Cairo and Johannesburg were the continent’s only representatives on the list, finishing 46th and 48th, respectively, significantly behind the global frontrunners but still in a highly competitive field dominated by long-established urban heavyweights.
Cairo received a score of 86.4 in the economy and 16.0 in research and development, indicating considerable economic scale but relatively limited innovation capacity. The city received a cultural interaction score of 102.6, while its livability score was 328.6, reflecting ongoing urban pressures. Cairo also received an 86.0 in environmental and 127.6 in accessibility.
Johannesburg had a considerably superior economic performance, with a score of 113.5, but lagged significantly in research and development at 3.9. The city scored 82.5 in cultural engagement, 225.1 in livability, 120.9 in environment, and 112.7 in accessibility.
The Global Power City Index (GPCI) ranks cities based on their ability to attract people, capital, and enterprises, often known as urban “magnetism.” The index assesses cities on six dimensions: economy, research and development, cultural interaction, livability, environment, and accessibility, providing a multifaceted view of global competitiveness.
Beyond headline rankings, the GPCI focuses on the structural strengths and restrictions that influence cities’ prospects in an increasingly dynamic global landscape.
At the top, London maintained its position for the 14th consecutive year, while Tokyo surpassed New York for the first time since the index’s inception, indicating a dramatic shift among the world’s top cities.
In 2025, chronic inflation has continued to pressure urban living conditions worldwide, while climate resilience and sustainability pledges have emerged as critical considerations in determining whether cities will remain appealing in the long run.