In the quest to attract global attention and investment, city branding has become a crucial aspect for African nations. According to the Brand Finance Global City Index, five African cities have made it to the top ranks for brand value in 2024.

The index evaluates 45 factors across seven pillars of a city's brand, including business and investment, livability, culture and heritage, people and values, sustainability and transport, governance, and education and science. The top-ranked city, London, scored an impressive 90.9 out of 100.

In Africa, the top 5 cities with the strongest brand value are Cape Town, Johannesburg, Casablanca, Nairobi, and Lagos, ranking 66th, 72nd, 73rd, 85th, and 91st globally, respectively. A strong brand can bring numerous benefits, including attracting tourism, investment, and talent, making the city more competitive and sparking local entrepreneurship and job creation.

This ranking is significant for the tech and startup community, as it highlights the importance of city branding in attracting investment and talent. African cities with strong brands can become hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship, driving economic growth and development.