Nairobi ranks 56th globally and 6th in Sub-Saharan Africa in new city attractiveness index

Nairobi ranks 56th globally and 6th in Sub-Saharan Africa in new city attractiveness index

Nairobi ranks 56th globally and 6th in Sub-Saharan Africa in new city attractiveness index

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Experts argue that the ranking reflects the city’s standing as a key regional hub despite persistent structural challenges

Nairobi has been ranked 56th globally and 6th in Sub-Saharan Africa in the latest Global Attractiveness Index.
Unveiled on Monday during the Climate Change Business Summit in Nairobi, the index places the country’s capital 11th across the entire continent of Africa.
Experts argue that the ranking reflects the city’s standing as a key regional hub despite persistent structural challenges.

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The Global Attractiveness Index for Emerging and Fast-Growing Cities, developed by logistics firm DHL and the European House Ambrosetti, evaluated 80 cities worldwide based on their ability to attract and retain capital, talent and services.
It measures performance across four pillars: economy, environment, social conditions and urban infrastructure.
According to the findings, Nairobi continues to demonstrate a strong economic profile, ranking 39th globally in the economic dimension.

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The city’s diversified economy and relative affordability position it competitively among peer emerging cities, reinforcing its role as a commercial anchor in Eastern Africa.
The report also highlights Nairobi’s environmental performance as a key strength, with the city ranking 35th globally.
Strong air quality indicators, access to drinking water and availability of green spaces have elevated its position, marking it as one of the continent’s more environmentally competitive urban centres.

Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa (L) and Pietro Maninni, CEO of The European House – Ambrosetti Africa (R) at the 2026 Global Attractiveness Index for Emerging and Fast-Growing Cities (GAI) launch. Nairobi is ranked 56th globally, 11th in Africa, and 6th in Sub-Saharan Africa. (Handout)
However, the index underscores significant gaps in social conditions, where Nairobi ranks 73rd globally.
Limited access to sanitation services and a high proportion of residents living in informal settlements continue to weigh heavily on its overall attractiveness.
Infrastructure constraints further limit Nairobi’s global competitiveness, with the city placed 65th in this category.
Weak digital connectivity and low sewerage coverage are cited as major barriers, even as basic water access remains relatively stable compared to regional peers.
Across the continent, Johannesburg, Port Louis, Gaborone and Praia emerged as top performers.
Looking ahead, the GAI emphasises that Africa’s urban future will be defined by how well cities balance economic dynamism with social inclusion and infrastructure reliability.
“Africa is not short of ambition or talent. What we need now is coordinated investment, public and private, in the systems that allow cities to scale sustainably,” said Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Cities such as Johannesburg, Port Louis, and Gaborone demonstrate what is possible, and Nairobi’s ranking highlights the untapped potential that can be unlocked by aligning its positive economic and environmental progress with targeted investments in social initiatives and infrastructure.”
Pietro Maninni, CEO of The European House – Ambrosetti Africa, echoed his sentiments.
“The GAI provides an important evidence base for policymakers, investors and business leaders. With the right reforms, digital acceleration, inclusive housing strategies, green infrastructure and modernised urban services, African cities can shift quickly into higher tiers of global competitiveness.”

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