Affluent Cities in Africa: The 10 Hubs of Wealth for 2025

As Africa’s economic landscape rapidly evolves, identifying the top 10 wealthiest cities by 2025 offers essential insights for brands aiming to tap into the continent’s affluent audiences. With Africa’s total private wealth estimated at $2.5 trillion and home to 342 centi-millionaires, the continent is poised for substantial growth, with the number of millionaires expected to increase by 65% over the next decade. Driven by diverse sectors such as finance, technology, tourism, and manufacturing, these urban hubs provide brands with vibrant markets to establish a strong foothold. 

To connect with Africa's affluent audiences, brands should focus on prime advertising in major airports and leverage both Programmatic Digital Out-of-Home (PDOOH) and Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) networks. Airports capture high-net-worth travellers and professionals with impactful digital placements that elevate brand prestige, while PDOOH and DOOH in key business districts and upscale neighborhoods ensure continuous engagement in high-traffic areas. 

In 2025, Africa’s wealth surge presents an unmatched opportunity for brands to connect with a thriving affluent market. Move now to claim your spot before the competition catches on! 

1. Johannesburg, South Africa

Advertising in Johannesburg provides unparalleled access to over 400 centimillionaires and the highest concentration of ultra-high-net-worth individuals in Africa, particularly in the affluent northern suburbs of Sandton and Rosebank. The city has experienced a 21% growth in its centimillionaire population over the past five years, with projections indicating this number could reach 1,000 by 2025. The city is to host Bloomberg Africa Business and Economic Summit 2025, in May, which provides brands excellent opportunities to showcase their presence among decision-makers and leaders.  

Brands seeking to reach affluent African consumers should focus their advertising efforts on major international airports like O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. For out-of-home advertising, prime locations include Sandton's financial district and shopping centers in Johannesburg; additional high-impact sites include major highways and business districts, upscale shopping malls, exclusive residential areas, and premium entertainment venues where affluent consumers frequently gather. As these factors interact, Johannesburg continues to draw investments and remains a crucial economic hub not just for South Africa but for the entire African continent. 

2. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town's economic strength is reflected in its impressive GDP, making it one of Africa's wealthiest cities. The city is home to approximately 130 centimillionaires, with this number projected to grow by 25% by 2025. The concentration of ultra-high-net-worth individuals has contributed to luxury real estate development and high-end retail growth. Cape Town attracts millions of tourists each year, making it an ideal advertising market. Businesses can reach a diverse and wealthy audience through strategic advertising placements in popular tourist areas like the V&A Waterfront and Camps Bay. 

Cape Town International Airport, Africa's third-busiest hub, is yet another location that offers prime advertising spaces in its luxury duty-free zones and exclusive lounges, making it an ideal showcase for reaching affluent travellers and business executives. These factors combined ensure that Cape Town remains a key player in Africa's economy by 2025. Its unique blend of natural beauty and strategic economic initiatives continues to attract significant attention both nationally and internationally. 

3. Cairo, Egypt

Cairo is home to over 150 ultra-wealthy individuals. The city's GDP stands at approximately $103 billion, making it one of Africa's largest metropolitan economies. The city's prime location along the Nile River has facilitated trade and cultural exchange for centuries, solidifying its role in regional commerce. As an economic powerhouse, Cairo is home to a diverse range of industries including finance, manufacturing, and technology, making it an attractive destination for both local and international investments. The city's financial sector alone contributes to about 25% of the local GDP, while manufacturing accounts for roughly 30% of economic output. 

Cairo offers several prime advertising locations that capture high-value audiences, with upscale districts like Zamalek, Maadi, and New Cairo featuring premium spaces along major thoroughfares. The Cairo International Airport, serving as Egypt's primary aviation hub, presents valuable advertising opportunities, particularly in Terminal 3 which handles most international flights. Today, Cairo remains an economic powerhouse in Africa. The diverse range of industries makes it an attractive destination for both local and international businesses.   

4. Nairobi, Kenya

As East Africa's economic center, Nairobi's growing concentration of wealth makes it an ideal location for reaching affluent audiences. Nairobi generates approximately 27.5% of Kenya's total GDP, and is home to approximately 4,400 high-net-worth individuals The city's growing technology sector is fueled by innovative startups, tech incubators, and a lively community of entrepreneurs. Companies like Safaricom's M-Pesa have transformed mobile banking, setting global standards. This energetic ecosystem positions Nairobi as a beacon for future growth and investment opportunities. 

For brands looking to advertise in Nairobi, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport stands as a prime location for reaching affluent travellers and business executives. Wilson Airport, though smaller, also provides targeted advertising opportunities for reaching private and chartered flight passengers who typically represent a wealthy demographic. Other prime locations for brand advertising in Nairobi can be found at upscale malls like Westgate and Two Rivers, affluent residential areas including Karen and Muthaiga, major highways such as Thika and Mombasa Roads, and business districts like Upperhill and Westlands, as well as premium venues like Village Market and Sarit Centre. 

Nairobi’s rapid tech advancements make it a perfect advertising destination for 2025, setting the stage for brands in Africa’s evolving market. 

5. Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria, is a significant economic hub in Africa, with a current GDP of $24.88 billion, and home to 4,200 high-net-worth individuals, making it the perfect advertising destination for luxury brands seeking to capture the attention of the continent's most sophisticated urban wealth. This lively city provides a wide advertising scope for brands, with its various industries driving its growth, such as finance, entertainment, telecommunications, and oil production. Its strategic position along the Atlantic coast makes Lagos an important port city for trade and commerce, not just within Nigeria but also in West Africa. 

Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos serves a vast flow of travellers, making it a prime site for brands to advertise and engage affluent travellers, business executives, and tourists through strategic placements in premium terminals, VIP lounges, and high-traffic areas. The city's ability to attract foreign investments reinforces its reputation as a commercial hub with abundant prospects for businesses and wealthy individuals. Lagos presents an unparalleled advertising opportunity for brands seeking to tap into Africa's most sophisticated and affluent market in 2025. 

6. Casablanca, Morocco 

Casablanca stands as a dynamic financial nexus within Africa, a position solidified by the Casablanca Finance City (CFC), which has attracted numerous multinational banks, investment firms, and financial institutions seeking entry into the African market. The city's economic vibrancy is underscored by the presence of over 2,800 millionaires, reflecting Casablanca’s wealth and influence as a prominent regional powerhouse. For luxury and high-value brands, Casablanca represents an unmissable advertising opportunity, its affluent population, thriving business ecosystem, and strategic gateway status make it ideal for capturing the attention of Africa's decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and top-tier consumers.

Casablanca's connectivity with European markets provides a compelling case for companies looking to establish a presence on the continent while maintaining close ties with Europe. To effectively engage affluent travellers, premium brands can strategically position their advertising at Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca's premier aviation hub, which serves as a gateway for international business and luxury tourism.. The strategic location and thriving industries make it an attractive prospect for those looking to expand their operations into African markets in 2025. 

7. Pretoria, South Africa

Pretoria, with its status as the administrative capital of South Africa, presents brands with an exceptional gateway to affluent audiences. Home to approximately 2,400 millionaires, the city is a hub for high-net-worth individuals, diplomats, and influential decision-makers, offering brands a concentrated market with considerable spending power. Reaching Pretoria's affluent residents can be effectively achieved through targeted placements in high-end neighborhoods such as Waterkloof, Brooklyn, and Menlo Park. For brands, advertising here not only opens access to South Africa's elite but also strengthens their foothold within a prosperous, vibrant urban center poised for continued economic growth. 

The city's economy is supported by various industries such as manufacturing, technology, and education, which attract businesses and skilled professionals. Brands can reach Pretoria’s affluent audience by advertising at Wonderboom Airport and O.R. Tambo International Airport, where high-traffic placements capture the attention of business travellers, high-net-worth individuals, and influential decision-makers.  

8. Accra, Ghana 

Accra, the thriving capital of Ghana, offers brands a unique opportunity to connect with a rapidly growing affluent market, including approximately 2,000 high-net-worth individuals. As a key business hub in West Africa, Accra attracts influential entrepreneurs, investors, and decision-makers, making it an ideal location for brands seeking visibility among wealthier demographics. 

To reach this affluent audience, brands can leverage advertising opportunities in upscale neighborhoods like East Legon, Cantonments, and Airport Residential Area, as well as premium spots within Kotoka International Airport and luxury hotels. Targeting these channels allows brands to connect directly with high-net-worth individuals in Accra’s vibrant, upscale settings. 

The city's growth is significantly driven by technology startups and renewable energy projects. These sectors are not only fostering innovation but also attracting international investments. As the tech industry blossoms, Accra is becoming a hub for young entrepreneurs and skilled professionals looking to capitalize on the digital economy. 

9. Luanda, Angola

Luanda, Angola's capital, presents a compelling opportunity for brands to reach affluent consumers through strategic advertising. The city boasts a significant concentration of high-net-worth individuals, primarily driven by its oil industry wealth and emerging business sectors. To effectively target this affluent demographic, brands should focus on premium locations such as luxury shopping centers, high-end residential areas like Talatona and Miramar, and the Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport where wealthy travellers frequently pass through. The city's growing middle and upper classes, combined with increasing consumer spending power, make it an attractive market for luxury brands and premium services. Additionally, advertising in exclusive clubs, upscale restaurants, and premium office buildings in the downtown area can help brands connect with business leaders and oil industry executives who form a substantial part of Luanda's wealthy population. Luanda, the capital of Angola, is expected to be a major center of economic growth in Africa by 2025.  

10. Kigali, Rwanda 

Kigali presents a compelling opportunity for brands seeking to reach affluent consumers in East Africa. With its reputation as one of Africa's cleanest and safest cities, coupled with modern infrastructure, Kigali attracts high-net-worth individuals, diplomats, and business executives. To effectively reach this affluent demographic, brands should focus their advertising efforts on premium locations such as the Kigali Convention Centre, high-end hotels like the Marriott and Radisson Blu, and the newly expanded Kigali International Airport. The city's affluent are concentrated in upscale neighborhoods like Nyarutarama and Kimihurura, where targeted outdoor advertising and exclusive events can create meaningful connections. Additionally, luxury shopping centers and premium office complexes in the central business district offer prime advertising spaces to engage with business leaders and international professionals who comprise a significant portion of Kigali's wealthy population.