Nairobi has been selected as one of Africa's five Cities to Watch in the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2026. The city ranks 327th overall among 1,000 global cities but stands out with an exceptional 26th ranking for human capital. This recognition highlights Nairobi's potential for growth and development. The Oxford Economics report describes Nairobi as East Africa's commercial anchor and a natural gateway to the East African Community's expanding markets.
The report projects that Nairobi, along with Accra, Cairo, Dakar, and Luanda, will account for one-third of the GDP growth generated by African cities in the Index over the next 25 years. Nairobi's strong technology talent pool, digital infrastructure, and vibrant innovation ecosystem have earned it the nickname 'Silicon Savannah'. The city has become a regional financial and technology hub, with fintech investment reinforcing its emergence.
Oxford Economics forecasts average annual growth of 5.5% in information technology and 4.1% in finance over the next 25 years. The report also projects industrial output exceeding $38 billion by 2050, growing 4.4% annually in real terms, and approximately 700,000 additional industrial jobs. This expansion is one of the largest among the 1,000 cities assessed.
The Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC) welcomes the city's selection as one of Africa's five Cities to Watch. NIFC is prioritizing the establishment and domiciliation of investment funds and sector-specific vehicles for technology, artificial intelligence, and financial services. This initiative aims to broaden access to patient and growth capital for startups and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
NIFC is also supporting a responsible digital-assets and fintech ecosystem in collaboration with relevant regulators. In sustainable finance, NIFC is working with the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and other stakeholders on carbon-market regulations and investment structures to mobilize credible climate finance. The Centre seeks to support the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), working alongside the Fund and relevant institutions.
According to Daniel Mainda, Chief Executive Officer of NIFC, the ambition is to build Nairobi into Africa's Capital of Capital, where global capital meets African opportunity. Mainda emphasizes that Oxford Economics has identified the talent, technology, and industrial momentum, and NIFC's task is to mobilize the investment that turns this potential into jobs and lasting prosperity.
The report also highlights the pressures of rapid urbanization and the importance of continued institutional strength. Nairobi's population is projected to reach 12 million by 2050, creating new demand for infrastructure, housing, consumer services, and investment. With transport and logistics improvements supporting regional integration, the city is poised for significant growth and development.
Key points
- Nairobi ranks 327th overall and 26th for human capital in the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2026.
- The city is projected to account for one-third of the GDP growth generated by African cities in the Index over the next 25 years.
- Nairobi's population is expected to reach 12 million by 2050, creating new demand for infrastructure and investment.
