AFRICAN cities play a crucial role in driving the continent’s economic and social progress, contributing over half of Africa’s GDP. However, the fast-paced urbanisation sweeping across the region has brought significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, climate risks, and deepening socio-economic disparities.
Speaking at the inaugural Africa Urban Forum in Addis Ababa, Stephen Karingi, Director of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), highlighted the need for urgent collective action. The forum, held from 4-6 September and co-organised by the Ethiopian government, the African Union Commission, UN-Habitat, and the ECA, focused on Sustainable Urbanisation for Africa’s Transformation – Agenda 2063.
Karingi stressed the importance of tackling these pressing issues, noting that by 2050, an estimated 60 percent of Africa’s population will live in cities. ‘African cities must become both growth engines and models of sustainable, inclusive development. With the right strategies and collective resolve, we can ensure a brighter, more sustainable future for urban dwellers across the continent,’ Karingi said on behalf of the ECA Executive Secretary, Claver Gatete.
Experts at the forum echoed this sentiment, calling for innovative urban planning and infrastructure investments to address Africa’s growing urban challenges. They discussed the need to integrate climate resilience, equitable development, and inclusive housing into future urban policies.
