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Through the lens of city diplomacy, this study examines the role of the creative economy in urban development within African cities. With urbanization rapidly transforming African cities into dynamic economic hubs, they face challenges such as unemployment, infrastructure deficits and social inequality. City diplomacy, the active engagement of cities in international partnerships, allows these urban centres to address local issues while positioning themselves as influential players on the global stage. This study employs urban informality and city diplomacy theories to explore how African cities harness the creative economy — including sectors such as arts, media, design, and culture — as a panacea to sustainable growth, social cohesion and cultural revitalization. Through thematic analysis of case studies, the research demonstrates the creative economy’s impact on economic diversification, job creation, and tourism. Findings reveal that city diplomacy, when integrated with creative industries, not only strengthens international collaborations but also promotes cultural exchange, technological innovation and resilience in African cities. The study concludes that there is a need for strategic city diplomacy to elevate African cities as key cultural and economic hubs that can contribute more meaningfully to the global economy while advancing sustainable urban development. It is recommended that African city governments should implement supportive policy frameworks, invest in creative infrastructure and foster public-private partnerships to maximize the creative economy’s potential. Additionally, digital platforms and cultural exchanges are essential for boosting the global visibility of African cities and the sustainability of the creative industrie