African Countries Largest African Capital Cities

Africa has a range of diverse environments, from sandy deserts to lush rainforests. Learn about the seven largest African cities, their populations, and an alphabetical list of African countries capital cities.

Republic of South Sudan Independence day

Seven largest African cities populations

Lagos, Nigeria – 21 million

Largest population of any African nation; significant population clusters are scattered throughout the country, with the highest density areas being in the south and southwest.

Cairo, Egypt – 20.4 million

Approximately 95 percent of the population lives within 12 miles or 20 km of the Nile River and its delta; vast areas of the country remain sparsely populated or uninhabited.

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo – 13.3 million

Urban clusters are spread throughout the country, particularly in the northeast along the border with Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi; the largest city is the capital, Kinshasha, located in the west along the Congo River; the south is least densely populated.

Luanda, Angola – 6.5 million

Most people live in the western half of the country; urban areas account for the highest concentrations of people, particularly Luanda.

Nairobi, Kenya – 3.5 million

Kenya's population is heavily concentrated in the west along the shore of Lake Victoria; other areas of high density include the capital of Nairobi, and in the southeast along the Indian Ocean coast.

Mogadishu, Somalia – 2.1 million

Population distribution varies greatly throughout the country; least densely populated areas are in the northeast and central regions, as well as areas along the Kenyan border; most populated areas are in and around the cities of Mogadishu, Marka, Boorama, Hargeysa, and Baidoa.

Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire – 4.7 million

The population is primarily located in the forested south, with the highest concentration of people residing in and around the cities on the Atlantic coast; most of the northern savanna remains sparsely populated with higher concentrations located along transportation corridors.

Faces of Africa