Faith Nyasuguta
Presently, Lagos is regarded as a mega city following its estimated population of 20 million plus people.
A recent study now indicates that it will continue growing exponentially.
With the current growth rate, Lagos is set to become the world’s largest city by the end of this century. Funny enough, Lagos is not the only African city that is growing fast.
A series of findings and forecasts by research groups including the University of Toronto’s Global Cities Institute, Environment & Urban Journal, The Whitaker Group, etc., have shown that by 2100, over 10 out of the possible 20 largest cities in the world will be located in Africa.
“Several recent studies project that Africa will be the only continent experiencing population growth by the end of this century.”
“Thirteen of the world’s 20 biggest urban areas will be in Africa — up from just two today — as will more than a third of the world’s population,” the Washington Post in a special report stated on the matter.
10 African cities set to become the world’s most populous by 2100:
1.Lagos
2.Kinshasa
3.Khartoum
4.Abidjan
5.Mombasa
6.Niamey
7.Lusaka
8.Mogadishu
9.Conakry
10.Monrovia
FACTORS DRIVING GROWTH
At the moment, population is the main factor driving the growth of African cities. Lagos, with a population of about 20 million, could surpass 80 million by 2100, and Kinshasa’s population could reach 60 million by the end of the century.
Another critical highlight from the study revealed that Africa would grapple with most of the challenges of rapid urbanisation, including infrastructural deficits, and housing challenges, amidst its exponential growth.
Experts, however, affirm that proper planning can help mitigate these challenges, with many international bodies calling for immediate attention to Africa’s rapid urbanisation.
IN GENERAL:
The proportion of the world’s urban population is expected to increase to about 57% by 2050 from 47% in 2000. More than 90% of future population growth will be accounted for by the large cities in the developing countries.
In the developing world, Africa has experienced the highest urban growth during the last two decades at 3.5% per year and this rate of growth is expected to hold into 2050.
Projections also indicate that between 2025 to 2050, some African cities will account for up to 85% of the population. By the year 2100, African cities would be home for a disproportionate chunk of population.
