Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
On the top, regardless

It is the highest capital city in Africa and the fourth highest in the world, with an altitude that varies slightly from one district to the next. Bole Airport is located at an altitude of approximately 2,326 metres, while the peaks of Mount Entoto to the north reach 3,000 metres or more. Altitude sickness is a very real risk for those travellers not used to high elevations. Formerly an imperial capital steeped in feudal injustice and then the capital of the Derg, a Marxist regime of terror, 'New Flower' (its Amharic name) has since undergone one of the most spectacular transformations on the continent, driven by rapid growth in the national economy and the rise of a large middle class. Major infrastructure projects, real estate development, shopping centres and services are multiplying. The historical and religious heritage is precious. At the National Museum of Ethiopia, you can pay your respects to Lucy, one of our common ancestors. The city has also opened up to a much more contemporary art scene, to the sound of Ethio-jazz. Addis is also the home of Ethiopian Airlines, the leading pan-African airline with 150 aircraft and 130 international destinations. Last but definitely not least, it is the nerve centre of diplomacy, hosting the headquarters of the African Union (AU), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), as well as numerous diplomatic representations, NGOs and multilateral agencies. However, as is often the case in our ranking, these ambitious and positive dynamics are hampered by major destabilising risks. The city's expansion has led to increased social inequalities and precarious housing. Major infrastructure and redevelopment projects (roads, buildings, Unity Park, etc.) have often resulted in forced displacement of populations. Ultimately, Addis Ababa remains the capital of Ethiopia, a vast and unstable multi-ethnic federation where war is sadly part of everyday life. The recent war in Tigray (2020-2022) is estimated to have claimed nearly 600,000 lives.