While many of us complain about cold coffee, small apartments, or traffic jams, others are simply trying to survive. Some people go days without a full meal. Others sleep on sidewalks without shelter, clean water, or electricity.

According to a report by the United Nations, most of the world’s poorest cities are located in Africa—on a continent that continues to grapple with deep-rooted issues like poverty, inadequate infrastructure, political instability, and lack of access to basic services.

Let’s take a closer look at ten of the world’s most impoverished cities, and the challenges their residents face every day.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

With a population of over 3.3 million, Addis Ababa is Ethiopia’s largest city and capital. Often referred to as the «political capital of Africa» due to its diplomatic importance, the city is slowly modernizing but still has a long road ahead.

Addis Ababa has a diverse economy including trade, industry, agriculture, and public services. New skyscrapers are changing the skyline, and rural communities nearby rely on livestock and horticulture. Still, one of the city’s most pressing issues is its chronic shortage of clean water, which hinders further development.

Dakar, Senegal

Dakar, Senegal’s bustling capital, houses over a million people and serves as the country’s political and administrative hub. It’s home to the National Assembly and the presidential palace.

The economy revolves around fishing, cotton farming, and agriculture. Infrastructure is slowly improving, but access to safe drinking water remains a significant concern. Ongoing political unrest in West Africa adds another layer of uncertainty to the city’s progress.

Harare, Zimbabwe

Harare is the capital and most populous city in Zimbabwe, with more than 1.6 million residents. It acts as the country’s financial, commercial, and communication center, and is known for its tobacco, corn, cotton, and citrus exports.

Despite its high-rise buildings, about 17% of the population lives in slums. Outbreaks of typhoid and persistent water shortages are constant threats to public health and safety.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city, is also the most populous urban center in East Africa. Known for its vibrant arts and media scene, it’s the cultural heartbeat of the nation.

However, the rapid growth of its population—now over 4 million—puts intense pressure on infrastructure. Issues like gender inequality, the spread of HIV/AIDS, and lack of access to clean water and sanitation contribute to the city’s rising social and economic challenges.

Lusaka, Zambia

Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, is one of Southern Africa’s fastest-growing cities. But with limited natural resources, weak infrastructure, and widespread poverty, it struggles to provide a good quality of life for its people.

The average life expectancy here is just 56 years, largely due to harsh living conditions and the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS.

Niamey, Niger

Niamey, the capital of Niger, plays a central role in the country’s administration, economy, and culture. Yet, due to unequal development between urban and rural areas, progress is slow and uneven.

High crime rates—including drug trafficking, kidnappings, and gender-based violence—are major concerns. Food insecurity and systemic discrimination along ethnic, religious, and racial lines only deepen the city’s struggles.

Bamako, Mali

Home to 1.4 million people, Bamako is Mali’s capital and economic center. Its industries include textiles, meat processing, and metalworking. But like many other African cities, it faces the dual problems of overcrowding and pollution.

Although countries like Saudi Arabia and China have invested in the city’s infrastructure—such as building water pumping stations—seasonal droughts make water scarcity an ongoing problem.

Antananarivo, Madagascar

The capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, is the nation’s main hub for politics, business, and culture. Its economy relies on agriculture, livestock, and brick production.

Illegal land use has led to overpopulation and poor sanitation. Many of the country’s national roads aren’t even paved, and the city’s infrastructure is considered fragile and underdeveloped.

Conakry, Guinea

With nearly 2 million residents, Conakry is the capital of Guinea and the heart of its economy and administration. It’s known for exporting bananas and aluminum oxide.

But the city’s public transport is almost non-existent, and both electricity and water services are highly unreliable. These daily inconveniences make life difficult for the vast majority of the population.

Monrovia, Liberia

Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, relies heavily on rubber and iron ore exports. The city suffers from frequent blackouts, decaying roads, and poor public infrastructure.

Access to clean water and affordable transportation is minimal, and residents of informal settlements are particularly vulnerable to floods and landslides during the rainy season.

Final Thoughts

These cities are not defined solely by their poverty, but by the resilience of their people. While their struggles are immense, they also hold stories of endurance, community, and slow but steady efforts toward a better future.

Recognizing the inequalities faced by millions across the globe is the first step in creating a more empathetic and equitable world. As we reflect on our own lives, it’s important to remember that what we consider basic can be a luxury elsewhere.