Owing to its landmass and population, Africa is the second largest continent in the world. The continent has 54 countries and a total population of about 1.2 billion. This contributes to the fact that Africa has a lot of the most polluted and dirtiest cities. We bring you a list of the 20 dirtiest cities in Africa.
Top 20 Most Polluted and Dirtiest Cities in Africa 2020
1. Onitsha, Nigeria
Located in Anambra State, Nigeria, Onitsha is one of the biggest cities in the country. As of 2018, it had 1.4 million people, and it is home to the largest market in the continent. These contribute to the fact that it tops the list of the dirtiest cities in Africa.
2. Kaduna, Nigeria
This is located in the northern part of Nigeria. It has one of the main oil refineries in the country. So may industrial activities like manufacturing of various products take place in the city and these make it the second dirtiest city in Africa.
3. Aba, Nigeria
Located in the southeast part of Nigeria, Aba is home to various types of commercial activities. It is the second most populated city in Africa and has found its place as 3rd on the list of dirtiest cities in Africa.
4. Umuahia, Nigeria
This is the capital city of Abia state in Nigeria. It is located in the eastern part of the country and one of the most populated and oldest cities in the east. It is currently ranked as the 4th dirtiest city in Africa.
5. Kampala, Uganda
This is the national and commerce capital for Uganda and its popular for its economic activities. It is the 5th dirtiest city on the continent.
6. Owerri, Nigeria
Located in the eastern part of Nigeria, and capital to Imo state, Owerri has a population of about 1.4 million people. The city is found in the 6th rank on the list of Africa’s dirtiest cities.
7. Dakar, Senegal
Dakar of Senegal has found itself in the 7th position on the list of dirtiest cities in Africa. It is the capital city of Senegal.
8. Bamenda, Cameroon
This is a highly populated city in Cameroon with about 2 million people. It is plagued with pollutants like heavy sewage and refuses dumps. This places it as the 8th dirtiest city in Africa.
9. Accra, Ghana
Accra is the capital of Ghana and the largest city in the country. It has a large population of about 2.2 million people and this brings it under the list of the dirtiest cities in Africa.
10. Hartebeespoort, South Africa
This is a resort town in South Africa, known for its dam and river. It is reported by the WHO to have the most polluted air in the country.
11. Nsukka, Nigeria
Located in the southeastern part of Nigeria, Nsukka is a town in Enugu. It is 11th on this dreadful list of dirtiest African cities.
12. Auchi, Nigeria
Auchi is a city in Edo state. It houses the famous Auchi Polytechnic and it is popular for the manufacture and extraction of Akpu, which is the major cause of pollution in the city.
13. Bafoussam, Cameroon
Bafoussam is located in the western region of Cameroon. It is known as the center of trade in its region. As of 2005, it had a population of 238,000 people. It is currently the 13th dirtiest city in Africa.
14. Ile Ife, Nigeria
Ile Ife is one of the most popular cities in Nigeria, and it is located in Osun state. It is also one of the oldest cities in the country. It has found itself in the 14th slot on the list of Africa’s dirtiest cities.
15. Abakaliki, Nigeria
This is located in southeast Nigeria and is the capital city of Ebonyi. Abakaliki is big on agricultural trade involving a wide range of products. It also sits as number 15 on the list of dirtiest cities in Africa.
16. Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, with a population of about 4.4 million people. it is famously known for the gold mining activities in the city. It is also one of the dirtiest cities in Africa.
17. Afikpo, Nigeria
This city is also located in Ebonyi state. It is the headquarters of the Afikpo North Local Government Area and has found itself as the 17th dirtiest city in Africa.
18. Buchanan, Liberia
This is the third-largest city in Liberia and is referred to as ‘Gbezohn’ in the local language. It has a population of about 35,000 people. though not very populated, it is the 18th dirtiest African city.
19. Yaounde, Cameroon
Located in Cameroon, Yaounde is popular for agriculture among the inhabitants. It is reported to have about 50,000 pigs and over a million chicken. Little wonder it has found its way on this list.
20. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
With a population of about 3.3 million as of 2007, Addis Ababa is the largest city in Ethiopia. It is also the country’s capital. It is a very popular and wealthy city but has still managed to find its way to the 20th spot on the list of dirtiest cities in Africa.
Conclusion
That’s enough dirty talk for one day. Some of you might have been curious while reading this, perhaps you now wish to visit any of these cities. Let’s hear your thoughts on this list and if there’s any city you think should be on this list and isn’t, let’s know through the comments section.
