Africa’s future is urban
New research examines whether African cities can keep pace with the continent’s rapid urban population increases.
In less than 20 years, one out of every two people in Africa is likely to live in an urban area. By 2030, Africa will host six of the world’s 41 megacities. Cities and towns will increasingly shape the lives of people living on the continent.
For some, the urban transition is the single most important transformation happening in Africa. But can urban development keep pace with such rapid and dramatic population increases? Will Africa’s urbanisation translate to a better life for all, or is it set to compound slow development growth, poverty, inequality and violence?
A new African Futures research paper addresses these questions and forecasts likely population numbers for Africa’s current and emerging megacities.
Chair: Dr Jakkie Cilliers, Head, African Futures and Innovation, ISS
Speakers:
Dr Julia Bello-Schünemann, Senior Researcher, African Futures and Innovation, ISS
Ciara Aucoin, Researcher, African Futures and Innovation, ISS
Dr Warren Smit, Research Manager, African Centre for Cities
Picture: ©Jacqueline Cochrane/ISS
