IN many of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, the daily commute has become more than just a routine, it is a test of endurance.
News Point Nigeria reports that top of the ranking is Lagos, which stands out as the most 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 extreme pressure placed on road networks by rapid population growth, commercial activity, and limited transport infrastructure. For many residents, significant portions of the day are lost in traffic before work even begins.
According to the latest Numbeo Traffic Index (March 2026) cited by PUNCH Online on Saturday, congestion across major urban centres continues to intensify, with several cities now recording commute times that stretch close to or beyond an hour for a single trip.
The top ten cities:
10th – (Port Elizabeth)
Traffic Index: 147.4
Average commute: 33.9 minutes
Moderate congestion, but still impactful for a mid-sized port city.
9th – Tunis
Traffic Index: 153.8
Average commute: 37.0 minutes
Steady congestion typical of a capital and administrative hub.
8th – Casablanca
Traffic Index: 181.0
Average commute: ~44 minutes
Heavy movement is tied to its role as Morocco’s main business and port city.
7th – Alexandria
Traffic Index: 199.4
Average commute: 44.3 minutes
Strong pressure along coastal trade and industrial corridors.
6th – Johannesburg
Traffic Index: 200.7
Average commute: 40.7 minutes
Major financial hub with intense commuter inflows.
5th – Cape Town
Traffic Index: 207.9
Average commute: 42.4 minutes
Geography (mountains + coastline) restricts road expansion and concentrates traffic.
4th – Pretoria
Traffic Index: 219.9
Average commute: 43.7 minutes
Part of the Gauteng metro system with heavy intercity commuting pressure.
3rd – Cairo
Traffic Index: 240.9
Average commute: 49.6 minutes
One of the world’s largest metro areas has severe inefficiency in road movement.
2nd – Nairobi
Traffic Index: 253.5
Average commute: 53.7 minutes
Long commutes reflect rapid growth outpacing road infrastructure.
1st – Lagos
Traffic Index: 348.5
Average commute: 68.3 minutes
The most congested city in the ranking, with extreme delays and inefficiency dominating daily travel.