TRAVEL

Lagos Is Africa’s Second Cheapest City You Can Live In

Published

1 week ago

June 20, 2024

Africa's cheapest cities to live in, in 2024 | Fab.ng

A new report says Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and Lagos, the country’s commercial centre, are Africa’s cheapest cities for international workers in 2024. This ranking is based on Mercer’s Cost of Living survey, which considers how much it costs to live in different cities around the world.

The affordability of these Nigerian cities is mainly due to a weakening Nigerian currency. This means everyday expenses are lower for expatriates (people who work abroad) living in Abuja and Lagos.

This ranking is important because the cost of living is a major factor for people considering a move to a new country. It can affect their quality of life and financial stability. The Mercer report helps individuals and organizations make informed decisions about international relocation.

Here’s a fun fact! Among African cities, Bangui in the Central African Republic has seen the biggest jump in the rankings this year, moving up 12 spots.

On the other hand, Lagos, Abuja, and Blantyre (in Malawi) are ranked as the cheapest African cities for expats to live in.

Africa’s cheapest cities to live in, in 2024

Looking for a cost-effective African city to call home? Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 most affordable destinations for ex-pats in 2024, based on the Mercer Cost of Living ranking:

10. Johannesburg, South Africa (Global Rank: 206)

Johannesburg’s cost of living saw a slight increase for expats, moving down one spot from 205th in 2023. This suggests a small rise in living expenses compared to the previous year.

9. Cape Town, South Africa (Global Rank: 209)

Cape Town offers a slightly more affordable option for expats in 2024, climbing one spot to 209th from 208th. This indicates a minor decrease in the cost of living for international workers.

8. Tunis, Tunisia (Global Rank: 210)

Tunis made a significant jump of nine places in the rankings, landing at 210th. This could be due to factors like stable local costs or a weakening Tunisian dinar, making the city 9% more affordable for expats with foreign currency salaries.

7. Lusaka, Zambia (Global Rank: 213)

Lusaka experienced a decrease in affordability, dropping 16 places to 213th. This translates to a roughly 7.5% increase in the cost of living for expats in Lusaka, possibly due to rising local costs or a strengthening Zambian kwacha.

6. Gaborone, Botswana (Global Rank: 215)

Gaborone showed a minor improvement, moving up one spot. This suggests that the cost of living in the Botswanan capital hasn’t changed dramatically for international workers.

5. Windhoek, Namibia (Global Rank: 218)

Windhoek also saw a small gain in affordability, climbing four places. This translates to roughly a 2% decrease in living expenses for expats in the city.

4. Durban, South Africa (Global Rank: 219)

Durban witnessed a minor improvement, moving up one spot. This suggests a very slight decrease in the cost of living for expats in Durban (around 0.5%).

3. Blantyre, Malawi (Global Rank: 221)

Blantyre dropped 23 places, positioning it among the most affordable cities for expats. This significant shift suggests a decrease in local living expenses or a depreciation of the Malawian kwacha.

2. Lagos, Nigeria (Global Rank: 225)

Lagos experienced a staggering drop of 178 places, ranking a highly affordable 225th. This translates to a massive 80.4% decrease in the cost of living for expats in Lagos. This is likely due to a weakening Nigerian naira.

1. Abuja, Nigeria (Global Rank: 226)

Abuja takes the top spot as the most affordable city for expats globally at 226th. While it dropped 86 places, Abuja’s cost of living increases, particularly in housing and utilities, haven’t kept pace with those in other major cities.

This, combined with the currency depreciation, makes Abuja a very cost-effective option for international workers in 2024, with a decrease of around 38.9% in living expenses compared to 2023.

Check here for more articles.

Related Topics:Africa Africa's cheapest cities African Cities

Up Next

Why Wearing Black Socks On A Plane May Be Dangerous

Don't Miss

Here Are The Top 5 Cleanest Cities In Africa

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

TRAVEL

Why Wearing Black Socks On A Plane May Be Dangerous

Published

6 days ago

June 22, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Why wearing black socks on a plane may be dangerous | Fab.ng

Planning what to wear on a plane goes beyond just looking good. It’s about choosing clothes that prioritise both your comfort during the flight and a smooth experience for the cabin crew who are there to serve you. Kris Major, a seasoned British Airways flight attendant with a quarter-century of experience under his belt, recently shared some that wearing black socks on a plane is not advisable.

One of the most unexpected items on Major’s “don’t wear” list: black socks, especially on night flights leaves you surprised. But here’s why this seemingly harmless clothing choice can turn into a minor inconvenience for everyone on board:

Safety hazard in dim lighting

Aeroplane cabins, particularly during night flights, have dimmed lighting for passenger comfort. This can make it difficult for flight attendants to navigate the aisles safely.

Black socks can easily blend into the dark carpeting, creating a tripping hazard for the crew as they move throughout the cabin to provide service or address passenger needs. A stumble or fall could not only disrupt the flight but also potentially lead to injuries.

Considering your fellow passengers

Let’s face it, kicking off your shoes on a long flight can feel like a breath of fresh air for your tired toes. However, the last thing you want to expose is dirty or smelly socks to your fellow passengers.

Opting for clean, colourful socks instead ensures everyone can relax and enjoy the journey without any olfactory surprises. Plus, a bright pop of colour adds a touch of personality to your aeroplane attire.

Why wearing black socks on a plane is dangerous

According to Kris Major,

“When passengers take off their shoes and stretch their legs in the aisle, dark socks can prevent us from noticing their feet. This can lead to unpleasant situations when we trip over them while using the stroller,” Major explains in an interview with CNN Travel.

It’s not just the cabin crew who are inconvenienced by dark socks. Passengers trying to sleep on a night flight can be rudely startled if they accidentally step on a black sock-clad foot in the dimly lit aisle. This unexpected hurdle can disrupt their sleep and create an overall less pleasant flying experience for everyone.

On a brighter note, Kris Major also offers some good news for sock wearers. If you’ve packed light-coloured socks, feel free to kick off your shoes and relax in comfort. Light-coloured socks provide better visibility in the low cabin lighting, so you won’t pose a tripping hazard for the crew and can unwind without worrying about offending your fellow passengers.

“I know this is a controversial topic, but even crew do it on long-haul flights. Sitting in shoes all the time is not healthy,” he explains.

While kicking off your shoes for some in-flight comfort might seem tempting, Kris Major advises against completely removing both shoes and socks.

In an emergency situation, a speedy evacuation is crucial. Fumbling for socks or shoes on the floor could waste precious seconds. Having your footwear readily on your feet ensures you can disembark the aircraft quickly and safely.

Airplane cabins are not known for their pristine floors. Going barefoot exposes your feet to potential germs and dirt.

Flip-flops and high heels aren’t ideal for airplane travel. Flip-flops can easily slip off. High heels can be uncomfortable for long periods of sitting and may also pose a challenge during a hurried exit.

Major emphasizes that comfort is important, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of safety or hygiene. Opt for comfortable shoes that you can easily slip on and off if needed, but prioritize keeping your feet covered during the flight.

TRAVEL

Here Are The Top 5 Cleanest Cities In Africa

Published

2 weeks ago

June 16, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Top 5 cleanest cities in Africa | Fab.ng

Africa is a vast continent brimming with vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. Surprisingly, a growing number of eco-conscious and cleanest cities in Africa are emerging. Sure, some might conjure up images of sprawling savannas or bustling marketplaces when they think of Africa but don’t underestimate the continent’s commitment to sustainability and sanitation.

In fact, several African cities are taking the lead in creating clean and healthy environments for their residents. Let’s delve into five such urban gems that are redefining what it means to be a clean and green city in Africa.

1. Kigali, Rwanda

Rwanda is a frontrunner when it comes to environmental consciousness. Their crown jewel, the Nyungwe Forest National Park, exemplifies the importance of cleanliness in safeguarding a fragile ecosystem. Kigali, the Rwandan capital, takes this message to heart.

In a bold move back in 2008, they completely banned plastic bags. Offenders face hefty fines and even potential jail time, showcasing their unwavering commitment to a clean environment.

2. Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa makes a strong showing with Cape Town, its immaculate city securing the number two spot. Nicknamed the “Mother City,” Cape Town takes immense pride in its spotless streets and abundance of green initiatives.

Trusted sources like Further Africa and Know Africa both acknowledge that this ranking is well-deserved.

3. Tunis, Tunisia

Tunisia enters the top contenders with its capital, Tunis. Know Africa highlights the city council’s unwavering dedication to maintaining cleanliness. They’ve implemented an innovative wastewater disposal system that utilizes a network of underground pipes and seabed pipelines, ensuring environmentally responsible waste management.

4. Port Louis, Mauritius

The capital of Mauritius, Port Louis, also claims a place among Africa’s cleanest cities. The Municipal City Council plays a crucial role in keeping the city sparkling clean.

Government funding and the lush tropical plants that flourish everywhere further contribute to Port Louis’s pristine beauty.

5. Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg, also known as the “City of Gold,” makes a second South African appearance on this list. Both Further Africa and Know Africa acknowledge Johannesburg’s strides towards a cleaner city.

This effort is spearheaded by the city’s mayor, who is prioritizing sanitation and waste management initiatives.

It’s important to acknowledge that waste management and overall cleanliness remain challenges in many Nigerian cities. While no Nigerian cities made this specific list, it doesn’t diminish the ongoing efforts towards improvement.

Hopefully, Nigeria can learn from the successful strategies implemented in these top contenders and create a cleaner, healthier future for its own urban centers. With this, Nigeria can also get to the top list of the cleanest cities in Africa.

Check out more articles here.

OPINION

Top 10 Airports In Africa With The Best Staff In 2024

Published

4 weeks ago

June 1, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Best airport staff 2024: Top 10 Airports In Africa | Fab.ng

Air travel in Africa is soaring! More and more people are choosing to fly, which is fueling investment in bigger and better airports across the continent. This improved infrastructure is making it easier than ever to travel between African countries, boosting both business and tourism. This could be because of the best airport staff we have in Africa.

A fantastic airport experience isn’t just about having the most high-tech gadgets or stunning architecture. The staff who work there are equally important! Their friendliness, helpfulness, and efficiency can significantly impact your overall travel experience.

To recognise airports with exceptional staff, a company called Skytrax recently conducted a survey in Africa. They evaluated various aspects of staff service, including their friendliness, helpfulness, and efficiency. This assessment considered frontline staff across different airport departments, including information desks, security checkpoints, shops, and restaurants.

The first on the list for best airport staff in Africa is:

1. Cape Town International Airport (South Africa)

This airport consistently ranks highly for its modern facilities and excellent passenger experience. In 2024, it went a step further by taking the top spot for having the friendliest, most helpful, and most efficient staff in Africa.

Cape Town International Airport in South Africa claimed the title of having the best airport staff in Africa. Passengers consistently praised their professionalism, courteous demeanour, and ability to navigate any situation smoothly.

Whether you need help finding your gate, navigating customs, or simply having a question, Cape Town International Airport staff are known for going the extra mile to ensure a positive travel experience.

But Cape Town wasn’t alone! Two other airports in Africa impressed travellers with their outstanding staff:

2. Durban King Shaka Airport (South Africa)

Durban’s airport isn’t just known for its impressive design. Passengers also praised the staff for their welcoming personalities and ability to get things done efficiently.

Travellers consistently reported feeling greeted with a smile and appreciated the staff’s attentiveness to their needs, whether it was navigating baggage claims or finding a good place to grab a bite to eat before their flight.

3. Mauritius Airport (Mauritius)

Known as a paradise island getaway, Mauritius boasts an airport that matches its idyllic reputation. The staff here are renowned for their courteous and helpful service, making your arrival and departure a breeze.

Many travellers commented on the staff’s genuine warmth and willingness to assist with any questions or requests. This personal touch goes a long way in setting the tone for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation in Mauritius.

Here’s a look at the other airports in Africa listed for having best staff in 2024:

4. Casablanca Airport (Morocco)

Travellers lauded the Casablanca Airport staff for their efficiency and clear communication, especially when it came to navigating the security process and customs.

5. Seychelles Airport (Seychelles)

The staff at Seychelles Airport were praised for their friendly and laid-back demeanour, perfectly reflecting the relaxed atmosphere of the island nation.

6. Kigali Airport (Rwanda)

Kigali Airport staff impressed travellers with their professionalism and helpfulness. Passengers reported a smooth and efficient travel experience, thanks to the attentiveness of the staff.