Fastest Expanding Megacities in the World 2026

Rapid urbanization is reshaping the world, and megacities are at the center of this transformation. The fastest expanding megacities are growing at remarkable rates, adding millions of people in a short period of time. This growth affects housing, transport, jobs, infrastructure, and quality of life. Tracking population growth rates helps governments, planners, and investors understand where future pressure and opportunity will emerge. In 2026, urban expansion is most intense in parts of Africa and Asia, where economic change, migration, and high birth rates combine to accelerate city growth. Understanding these trends is essential for managing sustainable urban development worldwide.

Megacity expansion is usually measured using annual population growth rates, which reflect how quickly a city’s population increases over time. Growth comes from natural population increase as well as migration from rural areas and smaller towns. Cities in developing regions often grow faster due to younger populations and expanding job markets. In contrast, many developed-world megacities grow slowly or remain stable. Geography, national economic conditions, housing availability, and infrastructure investment all influence how fast a city expands. Comparing growth rates across cities highlights where urban systems face the greatest pressure in the coming decade.

Top 10 Fastest Expanding Megacities in the World 2026

1. Lagos: 3.4 %
2. Kinshasa: 3.3 %
3. Dhaka: 3.2 %
4. Delhi: 2.8 %
5. Karachi: 2.7 %
6. Lahore: 2.6 %
7. Bangalore: 2.5 %
8. Hyderabad: 2.4 %
9. Manila: 1.9 %
10. Jakarta: 1.1 %

The top 10 fastest expanding megacities are dominated by cities in Africa and South Asia. Lagos leads the ranking, reflecting Nigeria’s strong urban migration and high natural population growth. Kinshasa and Dhaka follow closely, both experiencing sustained expansion driven by young populations and economic concentration. Indian cities such as Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad show strong but slightly slower growth, influenced by technology-driven jobs and internal migration. Southeast Asian megacities like Manila and Jakarta remain major urban centers, though their growth rates are lower compared to African and South Asian counterparts, indicating gradual stabilization.

Full Data Table

Key Points

• African megacities account for many of the highest growth rates, showing rapid urban transition across the continent.
• South Asian cities consistently rank high due to dense populations and continued rural-to-urban migration.
• Growth rates above 3 percent indicate cities that may double their population within a few decades.
• Indian megacities show balanced growth, combining economic expansion with improving urban planning.
• Southeast Asian megacities appear to be entering a slower growth phase compared to Africa and South Asia.
• Cities with sustained high growth face increasing pressure on housing, transport, and public services.
• Faster expansion often signals economic opportunity but also higher infrastructure investment needs.

The fastest expanding megacities in 2026 highlight where global urban growth is most intense. Cities like Lagos, Kinshasa, and Dhaka are growing at speeds that will significantly reshape their economies and living conditions. While rapid expansion brings opportunities for jobs and innovation, it also creates challenges in housing, transport, and sustainability. Policymakers and planners must prepare for continued population increases by investing in infrastructure and services. As urbanization continues, understanding which megacities are expanding the fastest will remain crucial for shaping a more balanced and resilient urban future.

Related Articles

• Largest Cities by Area
• Largest Cities by Population
• Largest Metropolitan Areas in the World
• Largest Capital Cities

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Sources

• Urban Population Growth – World Bank
• World Cities Report 2024 – UN-Habitat