Top 5 Cities for Digital Nomads in Africa

Even before the advent of the internet, some individuals found ways to work remotely. Although, the term ‘Digital Nomad’ wasn’t coined until the 1990s by Tsugio Makimoto and David Manners in their book. Then the rise in the use of social media and the major blow of the COVID-19 pandemic further normalized remote work and accelerated its progress. 

A digital nomad is someone who works remotely and uses technology to travel and live a location-independent lifestyle. Their work and lifestyle depend heavily on technology. According to a study by workpay, it suggests that over 80 million Africans have some form of remote work arrangement. This indicates a large potential pool for digital nomadism.

Several African countries are actively developing digital nomad visas and initiatives to attract remote workers. This suggests a growing interest in attracting this demographic. So if you’ve been looking forward to being a digital nomad in an African country, then this is for you. 

In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 African cities that perfectly blend breathtaking backdrops with thriving digital nomad communities and reliable internet connection. 

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Digital Nomad Destination

The Cost of Living: As a Digital nomad, seeking an affordable destination will help you in budgeting your lifestyle. Research accommodation, food, transportation, and general living expenses to ensure your chosen location fits your budget. Consider how exchange rates might affect your spending power.

Visa Requirements: Researching the type of visa to apply for is very important. Tourist visas often don't permit working remotely. Research digital nomad visas or long-term visas that allow you to work for a foreign company or as a freelancer. 

Internet Connection: The basics of a digital nomad is reliable internet. It’s non-negotiable. Ensure you check the average internet speed and research the internet stability in your chosen location. Also, consider accessibility to workplaces that you can use if needed. 

Time Zones: Especially when working with large team members and colleagues, the time zone is an important factor to consider before choosing a destination. Large time zone differences can affect your work life and disrupt your schedule. 

Safety & Security: You can only work effectively in a sane and safe environment especially if you’re a solo traveller. Endeavor to choose a location with a good reputation for safety. 

Now that you know what to look out for before choosing a destination for your nomad lifestyle, let’s dive into the top 5 cities for digital nomads in Africa. 

Top 5 Cities for Digital Nomads

Capetown, South Africa

Cape Town is located at the southwestern tip of South Africa, on a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. It's a port city known for its natural beauty, including Table Mountain and Table Bay, as well as its rich history and cultural scene. Reliable and high-speed internet is crucial for remote work, and Cape Town delivers in that aspect - 52.25 Mbps for fixed broadband and 53.10 Mbps for mobile. 

While more expensive within Africa, Cape Town's cost of living might be considered moderate compared to major Western cities. While Cape Town can be pricier, there are ways to make it work. Look for budget-friendly neighborhoods, explore self-catering options, and take advantage of free activities and public transportation. Although it’s known to be a safe city, you’re advised to still be careful as a first-time traveler. 

Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakech, popularly known as the "Red City" of Morocco, is a captivating blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and a growing digital nomad scene. offering a unique cultural experience that's hard to find elsewhere, Marrakesh is well-connected by air and offers easy access to other parts of Morocco for getaways or exploring the beauty of the Atlas Mountains. 

The digital nomad scene is growing rapidly in Marrakech, with a good selection of co-working spaces popping up, offering dedicated workspaces, fast internet, and opportunities to connect with other remote workers. Although its cost of living is considered relatively high compared to other african countries. 

Kigali, Rwanda

Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda, is gradually emerging as a hotspot for digital nomads. Although not as established as some other African destinations, Kigali offers a unique blend of factors that make it an attractive choice for remote workers. The country is known for its beautiful scenery, with volcanoes, lush rainforests, and opportunities for wildlife viewing within Kigali.

The cost of living in Kigali is generally more budget-friendly and it boasts a reputation for being one of the safest countries in Africa, offering peace of mind for digital nomads traveling solo.

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi is also a great destination for digital nomads seeking an overall great experience. It is a major transportation hub in East Africa, making it a great base for exploring Kenya and neighboring countries. The city offers median download speeds of around 13.87 Mbps for fixed broadband and 43.92 Mbps for mobile connections making it a strong choice for digital nomads. 

Compared to some other African digital nomad hubs, Nairobi offers a relatively affordable cost of living. You can find decent accommodation, delicious food, and exciting activities without breaking the bank. Its digital nomad scene is also on the rise, so you'll find co-working spaces, online communities, and events that can help you connect with other remote workers. Be cautious and research safe neighborhoods to live in.

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo is the bustling capital of the ancient city - Egypt. The city has seen a surge in coworking spaces and cafes offering wifi access to meet the needs of digital nomads and remote workers. Compared to other major cities, Cairo boasts a relatively low cost of living. You can find budget-friendly accommodation, delicious street food, and affordable transportation options.

With its museum scene, you can experience the ancient wonders of the pyramids, explore bustling bazaars, and learn about Pharaonic history. You can also potentially take weekend trips to the Red Sea for some beachside relaxation. It boasts of internet speed of 36.77 and is generally safe for travelers. 

Conclusion

Wherever you decide to travel to and whenever you plan to start your digital nomad lifestyle, you can take Bitnob with you. Instead of carrying multiple physical cards, you can create your virtual cards on Bitnob for expenses like Air BnB bookings, car rentals, or online purchases. This minimizes the risk of losing physical cards during your travels.

You can set spending limits by allocating specific amounts of money for particular purposes. As you make any transaction with your card, you are allowed to effortlessly monitor and track your expenses, helping you make informed financial decisions.

You can start your digital nomad journey with Bitnob. Download the Bitnob app to create your virtual Visa Card and get started.