Numbeo, the renowned global database that collects user-contributed data on cities and countries all around the world, has identified Lagos State as having the most severe traffic congestion, closely followed by Nairobi, Kenya.
Numbeo is a vital resource that offers up-to-date information on various aspects of living conditions worldwide, which includes details on the cost of living, housing indicators, healthcare quality, traffic situations, crime rates, and pollution levels.
As indicated by Numbeo’s projections for mid-2024, it is expected that traffic conditions in several African cities will worsen, leading to longer commute times and decreased productivity for residents.
The traffic index utilized by Numbeo considers crucial factors such as commute duration, public dissatisfaction with traffic congestion, CO2 emissions, and overall system inefficiencies to underscore the seriousness of the problem.
Consistently, Lagos features among the world’s most congested cities, earning a high Traffic Index score of 354.5, signifying severe congestion and an average daily commute time of around 68.8 minutes for residents. Contributing to this congestion are factors like the city’s high population density, substandard road conditions, and the presence of frequent potholes, which collectively exacerbate traffic issues.
Following closely behind Lagos is Nairobi, Kenya, another major urban center grappling with substantial traffic congestion. Nairobi’s Traffic Index of 249.0 reveals an average commute time of 52.7 minutes, with the city’s status as an economic and administrative hub playing a significant role in its traffic challenges.
Similarly, Cairo, the bustling capital of Egypt, is notorious for its traffic jams, with a Traffic Index of 242.4 and an average commute time of 49.9 minutes. The city’s ancient infrastructure struggles to cope with modern-day traffic volumes, compounded by its high population density, making it one of Africa’s most densely populated urban areas.
Furthermore, Pretoria, one of South Africa’s three capital cities, also faces notable traffic congestion issues. With a Traffic Index of 228.1 and an average commute time of 45.0 minutes, the city’s traffic problems are a source of concern for both residents and authorities alike.
Similarly, Cape Town, another major South African city, contends with significant traffic congestion, reflected in a Traffic Index of 209.3 and an average daily commute time of 42.5 minutes for its residents.
