Africa’s mega-city that’s set to become the world’s largest with 100mn people

African megacity - Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos could have a population of 100 million by 2100. (Image: Getty)

The world’s population is constantly growing and is expected to peak in the mid 2080s at around 10 billion, according to . It is, therefore, no surprise that many continents are seeing new emerge. 

One such mega-city can be found in . The place in question is , which is on track to become the by the end of the century, with a projected population of around 100 million people.

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Tuk tuk drivers and other road users travel around the port city of Lagos

Lagos is currently home to an estimated 20 million residents. (Image: Getty)

According to , the city could surpass Tokyo, Delhi, and Shanghai to become the most densely populated urban area on the planet.

Currently home to an estimated 20 million residents, Lagos is already the biggest city in Africa. 

The United Nations estimates the population is growing at a rate of 6% per year and is driven by high birth rates and rapid migration from rural areas.

Lagos is also one of the world’s fastest-growing economic hubs, attracting people in search of jobs and business opportunities. 

It also acts as Nigeria’s financial centre and is a major player in industries like banking, technology, and entertainment.

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Landscape of Ikoyi neighbourhood in Lagos showing Lekki-Ikoyi Link bridge.

Lagos is also one of the world’s fastest-growing economic hubs. (Image: Getty)

Nollywood, Africa’s largest film industry, is based in the city, along with a growing number of tech startups.

The city’s expansion is part of a larger trend across Africa, where urban populations are rising dramatically. 

According to the Clean Air Fund, 65 percent of Africa’s population is expected to live in cities by 2060, putting significant pressure on infrastructure, housing, and services.

Lagos itself has long struggled with traffic congestion, housing shortages, and inadequate public services. 

Many residents live in informal settlements with limited access to clean water, electricity, and sanitation.

Urban life in Lagos

The city is rapidly expanding. (Image: Getty)

The city’s roads are frequently gridlocked, and public transport systems are struggling to keep up with demand.

Officials have been working on solutions to manage the city’s rapid growth. 

Projects such as the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system aim to improve transportation, while new housing developments are being built to accommodate the increasing population. 

However, experts warn that unless major investments are made in infrastructure and city planning, Lagos could face serious challenges as it expands.

Despite these issues, Lagos remains an exciting city. Time Out magazine recently ranked it as the 19th best city to visit in the world, thanks to its culture, nightlife, and arts scene.

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