Top 100 Best City Brands in Africa and the World

Brand Finance City Index 2023 is now out. The top Best City Brands in the world have no surprises excepting the fact that Johannesburg made it to the list. Of importance for international investors, residents and visitors to those cities is the fact that both Cape Town and Johannesburg, rank highly for future growth regardless of the challenges these cities are currently going through. Globally, European and North American cities dominate the list due to their developed, well maintained infrastructures, open economies, focus on education and low crime.

Best City Brands in Africa

Brand Finance has ranked Cape Town as having the best city “brand” in South Africa – and Africa as a whole.

Cape Town’s status as South Africa’s most visited city has positioned it as a continental leader, with its natural beauty making it one of the world’s most attractive tourist destinations.
Brand Finance 2023

According to the inaugural Brand Finance City Index, Cape Town ranks as the 60th best city brand globally, with an index score of 62.9.

The index is based on a global survey with 15,000 respondents from 20 countries and measures perceptions of the world’s top 100 cities. The survey asks respondents about the reputations and their personal consideration of each city as a place to live, work (locally or remotely), study, retire, visit, or invest in.

Moreover, the city ranked 33rd in the world for diversity and multiculturalism, 15th for affordability, and 18th for nice weather, which further enhanced its popularity among international tourists.

Despite Cape Town’s socio-economic challenges, it ranks highly (18th) for future growth potential. This is mainly due to its growing tourism industry.
Brand Finance 2023

Brand Finance said the city’s overall location as a major port and transportation hub also offers a gateway for trade and investment in Africa’s emerging markets.

Cairo, Egypt, is the second-best city in Africa (67th globally), with a score of 60.7.

Johannesburg is the third-best African city brand (72nd globally), with a score of 59.7. The city is held back by high crime levels, power cuts and water cuts (76th).

Johannesburg, like Cape Town, ranks highly for future growth, at 25th globally.

Despite not being as popular as Cape Town with tourists, Johannesburg is still seen as a significant financial and business hub. The city is well-regarded for its robust economy, a large and skilled workforce, and many universities.
Brand Finance

“With its exceptional beauty and extraordinary diversity, South Africa is truly a remarkable nation that enjoys a lively reputation for tourism,” Jeremy Sampson, Managing Director of Brand Finance Africa, said.

“South African cities must continue to focus on promoting their vibrant cultural scenes, sustainable urban development, and investment in infrastructure. Further, by prioritising safety, inclusivity, and social equality, South African cities can create welcoming environments that encourage tourism and promote more positive global perceptions in the coming years.”

Best City Brands in the World

London was seen to have the best city brand in the world, with a score of 84.6.

London’s exceptional performance in the index can be attributed to its global familiarity. Coming first on this particular measure, London has a huge advantage over its peers, leading to its success in the ranking overall as the world’s best city.
David Haigh, Chairman & CEO of Brand Finance

“High familiarity means a deeper understanding of its qualities and a broader reach of its appeal, allowing the city to draw significant economic benefits from inbound migration, investment, and tourism.”

New York (83.0) and Paris (79.7) came in second and third, respectively.