Beyond Lagos and Nairobi: Seven African cities of opportunity

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Across the continent there are cities and towns enjoying rapid growth on the back of industries such as mining, agriculture and technology. How we made it in Africa asked a selection of DHL Express country managers to identify one of these ‘boom towns’ in their respective territories.

Nawa Yeo, country manager of DHL in Burkina Faso, says the city of Bobo-Dioulasso is booming on the back of the food and agriculture sector.

Nawa Yeo, country manager of DHL in Burkina Faso, says the city of Bobo-Dioulasso is booming on the back of its food and agriculture sector.

1. Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso’s second city, is blossoming due to growth in the food and agriculture sector. “Many small and medium enterprises are setting up factories to locally produce products for both the domestic and export markets,” explains Nawa Yeo, DHL country manager in Burkina Faso. “The main products are fruits, cereals, cotton, vegetable oil, soap and other artisanal products.”

2. Ebène, Mauritius

Ebène is a thriving technology hub in Mauritius. Rahman Bholah, country manager of DHL Mauritius, says many financial institutions and international legal firms have also moved into the area, which is designed to provide businesses with the latest technology and modern facilities. DHL’s business in Ebène has also boomed, and the company has a dedicated service centre and staff based there.

3. Mbarara, Uganda

Mbarara is a growing industrial town 280km from Uganda’s capital Kampala.

“Traditionally located in the centre of the dairy farming district of Uganda, it has now attracted investors involved in the manufacturing of dairy products. There are also breweries and beverage companies expanding to the area. Because of a favourable climate and abundant availability of land, it is one of the most attractive investor areas here at the moment,” explains local DHL head Asteway Desta.