Natural population growth rates and rural-to-urban migration are the primary causes of the massive populations in most West African cities. These large populations boost the market for the consumption of products and services while contributing more labor for their production. As a result, this has spurred significant economic growth in many West African cities and transformed them into Africa's major commercial, economic, and political hubs.
The vast population in West African cities also leads to higher tax revenues. Nonetheless, the poverty levels in some parts of these cities also prove that, in some instances, larger populations and increased population density do not guarantee that everyone in that region will be economically successful. For example, the increasing population in these cities has caused negative impacts like slum proliferation and high unemployment rates.
This article unveils the largest city in West Africa by population as well as other major West African cities that are both economically prosperous and have a large population. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers, investors, and anyone interested in the socio-economic landscape of the region.
What is the Largest City in West Africa in 2023?
Even though huge populations in West African cities have led to issues like the spread of slums and high unemployment rates, the massive economic growth in these cities confirms that, in most cases, the benefits of having many people in these places exceed the negative effects. Below are the ten largest cities in West Africa by population:
1. Lagos City in Nigeria - Over 15.9 Million People
- Area Size: 1,171 km²
- Population: Over 15.9 million people
Lagos is the largest city in West Africa by population size. Over 15.9 million people live here. Lagos is the commercial capital of Nigeria and the largest industrial and commercial center of West Africa, situated on the shores of the Benin and Lagos Lagoons.
What is the Official Language of Lagos?
Most Lagos residents use the English language in daily communication. The most common local dialects in the city are Igbo, Awori, Hausa, and Yoruba.
2. Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire - Over 5.6 Million People
- Area Size: 2,119 km²
- Population: Over 5.6 million people
Abidjan is the economic and political capital of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, the administrative center of La Région des Lagunes, and the country's largest city. Located on four peninsulas on the La lagune Ébrié shores of the Gulf of Guinea, Abidjan is home to over 5.6 million people.
Do People in Abidjan Speak English?
French is the most used language in Abidjan because it is Ivory Coast's official language. Nonetheless, a good number of people in this city also speak English.
3. Kano City in Nigeria - Over 4.3 Million People
- Area Size: 499 km²
- Population: Over 4.3 million people
Kano is the capital of Kano State and the second largest city in Nigeria by population after Lagos. The city accommodates over 4.3 million people and is known for its peaceful environment and friendly residents.
What Language Do They Speak in Kano?
Hausa and Fulfulde are the official and most spoken languages in Kano State.
4. Abuja City in Nigeria - Over 3.8 Million People
- Area Size: 1,476 km²
- Population: Over 3.8 million people
Abuja, nicknamed “The Centre of Unity,” became Nigeria's capital city on December 12, 1991, due to its central location and low population density. Today, Abuja hosts over 3.8 million inhabitants.
What Language is Mostly Spoken in Abuja?
English is the official language in Abuja, with major Nigerian languages like Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo also being popular.
5. Kumasi City in Ghana - Over 3.7 Million People
- Area Size: 254 km²
- Population: Over 3.7 million people
Kumasi, located near Lake Bosomtwe, is the industrial, commercial, and cultural capital of the historical Ashanti Empire. It accommodates over 3.7 million people and is renowned for its cultural significance.
What Language is Spoken in Kumasi, Ghana?
English and Asante Twi are the primary languages spoken in Kumasi, with other local languages also being prevalent.
6. Ibadan City in Nigeria - Over 3.6 Million People
- Area Size: 3,080 km²
- Population: Over 3.6 million people
Ibadan is the capital of Oyo State and is recognized as the country's largest city by geographical area. With over 3.6 million residents, it ranks fourth in population size after Lagos, Kano, and Abuja.
What Language is Spoken in Ibadan, Nigeria?
Yoruba is one of the most widely spoken languages in Ibadan.
7. Dakar City in Senegal - Over 3.4 Million People
- Area Size: 83 km²
- Population: Over 3.4 million people
Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is a growing city with over 3.4 million inhabitants. Its economy continues to thrive as it serves as one of the chief seaports on the western African coast.
What Language Do They Speak in Dakar?
French is the official language, while Wolof is the most widely spoken vehicular language in Dakar.
8. Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso - Over 3.2 Million People
- Area Size: 520 km²
- Population: Over 3.2 million people
Ouagadougou, the administrative and cultural center of Burkina Faso, houses over 3.2 million people. Locally, it is often affectionately referred to as Ouaga.
What are the Top 3 Languages Spoken in Ouagadougou?
French is the official language, but the principal local languages are Mooré, Dyula, and Fulfulde.
9. Accra in Ghana - Over 2.6 Million People
- Area Size: 225.7 km²
- Population: Over 2.6 million people
Accra, the economic and administrative hub of the Greater Accra Region, has a population of over 2.6 million people, making it one of the ten largest cities in West Africa.
What is the Main Language in Accra?
Ga, Twi, Ada, Eve, and English are the most widely spoken languages in Accra.
10. Benin City in Nigeria - Over 1.9 Million People
- Area Size: 1,204 km²
- Population: Over 1.9 million people
Benin City is the capital of Edo State, southern Nigeria, and has experienced strong economic growth over the years with a population exceeding 1.9 million.
What Language Do Benin City Inhabitants Speak?
The indigenous Edo people primarily speak the Edo language, while the Oredo people speak the Bini language.
Insights on Population Dynamics in West Africa
Most of the largest West African cities, both by population and land mass, are in Nigeria. The ten largest cities in West Africa by population include:
- Lagos city in Nigeria - Over 15.9 million people
- Abidjan city in Côte d’Ivoire - Over 5.6 million people
- Kano city in Nigeria - Over 4.3 million people
- Abuja city in Nigeria - Over 3.8 million people
- Kumasi city in Ghana - Over 3.7 million people
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