Oxford Economics has placed Nairobi on its ‘Cities to Watch’ list, naming it one of five African cities with the strongest growth prospects over the next quarter‑century.

In the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2026, Nairobi ranks 327th out of 1,000 cities overall but scores 26th globally for human capital, underscoring a skilled and expanding workforce.

The think‑tank projects the city’s finance and information‑technology sectors to grow at average annual rates of 4.1% and 5.5% respectively through 2050, making them the fastest‑expanding segments.

Industrial output is forecast to exceed $38 billion (Sh4.9 trillion) by 2050, reflecting real annual growth of 4.4% and potentially creating about 700,000 new manufacturing jobs.

More than three‑quarters of Kenya’s financial activity is already concentrated in Nairobi, reinforcing its role as a gateway for businesses targeting the East African Community’s markets.

The report notes that the five highlighted cities together are expected to generate one‑third of total GDP growth among African cities covered by the index over the next 25 years.

Population projections show Nairobi’s residents nearly doubling to about 12 million by 2050, turning the capital into a megacity and intensifying demand for housing, infrastructure and services.

Nairobi International Financial Centre chief executive Daniel Mainda said the findings highlight the need to translate the city’s talent, technology and industrial momentum into concrete investment and jobs.