The world’s population is constantly growing and is expected to peak in the mid 2080s at around 10 billion, according to the UN. It is, therefore, no surprise that many continents are seeing new mega-cities emerge.
One such mega-city can be found in Africa. The place in question is Lagos in Nigeria, which is on track to become the largest city in the world by the end of the century, with a projected population of around 100 million people.
According to Canada’s Ontario Tech University, the city could surpass Tokyo, Delhi, and Shanghai to become the most densely populated urban area on the planet.
Currently home to an estimated 20 million residents, Lagos is already the biggest city in Africa.
The United Nations estimates the population is growing at a rate of 6% per year and is driven by high birth rates and rapid migration from rural areas.
Lagos is also one of the world’s fastest-growing economic hubs, attracting people in search of jobs and business opportunities.
It also acts as Nigeria’s financial centre and is a major player in industries like banking, technology, and entertainment.
Nollywood, Africa’s largest film industry, is based in the city, along with a growing number of tech startups.
The city’s expansion is part of a larger trend across Africa, where urban populations are rising dramatically.
According to the Clean Air Fund, 65 percent of Africa’s population is expected to live in cities by 2060, putting significant pressure on infrastructure, housing, and services.
Lagos itself has long struggled with traffic congestion, housing shortages, and inadequate public services.
Many residents live in informal settlements with limited access to clean water, electricity, and sanitation.
The city’s roads are frequently gridlocked, and public transport systems are struggling to keep up with demand.
Officials have been working on solutions to manage the city’s rapid growth.
Projects such as the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system aim to improve transportation, while new housing developments are being built to accommodate the increasing population.
However, experts warn that unless major investments are made in infrastructure and city planning, Lagos could face serious challenges as it expands.
Despite these issues, Lagos remains an exciting city. Time Out magazine recently ranked it as the 19th best city to visit in the world, thanks to its culture, nightlife, and arts scene.
