List of Capitals in Africa

Overview

Africa, the world’s second-largest continent, is home to 54 UN-recognized sovereign nations and four dependencies, resulting in approximately 58 capital cities. These capitals serve as the administrative hubs where government activities and key decisions are centered. For example, a nation’s president typically governs from its capital city. Capitals are often symbolic of their respective countries, as they hold political, cultural, and economic significance.

While many African nations face challenges like low living standards due to limited economic development, some capitals stand out. Cities like Cape Town and Pretoria in South Africa are known for their livability. Tourist hotspots such as Cape Town, Tunis, and Cairo attract visitors with their ancient monuments, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.

Most Visited Capitals of Africa

1. Cape Town, South Africa (legislative capital)

Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa, is home to the National Parliament. The city has played a crucial role in the country’s history, particularly after European contact. The city is known for its harbour, its natural setting in the Cape Floristic Region, and for landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point. In 2014, Cape Town was named the best place in the world to visit by The New York Times, and was similarly ranked number one by The Daily Telegraph in both 2016 and 2023.

2. Tunis, Tunisia

Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, is known as the second happiest city in Africa, boasting an impressive average life expectancy of about 74.6 years. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it the first Muslim city to receive this distinction. The city has a growing manufacturing sector and has consistently shown an increase in its gross domestic product.

3. Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is the largest city in the country and is often referred to as the cradle of civilization. It is also the biggest city in the Middle East. Cairo serves as a vibrant hub for tourism, commerce, finance, and government services.

Cairo is associated with Ancient Egypt, as the Giza pyramid complex and the ancient cities of Memphis and Heliopolis are located in its geographical area. Located near the Nile Delta, the city first following the Muslim conquest of Egypt. Cairo has long been a center of the region’s political and cultural life, and is titled “the city of a thousand minarets” for its preponderance of Islamic architecture. Cairo’s historic center was awarded World Heritage Site status in 1979.