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.

Nigeria has the largest population in Africa. As of 2025, the country counted over 237.5 million individuals, whereas Ethiopia, which ranked second, has around 135.5 million inhabitants. Egypt registered the largest population in North Africa, reaching nearly 118.4 million people. In terms of inhabitants per square kilometer, Nigeria only ranked seventh, while Mauritius had the highest population density on the whole African continent in 2023. 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 Chad, South Sudan, Somalia, and the Central African Republic, the population increase peaks at over 3.4 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. African cities are also growing at large rates. Indeed, the continent has three megacities and is expected to add four more by 2050. Furthermore, Africa's fastest-growing cities are forecast to be Bujumbura, in Burundi, and Zinder, Nigeria, by 2035.

Cairo, in Egypt, ranked as the most populated city in Africa as of 2025, with an estimated population of over 23 million inhabitants living in Greater Cairo. Kinshasa, in Congo, and Lagos, in Nigeria, followed with some 17.8 million and 17.2 million, respectively. Among the 15 largest cities in the continent, another one, Kano, was located in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa. Population density trends in Africa As of 2023, Africa exhibited a population density of 50.1 individuals per square kilometer. Since 2000, the population density across the continent has been experiencing a consistent annual increment. Projections indicated that the average population residing within each square kilometer would rise to approximately 58.5 by the year 2030. Moreover, Mauritius stood out as the African nation with the most elevated population density, exceeding 627 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 45.5 percent in 2024. Urbanization across the continent has consistently risen since 2000, with urban areas accommodating only around a third of the total population then. This trajectory is projected to continue its rise in the years ahead. Nevertheless, the distribution between rural and urban populations shows remarkable diversity throughout the continent. In 2024, Gabon and Libya stood out as Africa’s most urbanized nations, each surpassing 80 percent urbanization. As of the same year, Africa's population was estimated to expand by 2.27 percent compared to the preceding year. Since 2000, the population growth rate across the continent has consistently exceeded 2.3 percent, reaching its pinnacle at 2.63 percent in 2013. Although the growth rate has experienced a deceleration, Africa's population will persistently grow significantly in the forthcoming years.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global smart city platforms market size will be USD 192541.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.00% 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 77016.48 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 57762.36 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 44284.48 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 9627.06 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% 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 3850.82 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2024 to 2031.
The data management platform is the fastest growing segment of the smart city platforms industry

Market Dynamics of Smart city platforms Market

Key Drivers for Smart city platforms Market

Urbanization and population growth to drive market growth

Urbanization and population growth are key drivers of the Smart City Platforms Market, as they create the need for more efficient urban management solutions. Rapid migration to cities places immense pressure on infrastructure, transportation, energy, and public services. To address these challenges, smart city platforms enable cities to optimize resource allocation, improve traffic management, and enhance public safety through data-driven decision-making. As urban populations grow, the demand for sustainable and scalable solutions increases, leading to investments in technologies like IoT, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. These platforms allow city administrators to manage services in real time, ensuring smoother operations and better living conditions. Furthermore, governments worldwide are supporting smart city initiatives to handle the socio-economic impacts of urbanization, boosting the market's expansion.

Increased demand for efficient public services to boost market growth

The increased demand for efficient public services is a major driver of growth in the Smart City Platforms Market. As urban populations expand, cities face pressure to improve the efficiency and quality of essential services such as transportation, healthcare, energy management, and waste disposal. Smart city platforms provide a solution by integrating various urban services through the use of IoT devices, big data, and real-time analytics. By leveraging these technologies, cities can streamline operations, reduce costs, and respond more effectively to residents' needs. For example, smart traffic systems can alleviate congestion, while intelligent energy grids optimize power consumption. Citizens also expect more responsive and transparent services, pushing governments to adopt smart platforms to enhance service delivery and public engagement. This rising demand for smarter, more efficient services is a key factor driving market growth.

Restraint Factor for the Smart city platforms Market

Data privacy and security concerns to limit market growth

Data privacy and security concerns pose significant challenges to the growth of the Smart City Platforms Market. As these platforms rely on massive amounts of data collected from IoT devices, sensors, and city infrastructure, they become potential targets for cyberattacks and unauthorized access. Breaches in public data can compromise critical systems, including transportation, healthcare, and public safety, leading to severe consequences. Citizens are increasingly concerned about how their personal information is being used and protected, which raises issues around trust and transparency. Furthermore, stringent regulations like GDPR and other regional data protection laws require cities to ensure robust security measures, which can increase implementation costs and complexity. The fear of potential data misuse or leaks can slow down the adoption of smart city technologies, limiting market growth despite their benefits.

Impact of Covid-19 on the ...

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.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Plastic Drums market size will be USD 2,641.8 million in 2025. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.20% from 2025 to 2033.

North America held the major market share for more than 37% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 977.47 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.0% from 2025 to 2033.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 29% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 766.12 million.
APAC held a market share of around 24% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 634.03 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2025 to 2033.
South America has a market share of more than 3.8% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 100.39 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% from 2025 to 2033.
Middle East had a market share of around 4% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 105.67 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% from 2025 to 2033.
Africa had a market share of around 2.2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 58.12 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% from 2025 to 2033.
Open Head Drums is the fastest growing segment of the Plastic Drums industry

Market Dynamics of Plastic Drums Market

Key Drivers for Plastic Drums Market

Rising Demand for Safe and Durable Packaging Solutions Is Expected To Boost Market Growth

The global packaging industry is experiencing a significant shift toward safety and durability, driven by the evolving needs of sectors such as chemicals, food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. In these industries, packaging must not only protect contents from contamination and environmental exposure but also withstand rough handling during storage and transportation. Plastic drums, particularly those made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), offer a robust solution by combining lightweight design with excellent impact and chemical resistance. This makes them ideal for transporting corrosive chemicals, edible oils, liquid pharmaceuticals, and agricultural inputs. In March 2025, Jindal Poly Films invested ?700 crore to expand its Nashik facility, adding new production lines for BOPP, PET, and CPP films. This expansion aims to bolster their presence in the flexible packaging sector, particularly for food, personal care, and pharmaceutical products.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/jindal-poly-films-to-invest-rs-700-crore-for-expansion-at-its-nashik-facility/articleshow/121146455.cms”/

Shift Toward Reusable and Recyclable Packaging To Boost Market Growth

Reusable plastic drums significantly reduce the need for disposable packaging in industries such as chemicals, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. Their long service life and resistance to degradation allow them to be cleaned and reused multiple times without compromising performance or safety. This not only helps companies cut packaging costs over time but also aligns with corporate sustainability goals and green supply chain practices. Recyclability is another major driver behind the shift. Many plastic drums are now designed with end-of-life recyclability in mind, enabling them to be converted into raw materials for other plastic products. Leading manufacturers are introducing closed-loop systems where used drums are collected, reprocessed, and reintroduced into the production cycle. These initiatives support circular economy principles and help reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. In March 2024, ALPLA expanded its recycling network to 13 plants across nine countries, achieving an annual capacity of 266,000 tons of recycled PET and 84,000 tons of recycled HDPE. In 2024, they launched full-scale production of bio-based paper bottles through their majority stake in Paboco and invested in cellulose-based closures via Blue Ocean Closures.

Restraint Factor for the Plastic Drums Market

Environmental Concerns Over Plastic Waste, Will Limit Market Growth

Environmental concerns over plastic waste have emerged as a significant restraint for the plastic drums market. Despite the utility and durability of plastic drums, they contribute to the broader problem of plastic pollution when not properly managed at the end of thei...

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Smart Infrastructure Market size will be USD 378142.8 million in 2025. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.50% from 2025 to 2033.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 139912.84 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.3% from 2025 to 2033.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 109661.41 million.
APAC held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 90754.27 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.5% from 2025 to 2033.
South America has a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 14369.43 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.5% from 2025 to 2033.
Middle East had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 15125.71 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8% from 2025 to 2033.
Africa had a market share of around 1% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 8319.14 million in 2025. It will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.2% from 2025 to 2033.
Smart transportation category is the fastest growing segment of the Smart Infrastructure industry

Market Dynamics of Smart Infrastructure Market

Key Drivers for Smart Infrastructure Market

Rising Sustainability Priorities Driving Demand for Smart Infrastructure

The increasing global emphasis on sustainability is a major driver for the Smart Infrastructure Market. With rising concerns about climate change and resource depletion, there is a heightened focus on energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. Governments, businesses, and cities are prioritizing green infrastructure to reduce carbon footprints and lower operational costs. Smart infrastructure, such as energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy systems, and smart grids, plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable urban development. These innovations enable better resource management, reduced waste, and improved environmental impact, fostering the market's growth across various regions.

Government Initiatives and Investments Fueling Smart Infrastructure Growth

Smart Infrastructure Market is the growing government support for smart city initiatives and infrastructure modernization projects. Governments worldwide are recognizing the potential of smart infrastructure to improve the quality of life, reduce operational costs, and promote sustainability. Many countries are investing heavily in the development of intelligent systems such as smart grids, transportation networks, and energy-efficient buildings. These investments aim to address urbanization challenges, reduce environmental impact, and drive economic growth. For instance, government funding for smart grid technologies and sustainable urban planning is expected to continue expanding, further propelling the adoption of smart infrastructure solutions.

Restraint Factor for the Smart Infrastructure Market

High Capital and Maintenance Costs Restraining Smart Infrastructure Adoption

A key challenge limiting the growth of the Smart Infrastructure Market is the substantial upfront investment required to implement advanced technologies. Setting up smart systems—including IoT devices, data analytics platforms, and connectivity infrastructure—can be financially intensive. For many developing regions or smaller municipalities, these high costs are a major deterrent. Moreover, beyond the initial setup, smart infrastructure demands continuous spending on maintenance, updates, cybersecurity, and skilled personnel. These ongoing operational expenses make it difficult for some stakeholders to commit to long-term implementation, slowing down broader market adoption despite the potential long-term benefits. Introduction of the Smart Infrastructure Market

The Smart Infrastructure Market involves the deployment of advanced technologies such as IoT, AI, cloud computing, and data analytics into infrastructure systems to improve efficiency, sustainability, and functionality. It covers sectors like energy, transportation, water management, and smart buildings. The market is witnessing strong growth due to...

In 2025, the degree of urbanization worldwide was at 58 percent. North America, 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 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.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Adaptive Traffic Control System market size will be USD 5187.9 million in 2025. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.00% from 2025 to 2033.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1919.52 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.7% from 2025 to 2033.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1504.49 million.
APAC held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1245.10 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8% from 2025 to 2033.
South America has a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 196.14 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.4% from 2025 to 2033.
The Middle East had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 207.52 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.5% from 2025 to 2033.
Africa had a market share of around 1% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 114.13 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.7% from 2025 to 2033.
Software category is the fastest growing segment of the Adaptive Traffic Control System industry

Market Dynamics of Adaptive Traffic Control System Market

Key Drivers for Adaptive Traffic Control System Market

Increasing city populations drive demand for traffic management to Boost Market Growth

The increasing urban population is a significant driver of the traffic management market. As cities grow, congestion and road safety concerns escalate, necessitating advanced traffic management systems. Governments are investing in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to enhance traffic flow, reduce accidents, and minimize travel time. Technologies like real-time traffic monitoring, adaptive signalling, and data analytics are gaining traction. Additionally, the adoption of smart city initiatives and the integration of connected vehicle solutions further propel market growth. Increased funding for infrastructure development and the rising need for sustainable urban mobility also contribute to the expansion of the traffic management market. For instance, Traffic Technologies announced in December 2021 that it has signed a five-year, USD 10 million deal with Procurement Australia to provide safety traffic goods and directional and instructional signage to local governments throughout Victoria, Australia. The contract will run until 2026. Additionally, until 2026, the contract incorporated the Signage & Safety products industry and guaranteed a steady stream of income.

https://www.trafficltd.com.au/10m-contract-with-procurement-australia/

Government Investments Promote Intelligent Transportation Solutions to Boost Market Growth

Government investments in intelligent transportation solutions are a significant driver of market growth. By funding smart infrastructure projects, including connected traffic management systems, real-time monitoring, and autonomous vehicle networks, governments enhance urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion. Additionally, initiatives supporting electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and smart public transit systems foster sustainable transportation. Public-private partnerships further accelerate the development of advanced technologies such as AI-powered traffic analytics and IoT-enabled systems. These investments improve road safety, optimize energy consumption, and promote efficient transportation management, ultimately driving the growth of the intelligent transportation market.

Restraint Factor for the Adaptive Traffic Control System Market

Significant expenses for infrastructure upgrades and system integration

Significant expenses for infrastructure upgrades and system integration act as key restraints across various markets, particularly in sectors like digital governance, smart grids, and healthcare IT. High initial costs for modernizing legacy systems, purchasing advanced hardware, and implementing compatible software solutions deter organizations from adopting new technologies. Additionally, integrating complex systems often requires specialized expertise, further escalating costs. Small and...