Least Liveable Cities in Africa, 2024

A new report by the Economist Intelligent Unit has placed five African cities among the 10 least liveable cities in the world.

The Global Livability Ranking is a yearly assessment published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), ranking 173 global cities for their urban quality of life based on assessments of stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.

In addition to providing clean water, clean air, adequate food and shelter, a ‘livable’ city must also generate a sense of community and offer hospitable settings for all, especially young people, to develop social skills, a sense of autonomy and identity.

Tripoli, the capital of Libta was ranked the least liveable city in Africa among the 173 cities surveyed by the Economist Intelligence Unit, while Algiers was ranked the second least liveable city in Africa. Lagos the former capital of Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria, was ranked the third least liveable city in Africa.

According to the report, The Middle East, Africa and Asia account for the ten lowest-scoring cities in the survey where violence, whether through crime, civil insurgency, terrorism or war, has played a strong role.

Least Liveable Cities in Africa, 2024

These are the least livable countries in Africa and their scores, according to The Global Liveability Index 2024:

5. Douala, Cameroon

Douala is the largest city in Cameroon and its economic capital. The country is home to Central Africa’s largest port and its major international airport, Douala International Airport. Even though Douala is the economic center of Cameroon, a large percentage of its inhabitants live below the poverty line. Recent data shows that about thirty percent of the population lives in poverty. Cameroon’s Douala was ranked fifth worst liveable city in Africa in EIU’s Liveable city index.

4. Harare, Zimbabwe

Harare is the capital and most populous city of Zimbabwe. The city Harare is Zimbabwe’s leading financial, commercial, and communications centre, as well as an international trade centre.

Harare was ranked 166 in EIU’s Liveable city index, making the city the fourth worst liveable city in Africa. Harare also performed poorly in healthcare and infrastructure.

3. Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos is the largest city in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, it’s also the most populous city in Africa.

The city of Lagos is a major African financial centre and is the economic hub of Lagos State and Nigeria at large. The city has been described as the cultural, financial, and entertainment capital of Africa, and is a significant influence on commerce, technology and especially entertainment.

Lagos was ranked 170 in EIU’s Liveable city index, making the city the least liveable city in Africa. Lagos also performed poorly in stability, healthcare and education.

2. Algiers, Algeria

Algiers is the capital and largest city of Algeria. Algiers is an important economic, commercial and financial center. The city has one of the highest cost of living of any city in North Africa. With a rating of 42 and a world rank of 171, Algiers ranks second on the list of worst liveable cities in Africa.

1. Tripoli, Libya

Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, and is one of the main hubs of Libya’s economy along with Misrata. It is the leading center of banking, finance and communication in the country and is one of the leading commercial and manufacturing cities in Libya. Tripoli was ranked 172 in EIU’s Liveable city index, making the city the least liveable city in Africa. The country also performed poorly in Stability, Healthcare and Culture and Environment

Last Updated: November 2024.