Insights from IMD’s Smart Cities Index 2025

As we navigate the complexities of urban life, IMD’s Smart Cities Index 2025 sheds light on the progress of cities worldwide, including those across the African continent. This year’s findings are a tapestry woven with remarkable strides and lingering obstacles. The landscape of African cities presents a curious paradox—a blend of innovation and stagnation.

A Glimpse of Progress and Challenges

At the forefront, Cairo shines as the highest-ranked African city, landing at 117th place. However, this ranking does not come without a caveat. Cairo continues to grapple with significant infrastructure deficits and the pressing issue of affordable housing. This raises a poignant question: how sustainable can a city’s development be when its foundation is fraught with such basic shortcomings?

Following closely behind is Rabat, sitting at 123rd, with Cape Town not far behind at 124th. Both cities demonstrate the potential for growth but highlight the need for robust strategies to address pressing urban challenges. It’s a narrative marked by incremental improvements, yet the road ahead remains laden with hurdles.

Ranking Observations

Algiers emerged at 128th, while Abuja demonstrated a slight upward movement to 133rd, showcasing a flicker of progress in its smart city initiatives. Yet, the decline of Nairobi to 136th—five places lower than the previous year—calls attention to mounting challenges. With inadequate basic services, limited healthcare access, and escalating unemployment, one might ponder: what does this decline say about the resilience of urban centers in the face of adversity?

Caption: Lagos shows modest progress in the 2025 IMD Smart City Index, reflecting ongoing efforts to tackle urban challenges and enhance digital connectivity.

Accra (141st) and Tunis (142nd) languish at the bottom of the rankings, largely due to enduring issues like housing affordability and infrastructural inadequacies. The question remains: how can these cities transform the narrative from hardship to resilience?

Addressing Urban Barriers

In cities like Nairobi, Lagos, and Accra, the burden of high housing costs coupled with ineffective public transport systems significantly hampers the quality of life. Strikingly, these barriers not only detract from individual experiences but also stymie economic productivity. This echoes the sentiments of urban planners and residents alike: how do we bridge the gap between aspiration and attainment?

The Path Forward

Despite the challenges, African cities that have improved their standings provide a glimmer of hope. Abuja and Lagos serve as examples of how strategic actions in infrastructure and governance can yield tangible benefits. Their journeys remind us of an essential truth: progress is seldom a straight line; instead, it often resembles a meandering road with unexpected turns.

The Smart Cities Index operates on a dual foundation of structure and technology. Each pillar examines five critical areas: health and safety, mobility, activities, opportunities, and governance. Based on survey data from 120 residents across these cities, the index paints a comprehensive portrait of urban life from the perspective of those living it. Reflecting on this data, one can’t help but wonder: what stories do these numbers tell, and how can we amplify the voices behind them?

Ranking of African Cities in IMD Smart City Index 2025

The findings of this year’s index implore us to consider the profound implications of urban living. As we spotlight the achievements and pitfalls of our cities, we ask ourselves: how do we collectively envision and construct the smart urban landscapes of tomorrow?