Africa is a continent known for its remarkable diversity, which is reflected in its cities. Each city has its own distinct blend of culture, history, and opportunities. However, it is important to acknowledge that some areas within this diverse landscape face challenges due to political instability, economic hardships, and a lack of essential services.
The Economist Intelligence Unit recently released its report titled “The Global Liveability Index 2023,” which highlights the top 10 most liveable cities and the 10 cities considered the least liveable. This comprehensive evaluation takes into account five key factors: stability, healthcare, environmental/cultural factors, education, and infrastructure.
By analyzing crime and conflict levels, availability and quality of healthcare, climate, religious restrictions, food and drinks, availability and quality of education, and the quality of infrastructure including roads, public transport, water, housing, energy, and telecommunications, the report provides a comprehensive assessment of the livability of cities worldwide.
According to the report, African cities such as Lagos (Nigeria) and Algiers (Algeria) have gained ground, with some improvements in their healthcare and education systems.
Although corruption continues to be an issue, some additional public funding has been made available for infrastructure and public services, which have also benefited from the decline in COVID cases.
However, among the ten cities with the lowest liveability rankings, half of them are located in Africa. Below are the liveability ratings for these African cities:
1. Tripoli, Libya is ranked as the least liveable city in Africa.
- Rank: 172
- Rating: 40.1
- Stability: 30.0
- Healthcare: 45.8
- Culture and Environment: 37.5
- Education: 58.3
- Infrastructure: 41.1
2. Algiers, Algeria
- Rank: 171
- Rating: 42.0
- Stability: 35.0
- Healthcare: 50.0
- Culture and Environment: 45.4
- Education: 58.3
- Infrastructure: 30.4
3. Lagos, Nigeria
- Rank: 170
- Rating: 42.2
- Stability: 25.0
- Healthcare: 37.5
- Culture and Environment: 54.4
- Education: 41.7
- Infrastructure: 53.6
4. Harare, Zimbabwe
- Rank: 166
- Rating: 43.8
- Stability: 40.0
- Healthcare: 29.2
- Culture and Environment: 56.7
- Education: 66.7
- Infrastructure: 35.7
5. Douala, Cameroon
- Rank: 164
- Rating: 46.4
- Stability: 60.0
- Healthcare: 29.2
- Culture and Environment: 51.2
- Education: 41.7
- Infrastructure: 42.9