With a current population slightly above 8.2 billion, the world keeps growing. According to the United Nations, the population will continue growing for the next 50 to 60 years, peaking at approximately 10.3 billion by the mid-2080s. Also, the United Nations revealed that India, China, and Nigeria will account for 35% of the projected growth of the world’s urban population between 2018 and 2050.
As of 2018, the most urbanized regions of the world are North America, where 82% of people live in urban areas; Latin America and the Caribbean (81%); Europe (74%); and Oceania (68%). Despite Africa and Asia having the lowest percentage of people living in urban areas, with 43% and 50%, respectively, the two continents are expected to see the most rapid growth in the next few decades.
Despite the overall population growth, it remains unevenly distributed. Factors like birth rates, death rates, and migration patterns contribute to these uneven distributions. For instance, some cities are expanding so fast that they are becoming the centers of migration, investment, and development, while some are still struggling to keep up.
However, a top concern is that many top-expanding cities lack the infrastructure to handle the rising population. Amid the foregoing, this article will walk you through the 10 fastest-growing cities in the world, including what’s driving that expansion and why it matters if you’re planning investment, relocation, or market entry.
Before we proceed, here’s a little secret and a fun fact: many of the fastest-growing cities on this list aren’t even the capitals of their countries. Surprising, right? And that’s just one of the many interesting things you’ll discover.
Keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- The ten fastest-growing cities in the world (based on 2025 projections) are Gwagwalada, Kabinda, Rupganj, Lokoja, Uige, Bujumbura, Songea, Xiong’an, Nay Pyi Taw, and Potiskum.
- Cities are growing fast due to the population increase and rural-to-urban migration, which are driven by economic, educational, and healthcare opportunities.
- Based on 2025 projections, the ten fastest-growing cities in the world are located in Africa and Asia, with Africa accounting for the majority.
- Gwagwalada, a city in the Nigerian federal capital, Abuja, tops the list of the fastest-growing cities
Top 10 fastest-growing cities in the world
Over the years, there have been several data points from different sources about the fastest-growing cities in the world. For instance, the Worldpopulationreview, a platform that makes data more accessible through graphs, charts, analysis, and visualizations, has the below as the ten fastest-growing cities in the world, by the percentage of growth from 2015 to 2020:
- Malappuram, India (44%)
- Can Tho, Vietnam (37%)
- Suqian, China (37%)
- Kozhikode, India (35%)
- Abuja, Nigeria (34%)
- Suzhou, China (33%)
- Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (32%)
- Putian, China (32%)
- Muscat, Oman (31%)
- Kollam, India (31%)
Meanwhile, the list looks slightly different when ranked by the number of new people per hour from 2015 to 2020. So, according to the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects, the ten fastest-growing cities based on the number of new people per hour are:
- Delhi, India
- Shanghai, China
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Chongqing, China
- Lahore, Pakistan
- Bangalore, India
- Lagos, Nigeria
- Cairo, Egypt
- Beijing, China
For recency bias and because this article focuses on 2025 population trends, I’ll be relying on the list from Geographical, the official magazine of the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers). The list highlights the fastest-growing cities by population, based on UN projections for 2020–2025, excluding cities with fewer than 300,000 residents.
Top 10 fastest-growing cities (2020–2025)
| Rank | City | Country | Annual Growth Rate | 2020 Population | 2025 Projected Population |
| 1 | Gwagwalada | Nigeria | 6.46% | 410,000 | 566,000 |
| 2 | Kabinda | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 6.37% | 466,000 | 640,000 |
| 3 | Rupganj | Bangladesh | 6.36% | 482,000 | 662,000 |
| 4 | Lokoja | Nigeria | 5.93% | 692,000 | 931,000 |
| 5 | Uige | Angola | 5.92% | 511,000 | 687,000 |
| 6 | Bujumbura | Burundi | 5.57% | 1,013,000 | 1,350,000 |
| 7 | Songea | Tanzania | 5.74% | 353,000 | 470,000 |
| 8 | Xiong’an | China | 5.69% | 970,000 | 1,289,000 |
| 9 | Nay Pyi Taw | Myanmar | 5.67% | 594,000 | 788,000 |
| 10 | Potiskum | Nigeria | 5.65% | 426,000 | 565,000 |
Gwagwalada, Nigeria
Here’s a table summarizing key growth metrics for Gwagwalada, Nigeria:
Gwagwalada is located about 45 kilometers southwest of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. As one of the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory, it is projected to have the largest population increase on the African continent and is the fastest-growing urban center in the world.
The city has greatly benefited from proximity to Nigeria’s federal capital, making it a hotspot for rapid urbanization. Its growth is mainly connected to migration from rural areas and the overflow of Abuja’s expanding population. Many people see Gwagwalada as a more affordable and accessible alternative.
While often cited as having over 1 million residents, data from World Population Review and Population Stat estimate its population at 566,000 in 2025, with projections suggesting it could reach 827,000 by 2035.
Gwagwalada’s rapid population growth has led to serious infrastructure challenges. Housing shortages have led to the rise of informal settlements, with newcomers reportedly struggling to find affordable homes.
Transport systems are under pressure, with heavier traffic and longer commute times. Basic services like water, electricity, and healthcare are also stretched thin, struggling to meet demand.
These challenges indicate urgent infrastructure improvement and better urban planning to support the city’s growth.
Gwagwalada is projected to continue growing, but not without smart planning and development. Urban planning and better infrastructure are necessary to achieve this. Also, its proximity to Abuja gives the city big economic potential, attracting investment and development. But growing too fast without proper planning could hurt its future.
Kabinda, DRC
I’ve created a table showing key growth metrics for Kabinda, DRC:
| Metric | Value |
| Location | Lomami Province, DR Congo |
| Land area (territory) | 14,373 km² |
| City proper population (2021) | 59,004 |
| Urban agglomeration population (2025 est) | 640,090 |
| Population (2020) | 466,000 |
| Annual growth rate (2020–2025) | 6.37 % |
| Population change (2024–2025) | +33,710 (5.56 % growth) |
| Global fastest-growing rank | Listed among world’s 15 fastest-growing cities |
Kabinda is the capital city of Lomami Province, in a remote part of the south-central Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is located around 100 kilometers east of Mbuji-Mayi, the second largest city in the country after the capital, Kinshasa. The city currently has a population of 640,000, projected to reach 979,000 by 2035.
The city’s rapid growth is attributed to rich mineral resources, particularly industrial diamonds. The surrounding area is one of the world’s richest sources of diamonds, contributing significantly to the global industrial diamond market. This makes Kabinda a center for diamond mining and related industries, attracting a large workforce and supporting a growing economy.
For instance, the diamond mining industry and associated activities create numerous employment opportunities. As this leads to population growth, urbanization accelerates, with people migrating to the city for work and better living conditions.
As is common for many growing cities, Kabinda also faces challenges, including an infrastructural shortage and increased demand for social services. This can be addressed through improved governance that promotes investment in education, health, and employment.
Rupganj, Bangladesh
Here’s a table summarizing key growth metrics for Rupganj, Bangladesh:
| Metric | Value |
| Location | Rupganj Upazila, Narayanganj District, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh |
| Land area | 176.48 km² |
| Population (2011 census) | 534,868 |
| Population (2022 census) | 704,869 |
| Urban agglomeration population (2025 est) | 662,138 |
| Annual growth rate (2024–2025) | 4.78 % |
| Expected growth rate (2015–2020) | 9.35 % |
| Global growth rank | Fastest-growing city in the world (2015–2025) |
Rupganj, an industrial hub in Narayanganj District near Dhaka, Bangladesh, is one of the world’s fastest-growing cities, with a population growth rate of 6.36% annually (2020-2025). Its proximity to the capital and thriving textile sector makes it attractive to migrants and investors. Its location on the Shitalakshya River facilitates trade and attracts workers from rural areas.
The factors that have contributed to the city becoming one of the fastest in the world include the construction of new planned cities like Purbachal New Town and Jolshiri Abashon within or near Rupganj’s boundaries, leading to a surge in population due to increased residential and commercial opportunities, and its location near industrial areas, such as Narayanganj, which attracts both job seekers and businesses, driving population growth and economic activity.
However, some challenges about the location have been reported. A recent study by Jahangirnagar University raises concerns about the air quality in the area, which is attributed to various industrial activities. The study also confirms that reported noise pollution is due to machinery and loudspeaker noise.
Lokoja, Nigeria
Here’s a table summarizing key growth metrics for Lokoja, Nigeria:
| Metric | Value |
| Location | Kogi State, Nigeria |
| Land area (LGA) | 3,180 km² |
| Population (2006 census) | 196,643 |
| Population (2020) | 692,050 |
| Urban agglomeration population (2025 est) | 931,092 |
| Projected annual growth rate (2020–2025) | 5.93 % |
| Population change (2024–2025) | +45,210 (5.1 % growth) |
| Rank (Africa 2020–2025) | 3rd fastest-growing city in Africa |
Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, is one of the world’s fastest-growing cities, with a yearly growth rate of about 5.93% (2020–2025). With a population of 931,000 in 2025, the city is projected to reach 1,354,000 by 2035. Located where the Niger and Benue rivers meet, the city is rich in history and has become a hub for trade and migration.
As one of the top expanding cities in the world, Lokoja is an important trading port for cotton, leather, palm oil, and kernels. Locally produced yams, corn, beans, fish, and shea nuts are also sold at the large markets here. Due to its central location, the city has become a hub for the migration from the North to the South and a metropolitan settlement inhabited by different tribes. Proximity to Abuja, the federal capital, has also contributed to its surging population.
Meanwhile, the city faces several challenges, including housing shortages and environmental issues, like improper solid waste disposal, soil erosion, water contamination, and air pollution attributed to poor waste management practices. Also, the city suffers from unreliable electricity, which hampers industrial activities and increases business operational costs. Entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry face challenges like high operating costs and inadequate infrastructure.
Despite challenges, Lokoja still has the potential to grow more, necessitating improvement, including investments in infrastructure to address housing shortages and other challenges.
Uige, Angola
Here’s a table summarizing key growth metrics for Uíge, Angola:
| Metric | Value |
| Location | Uíge, Uíge Province, Angola |
| Land area (municipality) | 1 188 km² |
| Population (2014 census) | 519,196 |
| Population (2020 estimate) | 616,605 |
| Urban agglomeration population (2025 est) | 686,667 |
| Projected annual growth rate (2020–2025) | 2.18 % (from 616,605 in 2020 to 686,667 in 2025) |
| Population change (2024–2025) | +33,691 (5.16 % growth) |
| Rank (Angola 2024–2025) | 1st highest growth rate among major Angolan cities (5.16 %) |
From 3,201 in 1950 to 686,667 in 2025, Uige is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Uíge is a province located in northwestern Angola, known for its fertile land and agricultural production, particularly coffee. The province’s hot climate makes it suitable for cultivating coffee, cassava, and other crops.
Economic opportunities, particularly in crop production such as maize, contribute to its rapid growth by attracting residents and workers. Migration also plays a significant role, as people move in search of better jobs, education, and living conditions.
However, it faces significant challenges, like infrastructure deficits and resource scarcity, which can affect development and quality of life.
Bujumbura, Burundi
Here’s a table summarizing key growth metrics for Bujumbura, Burundi:
| Metric | Value |
| Location | Bujumbura, Bujumbura Mairie Province, Burundi |
| Land area (city proper) | 127 km² |
| City proper population (2019 census) | 1,092,859 |
| Urban population (2023 estimate) | 1,143,202 |
| Urban agglomeration population (2025 est) | 1,350,150 |
| Projected annual growth rate (2020–2025) | 5.75 % |
| Population change (2024–2025) | +73,100 (5.72 % growth) |
| Rank (Africa 2020–2025) | 4th fastest-growing city in Africa |
With a population of 1,013,000 in 2020 and 1,350,000 in 2025, Bujumbura is Burundi’s economic capital. Prior to 2019, the city served as the national capital, but legislation passed that year designated Gitega the country’s political capital and Bujumbura the economic capital.
As one of the top expanding cities in the world, Bujumbura’s economy is driven by commerce, agriculture, and industry, specializing in textiles, leather, paper, and chemicals. Bujumbura also serves as Burundi’s main port on Lake Tanganyika, facilitating most of the country’s foreign trade. It is the country’s largest urban center.
Its rapid growth is attributed to high population growth, urbanization, and a concentration of economic activity. However, this quick growth also brings problems like strained infrastructure, potential instability from a large young population, and difficulties for local governments in managing resources.
Challenges like food insecurity, poor healthcare, and sanitation also affect the city and the country. Food insecurity and malnutrition are reportedly becoming chronic, with 43% of the population suffering from food insecurity. Local food production does not meet demand, resulting in a dependence on food imports.
Songea, Tanzania
I’ve created a table summarizing key growth metrics for Songea, Tanzania:
| Metric | Value |
| Location | Ruvuma Region, Tanzania |
| Land area (Municipality) | 578.3 km² |
| Population (2002 census) | 108,771 |
| Population (2012 census) | 203,309 |
| Population (2022 census) | 286,285 |
| Population density (2022) | 495.1km² |
| Metro-area population (2025 est) | 470,000 |
| Projected annual growth rate (2020–2025) | 5.74 % |
| Population change (2024–2025) | +24,000 (5.38 % growth) |
| Rank (Africa 2020–2025) | 6th fastest-growing city in Africa |
Songea is a city in the Ruvuma Region of Tanzania. With a population of 353,000 in 2020 and 470,000 in 2025, the city has witnessed a 5.74% growth. The city’s rapid growth is attributed to factors including its role as a regional hub for agriculture and trade and its potential for economic growth due to the opening of the Mtwara Corridor.
The Mtwara Project is a major infrastructure development project involving southern Tanzania, northern Mozambique, eastern Malawi, and eastern Zambia. The project provides road, rail, and waterway access from the surrounding region to the Port of Mtwara, which tends to increase trading activity within the location.
While the city is predicted to experience a significant increase in population, with projections suggesting a doubling by 2035, it also faces several challenges. These challenges, which cut across the country, include education, poverty, and access to resources.
Xiong’an, China
Here’s a table summarizing key growth metrics for Xiong’an New Area, China:
| Metric | Value |
| Location | State-level new area in the Baoding area, Hebei Province, China |
| Land area | 1,770 km² |
| Population (2020 census) | 1,205,440 |
| Population (2025 estimate) | 1,288,560 |
| Population change (2024–2025) | + 48,400 (3.9 % growth) |
| Annual growth rate (2024–2025) | 3.9 % |
| Planned population (2035 target) | 5,000,000 |
Established in 2017, Xiong’an New Area is about 100 kilometers southwest of Beijing and spans the counties of Xiong, Rongcheng, and Anxin. The city was created to ease overcrowding in the capital while also serving as a development hub for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei economic zone. It is often called China’s “City of the Future.”
With China’s deliberate investment in Xiong’an, 15 Beijing-based universities reportedly planned to establish new campuses there in February 2024, marking a significant milestone in the city’s development. Xiong’an faces substantial challenges, including balancing rapid urbanization with sustainable development and ensuring equitable benefits for all residents, including those in the surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Xiong’an is taking steps to prevent it from becoming another isolated growth hub. Through policies designed to attract investment, create jobs, and improve infrastructure in surrounding areas, Xiong’an is trying to ensure that its development benefits everyone.
Also, by focusing on building a connected, inclusive economy, Xiong’an hopes to prevent economic fragmentation that often arises in rapidly growing urban areas.
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
Here’s a table summarizing key growth metrics for Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar:
| Metric | Value |
| Location | Naypyidaw Union Territory, Myanmar |
| Land area | 7,054.37 km² |
| City proper population (2014 census) | 924 608 |
| Population density (2014) | 131.1km² |
| Urban agglomeration population (2025 est) | 788,238 |
| Annual growth rate (2024 – 2025) | 4.01 % |
| Population change (2024 – 2025) | +30,415 |
| Rank (Myanmar, 2014) | 3rd largest city |
With a population of 594,000 in 2020 and 788,000 in 2025, Nay Pyi Taw is the capital city of Myanmar and the country’s third-largest city. It replaced Yangon, the former capital, in 2005. The city was built from scratch with modern infrastructure and amenities, attracting both residents and government employees. Additionally, its central location and proximity to major cities like Yangon and Mandalay contribute to its growth.
Compared to the former capital, Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw offers more reliable electricity, a better water supply, and improved livability, attracting more residents. However, the city still faces challenges such as limited infrastructure, earthquake damage, a strained healthcare system, and ongoing political instability due to the conflict in Myanmar.
Early this year, Nay Pyi Taw experienced significant damage due to an earthquake, with 80% of government buildings reportedly affected. The World Food Programme is already distributing relief aid to affected populations. Also, the severe damage to government buildings has led to significant disruptions in administrative functions.
Potiskum, Nigeria
| Metric | Value |
| Location | Yobe State, Nigeria |
| Land area (LGA) | 559 km² |
| Population (2006 census) | 204,866 |
| Population (2022 estimate) | 322,100 |
| Urban agglomeration population (2025 est) | 565,496 |
| Projected annual growth rate (2020–2025) | 5.65 % |
| Population change (2024–2025) | +26,000 (4.82 % growth) |
| Rank (Africa 2020–2025) | 7th fastest-growing city in Africa |
Potiskum is a city district in Yobe State, northeastern Nigeria, notable for its cattle market. It’s one of the largest in Africa and West Africa and has a thriving grain and millet trade. The city’s growth is attributed to its geographical advantages, economic opportunities, and role as a hub for commerce and culture, making it a dynamic and rapidly growing city.
People from neighboring Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe State, and numerous others from Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Benin, and the Central African Republic, have stakes in its cattle market.
These factors, in addition to high birth rates and migration to urban areas in search of economic opportunities, contribute to the city’s population growth. The city is not without challenges, and beyond the common infrastructural challenge, Potiskum faces others, such as education and social issues like poverty and security.
Major concerns include road deterioration, limited healthcare access, and the impact of the Boko Haram insurgency. Population Stats projects the city’s population to reach 820,000 by 2025.
Major factors behind the rapid growth of cities in 2025
Rapidly growing cities are urban areas experiencing significant population growth because of factors like migration, economic opportunities, and improved living standards. Cities are growing fast for several reasons, including a combination of natural population increase and rural-to-urban migration, driven by economic opportunities, better education, and healthcare.
- Natural population increase: Natural population increase occurs when urban areas experience higher birth rates and lower death rates than rural areas.
- Economic and technological development: A city grows when there is economic growth, industrialization, and technological advancements, which create jobs, attract investment, and improve infrastructure.
- Improved infrastructure: A city also grows with improved transportation, communication, and utilities. This makes it attractive and efficient, increasing settlement and economic activity.
- Another factor is when people move from rural areas to cities seeking better job opportunities, educational and healthcare services, and a better quality of life.
The challenges of growing cities
While urbanization is reshaping cities with rapid growth, it comes with significant challenges. Expanding cities face challenges, including infrastructure constraints, housing shortages, affordability, transportation, environmental sustainability, and social equity. This section explores these issues.
- Infrastructure constraint: This is a situation where basic systems and services, like transportation, power, water, and communication, are unable to meet the demands placed on them, while many growing cities struggle to keep up with this demand. Also, aging infrastructure can lead to frequent service disruptions, increased maintenance costs, and public health risks. This challenge can affect the quality of life of the residents.
- House shortages and affordability: One of the most pressing issues confronting fast-growing cities is the affordability and accessibility of housing. Many cities do not prepare for the influx of people due to growth, leading to high demand for housing amid shortages.
- Environmental sustainability: Environmental sustainability is another major challenge for fast-growing cities. As cities expand, pollution levels, waste generation, and pressure on natural resources tend to expand, too. Without proper amenities to contain this, cities risk compromising both public health and long-term livability.
Insights and trends about the fastest-growing cities in the world
In one of my earlier paragraphs, I mentioned that you’d discover some interesting facts about the topic of this article, one of them being that many of the fastest-growing cities on this list aren’t even national capitals. Now, let’s explore!
While researching this article, I noticed a clear trend that Africa and Asia dominate, with Africa accounting for the majority. I wasn’t surprised after all. Wonder why? Africa is the fastest-growing continent in the world, both in population and economic terms. According to Statista, Africa’s total population will reach nearly 2.5 billion by 2050.
It is even more interesting that Nigeria has the majority, with three of the fastest-growing cities on the list. Still, I am not surprised! Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with a projected population of 240.8 million in 2025, according to Intelpoint. The government has added over 109 million people in 24 years, with a CAGR of 2.6%. Its fertility rate remains one of the highest in Africa at 5.3 births per woman, while the urban population reached 56.3% in 2024.
Another essential aspect to mention is that almost all cities have one or two challenges, with infrastructural challenges being the most prominent. This indicates a lot of work for the government and the major stakeholders.
For instance, there have been calls for attention on Gwagwalada. This fast-growing city is a suburb of Abuja. Yet, these communities could become a hub for crime and environmental degradation in the FCT. Also, the Kogi State government has been asked to wake up to the environmental challenge in Lokoja by preparing an implementable master plan that will cover neighboring urban areas.
Conclusion
The fastest-growing cities in 2025 indicate shifting global demographics, economic opportunities, and migration patterns, especially in Africa and Asia. While these urban areas present exciting prospects, they also demand urgent attention to infrastructure, social services, and governance to ensure that growth translates into improved living conditions and economic success.
If you’re thinking about investment, relocation, or market entry, understanding this article will help you navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. If your city makes the list or you have insights to share, please leave a comment below.
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