Sweeping savannas, dense rainforests, volcanic mountains, an abundance of wildlife, and a melting pot of cultures.

That's what the travelogues tell you about Africa. It's a picture embedded in the collective memory of stereotypes that refuse to go away.

All of this is true. But there's also an Africa waiting to be acknowledged for what it seeks to be.

The sparkling streets of Kigali tell a story that challenges every overdone assumption about African cities. And Rwanda's capital city isn't an outlier.

Across the continent, a commitment to transformation is setting new benchmarks for urban living through meticulous planning, community engagement, and policies that make cleanliness and environmental sustainability central to civic, cultural and national identities.

Like any other part of the developing world, African cities face pollution and waste-management challenges.

But some cities have cracked the code. From Kigali's spotless boulevards to Port Louis's pristine beaches, the change is showing through initiatives to ingrain into public consciousness the belief that clean environments are no longer a luxury – they are the foundation for quality of life.

On World Cities Day, TRT Afrika lists African cities that have built a reputation for being among the cleanest on the continent.

1. Kigali, Rwanda: Champion city

Kigali hasn't just earned the epithet "Singapore of Africa"; the city has practically trademarked it through a national commitment to cleanliness.

The spotless streets don't happen by accident. Every last Saturday of the month, the entire country participates in Umuganda, a mandatory community clean-up. No exceptions.

Add to that a strict ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags and public spaces maintained to standards most European cities would envy, and you understand why Kigali sets the bar.

The 2024 "Top 10 Cleanest Cities in Africa" report acknowledges that cleanliness in Kigali isn't a municipal project, it has been woven into national identity. The city now consistently tops multiple rankings because it's mindset is built differently.

2. Port Louis, Mauritius: Island paradise

Nestled in the Indian Ocean, Port Louis benefits from Mauritius's status as a high-income economy and one of the more popular tourist destinations worldwide.

The city's cleanliness is seen as a direct reflection of its economic priorities. A robust waste management system, regular sweeping of streets, and strong environmental laws keep the capital city prim and pristine.

The well-appointed waterfront, clean public beaches, and orderly markets show how a focus on tourism can drive a city to maintain impeccable hygiene standards, reflected in its position of pre-eminence on the African Clean City Index.

3. Gaborone, Botswana: Orderly oasis

The capital of one of Africa's most stable and prosperous nations, Gaborone exudes an air of orderliness that is hard to miss.

The authorities enforce strict anti-littering laws and maintain a consistent schedule for waste collection and cleaning of streets. Wide, tree-lined avenues are largely free of debris, and public awareness campaigns continuously encourage residents to "Keep Gaborone clean".

Gaborone proves that sustained economic growth and care for the environment can go hand in hand. The World Bank ranks the city among Africa's cleanest urban centres.

4. Tunis, Tunisia: Mediterranean gem

Tunis sits at the cultural crossroads, blending ancient Arab and French colonial architecture to create a delightful chiaroscuro.

According to the 2024 Top 10 Cleanest Cities in Africa report, the city's history is matched by a strong municipal focus on public health and cleanliness.

It also benefits from an established public sanitation service and recent initiatives focused on beautifying public parks and renovating areas of historical importance.

The result is a city that looks and feels cared for, with strict urban maintenance enhancing its historical charm.

5. Windhoek, Namibia: Study in sustainability

In a region often plagued by drought, Windhoek is a pioneer in a crucial aspect of cleanliness: water management.

The city was the first in the world to implement direct potable water reuse, which entails turning wastewater into potable water.

This innovative spirit extends to general upkeep. The streets are wide and clean, public spaces are maintained, and a general culture of civic responsibility among residents keeps litter away.

A World Bank report acknowledges its reputation as a clean and well-managed capital city.

6. Accra, Ghana: Rising star

While major African metropolises often struggle with waste, Accra is making impressive strides in this aspect of urban management.

The city has invested heavily in new waste management infrastructure, one of which is the "Let's Make Accra Work" programme. The establishment of a Sanitation Police unit to enforce bylaws is another step in this direction.

The 2024 Top 10 Cities in Africa report mentions Accra as a city on the move, actively cleaning up its act in more ways than one.

7. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Turnaround story

Until a few years ago, Dar es Salaam faced waste management challenges typical of a bustling city. Today, its spick-and-span surroundings reflect what political will and innovative city management can achieve.

The World Bank-supported Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project has been pivotal in improving solid waste management, leading to a dramatic increase in the volume of waste collected and disposed of properly.

Community organisations are also involved, turning cleanliness into a shared civic goal rather than just a governmental responsibility.

8. Algiers, Algeria: Polished capital

Perched on the Mediterranean coast, Algiers boasts a stunning white cityscape that retains its shine through constant municipal effort.

The city employs a large contingent of sweepers and has a reliable public waste-collection system.

Major beautification projects, including the maintenance of numerous public gardens and squares, contribute to the clean and orderly feel, making it a standout template for North Africa and a regular fixture on official lists of Africa's cleanest cities.

9. Johannesburg, South Africa: Greening metropolis

As one of the continent's largest and economically thriving cities, Johannesburg's civic infrastructure bears an immense load.

Initiatives like "Pikitup", the city's waste management entity, have helped tide over many of these challenges.

According to a report by Nature Africa, the city's "Vulindlel'e Jozi" programme has also played a significant role in improving service delivery and cleaning hitherto underserved areas.

While challenges remain, the teeming city's focus on park maintenance and urban greening continues to drive the quest for a cleaner environment.

10. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: The innovator

Home to the African Union, Addis Ababa is growing at a relentless pace, reflected in skyscrapers everywhere, a mega hydropower dam, and a new light rail system.

But beneath the veneer of development, another change is happening – growth in civic consciousness. The city authorities have launched a sanitation drive that ensures the piles of garbage that used to greet people no longer accumulate.

A recent United Nations Environment Programme report hailed the construction of the Reppie Waste-to-Energy plant, the first of its kind in Africa and designed to incinerate most of the city's waste to produce electricity.

This forward-thinking approach to waste management symbolises a new, cleaner chapter for this capital city of over five million people.