A significant number of cities in Africa have become a major destination/hub for the growing number of digital nomads to visit, offering an affordable cost of living, lively and vibrant cultures, pleasant and good weather, improved digital infrastructure as well as stable internet connectivity.
This stable internet connectivity has significantly increased the number of internet users in Africa, which is a positive development as we are actively integrating into the global technology landscape.
All these factors can influence your decision on which cities in Africa to visit, and without proper information, navigating through the continent can become tedious and exhausting.
Let’s discuss the best cities to visit in Africa for digital nomads, focusing on some key aspects to consider before making a decision:
Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity.
As your work revolves around online communication and access to information, these aspects are vital. It ensures you stay productive, meet deadlines, and participate in virtual meetings without issues. These are the top three cities in Africa due to internet speed and infrastructure;
Cape Town, South Africa
This city provides one of Africa’s best internet infrastructures with a wide coverage of fiber-optic networks and Internet Service Providers (ISP). With a median download speed of 52.25 Mbps for fixed broadband and 53.10 Mbps for mobile, internet access is fast.
Cape Town also boasts of a thriving community of digital nomads and tech startups which makes it easy to network.
Coworking Spaces: You can explore a variety of coworking spaces such as Workshop17, Neighbourgood, Roamwork, and others with reliable Wi-Fi and modern amenities.
Lagos, Nigeria
As Africa’s major financial hub, Lagos offers numerous business growth and networking opportunities.
The bustling city has been focusing on improving its internet connection, for fixed broadband and mobile internet, the median download speeds are 31.32 Mbps and 44.10 Mbps, respectively.
However, these speeds are adequate for most remote work needs, although there is variability between areas and service providers.
Coworking Spaces: Spaces like Cc-Hub and Workstation provide reliable internet and a conducive working environment.
Nairobi, Kenya
The “Silicon Savannah” is known for its vibrant tech scene, innovation hubs like iHUB and Nakuru Box.
Nairobi is known for its reliable and fast internet connections, supported by a growing number of public Wi-Fi spots.
The city offers median download speeds of around 13.87 Mbps for fixed broadband and 43.92 Mbps for mobile connections making it a strong choice for digital nomads.
Read more: How To Obtain an ECOWAS passport as a Digital Nomad.
Cost of Living.
When choosing a destination as a digital nomad, it is important to take into account the average monthly budget to live in the city. Here are three African cities offering a good balance between affordability and quality of life:
Cairo, Egypt
Cairo, with its growing reputation as a digital nomad hub, is a city rich in history and culture. It is an attractive option to be in this city, which has a strong historic backdrop and lively urban environment.
The city has a relatively affordable cost of living, which is about $879 per month on average, and it retains an atmosphere full of vitality and cultural diversity
Kampala, Uganda
Uganda’s capital city, Kampala is a great place for remote workers and digital nomads. With an average monthly budget of around $1,540, the city offers a high quality of life at a low price.
Kampala is characterized by a thriving tech scene and an amazing natural environment, which makes it the perfect destination for travelers who want to combine work with adventure.
Nairobi, Kenya
The Safari capital of Africa is a popular destination due to its modern infrastructure and strong expatriate community. Nairobi offers an affordable and exciting base for digital nomads, with an average monthly budget of around $1,578.
Lifestyle and Culture
If you are seeking vibrant lifestyles and cultural experiences, several cities in Africa stand out. They have a rich mix of culture, activities, and friendly environments. These cities provide unique cultural insights and activities, making them ideal for those balancing work, adventure and exploration.
Cape Town, South Africa
The “Mother City” is known for its beautiful and magnificent landscape, from Table Mountain to the beaches offering a lifestyle influenced by African, European or Asian influences.
There’s a lively art scene, historical sites like the Robben Island, and a lot of cultural events in the city. There are unique colorful homes and streets in its diverse neighborhoods, such as BoKaap.
You’ll be able to spend your weekends hiking, surfing, or exploring the city’s many museums and historical sites, enjoying its natural beauty, wonderful food and wine, and thriving art scene.
Marrakech, Morocco
The city of Marrakech is known for its rich history, lively markets (souks) and stunning architecture which blends traditional Moroccan culture with modern facilities.
You can explore the medina, historic palaces and gardens, as well as enjoy authentic cuisine at crowded food markets and regular events are festivals and traditional music recitals.
Take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains or the desert of the Sahara for an amazing experience.
Lagos, Nigeria
Nigeria’s throbbing heart, is a lively and vibrant city with stimulating markets, an exciting music scene and rich heritage of culture. To explore beautiful waterways, you can also go to nearby beaches or take a boat ride.
Lagos offers a blend of historical and modern experiences due to its dynamic atmosphere. The city is a cultural melting pot, with annual festivals, art exhibitions and concerts happening all year that highlights the best of Nigeria’s creativity and traditions.
It is an ideal destination for travelers looking to enjoy the best of Africa, due to a combination of culture richness and friendly community.
In Summary
Africa boasts of a wide range of cities, which are increasingly accommodating for digital nomads. Remember, there is a city in Africa to explore that can meet your needs as a digital nomad or remote worker.
