In 2023, Gabon had the highest urbanization rate in Africa, with over 90 percent of the population living in urban areas. Libya and Djibouti followed at around 82 percent and 79 percent, respectively. On the other hand, many countries on the continent had the majority of the population residing in rural areas. As of 2023, urbanization in Malawi, Rwanda, Niger, and Burundi was below 20 percent. A growing urban population On average, the African urbanization rate stood at approximately 45 percent in 2023. The number of people living in urban areas has been growing steadily since 2000 and is forecast to increase further in the coming years. The urbanization process is being particularly rapid in Burundi, Uganda, Niger, and Tanzania. In these countries, the urban population grew by over 4.2 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year. The most populous cities in Africa Africa’s largest city is Lagos in Nigeria, counting around nine million people. It is followed by Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cairo in Egypt, each with over seven million inhabitants. Moreover, other cities on the continent are growing rapidly. The population of Bujumbura in Burundi will increase by 123 percent between 2020 and 2035, registering the highest growth rate on the continent. Other fast-growing cities are Zinder in Niger, Kampala in Uganda, and Kabinda in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The urbanization rate in Africa was estimated at nearly 45 percent in 2023. Urbanization on the continent has increased steadily since 2000, when close to 35 percent of the total population lived in urban areas. This share is expected to increase further in the coming years. However, the proportion of the rural and urban population varies significantly on the continent. In 2023, Gabon and Libya were the most urbanized countries in Africa, each exceeding 80 percent. In contrast, Burundi and Niger registered the lowest urbanization rates, which recorded only 13 and 17 percent of their populations living in urban areas, respectively. Overall, the degree of urbanization on the continent was lower than the world average, which was set at 57 percent as of 2023. In that year, Africa and Asia were the continents with the lowest urbanization rate.

In 2025, the degree of urbanization worldwide was at 58 percent. North America as well as Latin America and the Caribbean were the regions with the highest level of urbanization, with over four-fifths of the population residing in urban areas. The degree of urbanization defines the share of the population living in areas that are defined as "cities". On the other hand, less than half of Africa's population lives in urban settlements. Globally, China accounts for over one-quarter of the built-up areas of more than 500,000 inhabitants. The definition of a city differs across various world regions - some countries count settlements with 100 houses or more as urban, while others only include the capital of a country or provincial capitals in their count. Largest agglomerations worldwideThough North America is the most urbanized continent, no U.S. city was among the top ten urban agglomerations worldwide in 2023. Tokyo-Yokohama in Japan was the largest urban area in the world that year, with 37.7 million inhabitants. New York ranked 13th, with 21.4 million inhabitants. Eight of the 10 most populous cities are located in Asia. ConnectivityIt may be hard to imagine how the reality will look in 2050, with 70 percent of the global population living in cities, but some statistics illustrate the ways urban living differs from suburban and rural living. American urbanites may lead more “connected” (i.e. internet-connected) lives than their rural and/or suburban counterparts. As of 2021, around 89 percent of people living in urban areas owned a smartphone. Internet usage was also higher in cities than in rural areas. On the other hand, rural areas always have, and always will attract those who want to escape the rush of the city.

Central African Republic CF: Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population data was reported at 42.646 % in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 42.450 % for 2022. Central African Republic CF: Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population data is updated yearly, averaging 41.003 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2023, with 64 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 44.896 % in 1988 and a record low of 27.574 % in 1960. Central African Republic CF: Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Central African Republic – Table CF.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Population in largest city is the percentage of a country's urban population living in that country's largest metropolitan area.;United Nations, World Urbanization Prospects.;Weighted average;

South Africa ZA: Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population data was reported at 26.327 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 26.291 % for 2016. South Africa ZA: Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population data is updated yearly, averaging 23.218 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 26.327 % in 2017 and a record low of 18.806 % in 1991. South Africa ZA: Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.World Bank: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Population in largest city is the percentage of a country's urban population living in that country's largest metropolitan area.; ; United Nations, World Urbanization Prospects.; Weighted Average;

In 2023, over 68.82 percent of South Africa's total population lived in urban areas and cities. Urbanization defines the share of urban population from the total population of a country. Just like urbanization, the population density within the nation has risen, reaching 46 inhabitants per square kilometer, meaning more people are sharing less space. Many opportunities for work and leisure can be found in the urban locations of South Africa, and as such the five largest municipalities each now have over three million residents. Facing its economic strengths and drawbacks South Africa is a leading services destination, as it is one of the most industrialized countries in the continent of Africa. The majority of the country’s gross domestic product comes from the services sector, where more than 70 percent of the employed population works. Unemployment is seen as a critical indicator of the state of an economy, and for South Africa, a high rate of over 25 percent could indicate a need for a shift in economic policy. As of 2017, South Africa was one of the twenty countries with the highest rate of unemployment in the world.

SAMSET LEAP model inputs preparation in Excel.Urbanisation rates in Africa are the highest in the world, and in most Sub-Saharan countries service delivery is inadequate to keep up with the needs. African populations remain amongst the poorest in the world, and efforts to achieve the energy-related dimensions of the Millennium Development Goals s have in most cases not had significant impact on urban populations. The situation can be summarised as one where much urban energy transformation research does not understand the detailed organisational dynamics and constraints in cities and therefore is often of limited use; where there is a gap between policy and implementation; where capacity within local/national government departments involved in energy and urban development is inadequate in the face of increasing challenges; and where modes of knowledge transfer are not effective in facilitating sustainable energy transitions in cities. SAMSET seeks to develop a knowledge exchange framework for supporting local and national bodies involved in municipal energy planning in the effective transition to sustainable energy use in urban areas. Through close partnering with six cities in three African countries (Ghana, Uganda and South Africa), the project aims to develop an information base from which to support cities, undertake direct support for cities around strategy development and priority initiatives, and facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building.

Nigeria has the largest population in Africa. As of 2024, the country counted over 232.6 million individuals, whereas Ethiopia, which ranked second, has around 132 million inhabitants. Egypt registered the largest population in North Africa, reaching nearly 116 million people. In terms of inhabitants per square kilometer, Nigeria only ranks seventh, while Mauritius has the highest population density on the whole African continent. The fastest-growing world region Africa is the second most populous continent in the world, after Asia. Nevertheless, Africa records the highest growth rate worldwide, with figures rising by over two percent every year. In some countries, such as Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Chad, the population increase peaks at over three percent. With so many births, Africa is also the youngest continent in the world. However, this coincides with a low life expectancy. African cities on the rise The last decades have seen high urbanization rates in Asia, mainly in China and India. However, African cities are currently growing at larger rates. Indeed, most of the fastest-growing cities in the world are located in Sub-Saharan Africa. Gwagwalada, in Nigeria, and Kabinda, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ranked first worldwide. By 2035, instead, Africa's fastest-growing cities are forecast to be Bujumbura, in Burundi, and Zinder, Nigeria.

South Africa ZA: Rural Population Growth data was reported at -0.235 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of -0.168 % for 2016. South Africa ZA: Rural Population Growth data is updated yearly, averaging 1.217 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.679 % in 1972 and a record low of -0.329 % in 2008. South Africa ZA: Rural Population Growth data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Rural population refers to people living in rural areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated as the difference between total population and urban population.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on the United Nations Population Division's World Urbanization Prospects: 2018 Revision.; Weighted average;

The fastest growing city in Africa is Bujumbura, in Burundi. In 2020, this city had an estimated population of about one million. By 2035, the population of Bujumbura could increase by 123 percent and reach roughly 2.3 million people. Zinder, in Niger, had about half million inhabitants in 2020 and, with a growth rate of 118 percent, is Africa's second fastest growing city. In 2035, Zinder could have over one million residents.

As of 2021, the largest city in whole Africa is Lagos, in Nigeria. Other highly populated cities in Africa are Kinshasa, in Congo, Cairo, and Alexandria, both located in Egypt.

Lagos, in Nigeria, ranked as the most populated city in Africa as of 2024, with an estimated population of roughly nine million inhabitants living in the city proper. Kinshasa, in Congo, and Cairo, in Egypt, followed with some 7.8 million and 7.7 million dwellers. Among the 15 largest cities in the continent, another two, Kano, and Ibadan, were located in Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa. Population density trends in Africa As of 2022, Africa exhibited a population density of 48.3 individuals per square kilometer. At the beginning of 2000, the population density across the continent has experienced a consistent annual increment. Projections indicated that the average population residing within each square kilometer would rise to approximately 54 by the year 2027. Moreover, Mauritius stood out as the African nation with the most elevated population density, exceeding 640 individuals per square kilometre. Mauritius possesses one of the most compact territories on the continent, a factor that significantly influences its high population density. Urbanization dynamics in Africa The urbanization rate in Africa was anticipated to reach close to 44 percent in 2021. Urbanization across the continent has consistently risen since 2000, with urban areas accommodating 35 percent of the total population. This trajectory is projected to continue its ascent in the years ahead. Nevertheless, the distribution between rural and urban populations shows remarkable diversity throughout the continent. In 2021, Gabon and Libya stood out as Africa’s most urbanized nations, each surpassing 80 percent urbanization. In 2023, Africa's population was estimated to expand by 2.35 percent compared to the preceding year. Since 2000, the population growth rate across the continent has consistently exceeded 2.45 percent, reaching its pinnacle at 2.59 percent between 2012 and 2013. Although the growth rate has experienced a deceleration, Africa's population will persistently grow significantly in the forthcoming years.

This statistic shows the number of people living in urban areas worldwide from 1950 to 2050. By 2050, roughly 1.49 billion people in Africa will be living in urban areas.

This statistic shows the degree of urbanization in Morocco from 2013 to 2023. Urbanization means the share of urban population in the total population of a country. In 2023, 65.12 percent of Morocco's total population lived in urban areas and cities. Urbanization in Morocco Like many countries around the world, Morocco is reporting growing urbanization figures, which means that an increasing number of Moroccans are moving to the cities and urban areas. In 2005, Morocco’s population was around 55.13 percent urban, however, over the course of ten years, the urban population had increased by 5 percent to 60.2 percent as of 2015. There are three major environmental zones in Morocco, and the majority of the population lives in the region which includes the coastal plains and plateaus. The desert and mountainous regions of the country are less populated. The largest city is Casablanca, which is located on the Atlantic Coast on the Chawiya Plain. Casablanca has about 3.3 million inhabitants. The country's capital, Rabat, is also locatzed on the Atlantic Coast, but much smaller with only about 600,000 inhabitants. The population of Morocco is growing at a faster rate than most developed nations, butthe growth rate is still significantly lower than that of the rest of Africa. Currently, Morocco has a population growth rate of around 1.39 percent, and the fertility rate is at around 2.5 children per woman. In total, Morocco has around 35 million inhabitants. Life expectancy is also slightly lower than average at around 74 years of age.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Commercial Greenhouse Equipment market size will be USD 41251.5 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.50% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 16500.60 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 12375.45 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 9487.85 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 2062.58 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 825.03 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2% from 2024 to 2031.
The Glass Greenhouse category is the fastest-growing segment of the Commercial Greenhouse Equipment industry

Market Dynamics of Commercial Greenhouse Equipment Market

Key Drivers for Commercial Greenhouse Equipment Market

Urbanization and Population Growth to Boost Market Growth

As more people move to cities, the demand for locally grown, fresh produce continues to rise. Commercial greenhouses, often situated in or near urban areas, offer a solution by providing fresh produce while minimizing transportation costs and reducing the carbon footprint. Globally, an increasing share of the population is living in urban areas. In 2012, 52.5% of people resided in cities, and this proportion was projected to grow to 56.9% by 2022. Urbanization rates are higher in developed regions (79.7% in 2022) compared to developing countries (52.3% in 2022), with Least Developed Countries (LDCs) having a smaller urban population (35.8%). Over the past decade, urbanization has been most significant in developing regions, particularly in Asia and Oceania, where the urbanization rate increased from 44.0% in 2012 to 50.6% in 2022. Africa has experienced a 4.6 percentage point increase during the same period. With global population growth driving the need for increased food production, greenhouses play a crucial role in boosting agricultural productivity without the need for large amounts of land, a particularly valuable asset in densely populated areas.

Rising Consumer Preference for Local and Fresh Produce to Drive Market Growth

As consumers become more focused on health and food safety, there is a growing preference for fresh, local, and organic produce. Greenhouses provide an effective solution to meet this demand by offering pesticide-free and high-quality crops. According to Fresh Trends 2023, 40% of consumers are purchasing more local produce. Among those with annual incomes over $100,000, 53% reported buying more locally grown produce in the past year, compared to 41% of consumers earning less than $25,000. Additionally, 21% of consumers aged 60 and older increased their local produce purchases, while 56% of those aged 50-59 and 55% of those aged 30-39 did the same. There is a growing consumer desire for transparency regarding the origin and production methods of their food. Greenhouses, with their controlled environments, provide visibility into the production process, appealing to the health-conscious consumer segment.

Restraint Factor for the Commercial Greenhouse Equipment Market

High Operational and Maintenance Costs Will Limit Market Growth

One of the most significant barriers to entry for commercial greenhouses is the high initial capital investment required. The costs associated with purchasing land, constructing the greenhouse, and installing necessary equipment like climate control systems, irrigation, and automation technologies can be substantial. For small- to medium-sized farms or new market entrants, these upfront costs can be prohibitive. Commercial greenhouses, particularly those operating in climates that require heating or cooling, can incur high energy costs. Maintaining optimal growing conditions year-round may require the use of artificial lighting, temperature regulation, and humidity control systems, all of w...

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Greenhouse Equipment market size will be USD 26142.5 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.60% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 10457.00 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 7842.75 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 6012.78 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1307.13 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 522.85 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% from 2024 to 2031.
The Glass Greenhouse category is the fastest growing segment of the Greenhouse Equipment industry

Market Dynamics of Greenhouse Equipment Market

Key Drivers for Greenhouse Equipment Market

Urbanization and Population Growth to Boost Market Growth

As more people move to cities, the demand for locally grown, fresh produce continues to rise. Greenhouses, often situated in or near urban areas, offer a solution by providing fresh produce while minimizing transportation costs and reducing the carbon footprint. Globally, an increasing share of the population is living in urban areas. In 2012, 52.5% of people resided in cities, and this proportion was projected to grow to 56.9% by 2022. Urbanization rates are higher in developed regions (79.7% in 2022) compared to developing countries (52.3% in 2022), with Least Developed Countries (LDCs) having a smaller urban population (35.8%). Over the past decade, urbanization has been most significant in developing regions, particularly in Asia and Oceania, where the urbanization rate increased from 44.0% in 2012 to 50.6% in 2022. Africa has experienced a 4.6 percentage point increase during the same period. With global population growth driving the need for increased food production, greenhouses play a crucial role in boosting agricultural productivity without the need for large amounts of land, a particularly valuable asset in densely populated areas.

Rising Consumer Preference for Local and Fresh Produce to Drive Market Growth

As consumers become more focused on health and food safety, there is a growing preference for fresh, local, and organic produce. Greenhouses provide an effective solution to meet this demand by offering pesticide-free and high-quality crops. According to Fresh Trends 2023, 40% of consumers are purchasing more local produce. Among those with annual incomes over $100,000, 53% reported buying more locally grown produce in the past year, compared to 41% of consumers earning less than $25,000. Additionally, 21% of consumers aged 60 and older increased their local produce purchases, while 56% of those aged 50-59 and 55% of those aged 30-39 did the same. There is a growing consumer desire for transparency regarding the origin and production methods of their food. Greenhouses, with their controlled environments, provide visibility into the production process, appealing to the health-conscious consumer segment.

Restraint Factor for the Greenhouse Equipment Market

High Operational and Maintenance Costs Will Limit Market Growth

One of the primary barriers to the widespread adoption of greenhouse farming is the high initial capital investment required for establishing greenhouse systems. Setting up a greenhouse, especially with advanced technology such as climate control systems, automated irrigation, and LED lighting, requires significant financial resources. The cost of purchasing land, constructing the greenhouse structure, and installing necessary equipment (ventilation, heating/cooling, irrigation) can be prohibitive, particularly for small-scale farmers or new entrants. Advanced technologies like climate control, automated systems, and hydroponic systems often require expensive equipment and specialized installation, further increasing the cost burden for farmers. Operating a...

In 2024, Pietermaritzburg (South Africa) ranked first in the crime index among African cities, with a rating of roughly 83 index points. The six most dangerous areas on the continent were South African cities. The index estimates the overall level of crime in a specific territory. According to the score, crime levels are classified as very high (over 80), high (60-80), moderate (40-60), low (20-40), and very low (below 20). South Africa’s crime situation According to the crime index ranking, South Africa was the most dangerous country in Africa in 2023, followed by Somalia, Nigeria, and Angola. Murder and organized crime are particularly widespread in South Africa. In 2023, the country had one of the highest murder rates globally, registering around 36 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. Moreover, South Africa’s crime scene is also characterized by the presence of organized criminal activities, for which the country ranked third in Africa. Reflecting these high levels of crime, a survey conducted in 2023 showed that around 56 percent of South Africans were worried about crime and violence in the country. Crime risks in Africa The African continent hosts some of the most dangerous places worldwide. In 2023, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were the least peaceful countries in Africa, according to the Global Peace Index. Worldwide, they ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, behind Afghanistan, Yemen, and Syria. Terrorism is a leading type of crime perpetrated in Africa. Home to Boko Aram, Nigeria is among the countries with the highest number of terrorism-related deaths globally. Furthermore, Burkina Faso had the highest number of fatalities in the world. Human trafficking is also widespread, predominantly in West Africa. The most common forms of exploitation of victims of trafficking in persons are forced labor and sexual exploitation.

As of July 2024, Nigeria's population was estimated at around 229.5 million. Between 1965 and 2024, the number of people living in Nigeria increased at an average rate of over two percent. In 2024, the population grew by 2.42 percent compared to the previous year. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. By extension, the African continent records the highest growth rate in the world. Africa's most populous country Nigeria was the most populous country in Africa as of 2023. As of 2022, Lagos held the distinction of being Nigeria's biggest urban center, a status it also retained as the largest city across all of sub-Saharan Africa. The city boasted an excess of 17.5 million residents. Notably, Lagos assumed the pivotal roles of the nation's primary financial hub, cultural epicenter, and educational nucleus. Furthermore, Lagos was one of the largest urban agglomerations in the world. Nigeria's youthful population In Nigeria, a significant 50 percent of the populace is under the age of 19. The most prominent age bracket is constituted by those up to four years old: comprising 8.3 percent of men and eight percent of women as of 2021. Nigeria boasts one of the world's most youthful populations. On a broader scale, both within Africa and internationally, Niger maintains the lowest median age record. Nigeria secures the 20th position in global rankings. Furthermore, the life expectancy in Nigeria is an average of 62 years old. However, this is different between men and women. The main causes of death have been neonatal disorders, malaria, and diarrheal diseases.

Nigeria is the African country with the largest population, counting over 230 million people. As of 2024, the largest city in Nigeria was Lagos, which is also the largest city in sub-Saharan Africa in terms of population size. The city counts more than nine million inhabitants, whereas Kano, the second most populous city, registers around 3.6 million inhabitants. Lagos is the main financial, cultural, and educational center in the country. Where Africa’s urban population is booming The metropolitan area of Lagos is also among the largest urban agglomerations in the world. Besides Lagos, another most populated citiy in Africa is Cairo, in Egypt. However, Africa’s urban population is booming in other relatively smaller cities. For instance, the population of Bujumbura, in Burundi, could grow by 123 percent between 2020 and 2035, making it the fastest growing city in Africa and likely in the world. Similarly, Zinder, in Niger, could reach over one million inhabitants by 2035, the second fastest growing city. Demographic urban shift More than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas. In the next decades, this will increase, especially in Africa and Asia. In 2020, over 80 percent of the population in Northern America was living in urban areas, the highest share in the world. In Africa, the degree of urbanization was about 40 percent, the lowest among all continents. Meeting the needs of a fast-growing population can be a challenge, especially in low-income countries. Therefore, there will be a growing necessity to implement policies to sustainably improve people’s lives in rural and urban areas.

As of 2024, an estimated 86 percent of Europeans living in rural areas accessed the internet, compared to 85 percent of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) rural population. The lowest internet usage reach was in rural areas in Africa, at 23 percent. Overall, urban areas presented a higher percentage of internet penetration.

As of 2022, South Africa's population increased and counted approximately 60.6 million inhabitants in total, of which the majority (roughly 49.1 million) were Black Africans. Individuals with an Indian or Asian background formed the smallest population group, counting approximately 1.56 million people overall. Looking at the population from a regional perspective, Gauteng (includes Johannesburg) is the smallest province of South Africa, though highly urbanized with a population of nearly 16 million people.

Increase in number of households

The total number of households increased annually between 2002 and 2022. Between this period, the number of households in South Africa grew by approximately 65 percent. Furthermore, households comprising two to three members were more common in urban areas (39.2 percent) than they were in rural areas (30.6 percent). Households with six or more people, on the other hand, amounted to 19.3 percent in rural areas, being roughly twice as common as those in urban areas.

Main sources of income

The majority of the households in South Africa had salaries or grants as a main source of income in 2019. Roughly 10.7 million drew their income from regular wages, whereas 7.9 million households received social grants paid by the government for citizens in need of state support.