Africa’s marketplaces are not only a hub for trade, but also an ideal setting for interpersonal relationships. Aside from acquiring necessities, Africans frequently assemble in marketplaces to discuss ideas and challenges. Furthermore, wandering about the market allows you to measure the economy through product pricing while also exploring the various possibilities for preference.
When visiting a foreign nation, marketplaces provide opportunities to interact with residents, obtain insights into their shared ideas, learn about their history, and experience their cultures through locally created products such as apparel, accessories, and, of course, cuisine.
This reality raises the question of which markets on the continent may simply be described as the best.
Merchant Machine, a UK-based payment directory, ranked African markets based on the percentage of five-star ratings for listings classified as “farmers market” or “street/flea market” on Tripadvisor.
Merchant Machine discovered in the process that Africa, which is home to some of man’s first bazaars, also has some of the world’s best-rated markets. South African markets topped the list.
“Outside of South Africa, Cairo’s Street of the Tentmakers (Sharia Khayamiya) is Africa’s most popular market. 86.2% of visitors rate it five stars. It is also one of the most distinctive in our research, occupied by artists who create colorful fabrics for ceremonial tents used at wakes, marriages, and other events. These textiles are both inexpensive and good quality. Merchant Machine reported that these items can be purchased in many formats, such as bed linens and tapestries.
South Africa hosts 12 of Africa’s top 20 marketplaces.
Victoria Yards in Johannesburg was Africa’s best marketplace and the world’s eighth, with 91.9% five-star ratings. Pretoria’s Market @ the Sheds and Cairo’s Street for Tent Makers were second and third, respectively.
| Rank | Marketplace | Region | % of 5 star reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Victoria Yards | Johannesburg, South Africa | 91.9% |
| 2. | Market @ The Sheds | Pretoria, South Africa | 87.0% |
| 3. | Street of Tent Makers | Cairo, Egypt | 86.2% |
| 4. | The Playground | Johannesburg, South Africa | 62.5% |
| 5. | Pretoria Farmers Market | Pretoria, South Africa | 61.4% |
| 6. | Hermanus Country Market | Hermanus, South Africa | 59.5% |
| 7. | The Old Biscuit Mill | Cape Town, South Africa | 59.0% |
| 8. | Rue Bab Doukkala Market | Marrakesh, Morocco | 55.9% |
| 9. | Hazel Food Market | Pretoria, South Africa | 55.3% |
| 10. | Mojo Market | Cape Town, South Africa | 53.4% |