Jeune Afrique ranks Cairo as Africa’s most attractive city in 2025

Cairo has been ranked the most attractive city in Africa for 2025, climbing seven places from a year earlier, according to the latest ranking by French magazine Jeune Afrique, as Egypt’s capital benefits from major urban upgrades and rising foreign investment.

The ranking, highlighted by Egypt’s Cabinet Media Centre on Monday, was conducted in partnership with research firm Sagaci Research and is based on an analysis of foreign direct investment flows and field surveys assessing quality of life and infrastructure across 41 African cities.

Cairo’s rise reflects years of investment in transport networks, urban development, and infrastructure, which have helped stabilise its position as one of the continent’s most competitive metropolitan hubs, the report said.

According to Jeune Afrique, Cairo attracted about $11.3 billion in foreign direct investment between 2019 and 2023, making it the most open African city to FDI over that period. The city was also cited as one of the region’s largest consumer markets and a potential export base, supported by relatively low labour costs.

The report also pointed to Egypt’s construction of new cities to absorb population growth as a key advantage, highlighting the New Capital, where investments have reached around $60 billion.

Cairo ranked first in 2025 after placing eighth in the previous year’s survey, underscoring its growing appeal to investors seeking a foothold in Africa.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English