LAGOS RANKED AFRICA’S MOST CONGESTED CITY WITH 68-MINUTE AVERAGE COMMUTE
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
In many of Africa’s fastest-growing urban centres, commuting has evolved from a simple daily routine into a demanding test of patience and endurance.
Leading the continent’s congestion rankings is Lagos, which emerges as the most traffic-congested city in Africa. With a Traffic Index of 348.5 and an average one-way commute of about 68 minutes, the city reflects the intense strain placed on its road network due to rapid population growth, expanding commercial activity, and limited transport infrastructure. For many residents, a significant part of the day is consumed in traffic before work even begins.
According to the latest Numbeo Traffic Index (March 2026), cited by The Media, congestion levels across major African cities continue to worsen, with several urban centres now recording commute times that approach or exceed one hour per trip.
Top 10 Most Congested Cities in Africa:
10th – Port Elizabeth
Traffic Index: 147.4 | Average commute: 33.9 minutes
9th – Tunis
Traffic Index: 153.8 | Average commute: 37.0 minutes
8th – Casablanca
Traffic Index: 181.0 | Average commute: ~44 minutes
7th – Alexandria
Traffic Index: 199.4 | Average commute: 44.3 minutes
6th – Johannesburg
Traffic Index: 200.7 | Average commute: 40.7 minutes
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5th – Cape Town
Traffic Index: 207.9 | Average commute: 42.4 minutes
4th – Pretoria
Traffic Index: 219.9 | Average commute: 43.7 minutes
3rd – Cairo
Traffic Index: 240.9 | Average commute: 49.6 minutes
2nd – Nairobi
Traffic Index: 253.5 | Average commute: 53.7 minutes
1st – Lagos
Traffic Index: 348.5 | Average commute: 68.3 minutes
From North to Southern Africa, the data highlights a growing urban challenge as infrastructure struggles to keep pace with rising population and mobility demands.
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