Why Cape Town’s appeal is challenged in Jeune Afrique’s latest ranking

Cape Town drops to fourth in Africa city rankings as new data shows the Western Cape powering South Africa’s tourism surge. Cape Town has dropped from first to fourth place in Jeune Afrique’s 2025 ranking of Africa’s 30 most attractive cities, even as new data shows the Western Cape powering South Africa’s tourism rebound and strengthening its global links. The ranking, based on the perceptions of more than 7,000 residents across the continent — saw Cairo leap to first place, followed by Kigali and Nairobi.

Respondents highlighted governance, livability and effective city management as key drivers of urban appeal. But Wesgro said Cape Town’s underlying fundamentals remain strong. “Cape Town and the Western Cape is a diversified, services-led region powered by an innovation-driven economy, world-class infrastructure, strong governance, and a globally recognised brand.

With continued tourism momentum and sectors aligned to future global demand, the region offers a compelling tourism, trade, and investment value proposition.” Cape Town International Airport processed more than 287 000 international two-way passengers in October alone, a 15% year-on-year surge, bringing total international volumes to almost 2.6 million between January and October. Domestic traffic is also climbing, with more than 750 000 two-way passengers in October, up 16% year-on-year. New routes are on the horizon, including LATAM’s first direct Cape Town–São Paulo flight in 2026, Emirates’ third daily Dubai–Cape Town service, and Air Tanzania’s first direct link from December 2025.