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

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.”

And the momentum is visible in the numbers.

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.

Wesgro said its strategy is to keep expanding the region’s global reach:

“At Wesgro, we are focused on unlocking access to new markets and new buyers, including China, ASEAN member countries, India, Brazil, and the Middle East, while maintaining strong engagement with established markets such as the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the rest of Africa.”

Air and cruise connectivity remain central pillars.

“We are also enhancing our catalytic delivery model, with Cape Town Air Access and Cruise Cape Town expanding connectivity and driving tourism opportunities in the Western Cape.”

City officials say this connectivity is the backbone of the visitor economy. Mayco Member for Economic Growth James Vos has repeatedly emphasised the importance of air access:

“You’ll often find me in a boardroom with airlines making the case for more routes into Cape Town,” he said recently. “And it’s paying off, we’re now connected to over 31 global destinations, with more than 228 international flights a week in peak season, and more on the way.”

Vos said the city is preparing for a high-growth summer backed by expanded safety deployments, enhanced cleaning and continued investment in mobility, water and energy infrastructure.

“A world-class city must offer a world-class experience,” he said.

Last year, Cape Town recorded 2.4 million overnight visitors, contributing R24.5 billion to the economy and supporting more than 106 000 jobs.

Analysts say the city’s drop to fourth place serves as a reminder that rising African capitals are moving fast and that sustaining Cape Town’s appeal will depend on ensuring its growth is felt across all communities.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus