and getting
around the city is easy. Both taxis and buses
provide efficient transport and it helps that the
roads are well-maintained.
10. KIGALI, RWANDA
From the expansion of its Central Business
District to the recent road construction project
to help ease traffic congestion, Rwandas
capital is slowly becoming one of the most
rapidly developing cities on the continent.
Centrally located in the heart of Rwanda,
Kigali is home to close to one million people,
and theres also a large community of expats
here who get to enjoy the diversity the city
has to offer. As with most African countries,
theres two scenes on offer. While the majority
of the population still live in rural areas, new
modern structures continue to be built in the
Central Business District. One of the latest
developments is the Kigali Tower, a 20-floor
office and retail complex that is the citys
tallest building. Living in Rwandas capital is
not cheap, as the cost of imported goods are
high. The biggest asset here remains the
diverse wildlife, most popularly the rare
mountain gorillas. Tourism remains an
important source of revenue as the countrys
largest foreign exchange earner: in the first
quarter of this year alone, there was a more
than 20 percent in visitors compared to last
year. The increase is likely to see further
investment in the hotel, service, and tourism
industries.
*UPDATE* Dear Africa.com Community: Thank
you for your engagement around our Most
Liveable Cities in Africa article. From your
comments, we realize that we did not provide
you with any information on our
methodologies in determining the most
liveablecities in Africa. First of all, as with any
similar list that measures something like
livability, a somewhat subjective quality, we
relied on both quantitative and qualitative
data to determine which cities would make
this list. Second, we made a determination to
only consider cities in continental Africa. For
example, without making a human judgment,
Port Louis of Mauritius would have appeared
on our list, and in fact, has appeared on other
lists of the most liveable cities in Africa. While
we admire Port Louis, we think that it is not a
fair to compare the capital city of what is
largely a resort island to the major
metropolitan cities on the continent, so we
excluded island cities. Third, we aggregated
data primarily from African sources, so as to
remove a Western bias. For example, we used
the Ibrahim Index as a primary source in
evaluating safety and security, rather than
similar reports from Western governments in
an effort to see Africa through the eyes of
Africans. Fourth, our criteria included the
following: availability of goods and services,
quality of infrastructure, and overall security
(which is defined both in personal terms and
in national political terms). Fifth, in addition
to collecting quantitative data on the criteria
above, we used our extensive network on the
continent for qualitative input as a reality
check to the results that our data yielded.
These reality checks resulted in some small,
but important adjustments to the list. We
hope that this information provides a basis for
understanding our approach. We are very
proud of our list of the most liveable cities in
Africa, and hope that it is a useful tool for
those who seek a relative analysis of large
metropolitan areas on the continent. As
always, we welcome your feedback. Africa.com
Editorial Team
Tags: Cape Town, gabon , Ghana ,
Johannesburg, Kenya , kigali, lifestyle , Nairobi ,
Rwanda , South Africa
