Urbanization in Africa

The Africa Program deep dives into the future of African cities

Africa’s future is urban. The continent’s 1.3 billion people is set to double by 2050, and more than 80 percent of that increase will happen in cities. Through public and private events, written analysis, our Into Africa podcast, and the Talking Urban Futures series, the Africa Program explores shifts in smart infrastructure, municipal governance, popular protests, charter city economies, digitization and public services, and other critical trends.

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Sizing Up: Growing Fast Food Consumption in Urban Africa

What is the relationship between urbanization, fast food, and food security in Africa? CSIS's Mvemba Dizolele and Emmy Simmons talk to sustainable development lecturer James Boafo to discuss how fast food consumption is shaping the future of African cities.

Commentary by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele and Emmy Simmons — May 10, 2022

Spurring Private Investment in Africa

On March 25, 2022, join the CSIS Africa Program for an expert panel on private investment in Africa. Speakers will take stock of the current business climate and explore practical ways to spur more investment.

Event by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele , Mimi Alemayehou , David Bamlango , Ken Shibusawa , and Leslie Marbury — March 25, 2022

Photo: TONY KARUMBA/AFP/Getty Images

Spotlighting Sustainability: Urban Tourism in Sub-Saharan Africa

What is urban tourism? Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris sit down with Regis Musavengane, Pius Siakwah, and Llewellyn Leonard to discuss why African governments should develop policies that reflect this distinct subset of tourism.

Commentary by Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris — November 17, 2021

Photo: iLab/CSIS

An Urban Test Case: Learning from Cabo Verde

The West African archipelago of Cabo Verde provides a glimpse into Africa’s urban future. Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris outline challenges around coordination, planning, and a weak urban economy, with potential implications for cities across the region.

Commentary by Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris — October 12, 2021

Photo: Marielle Harris

Dotting the Landscape: Unfinished Buildings in Sub-Saharan Africa

Why are unfinished buildings still standing in sub-Saharan Africa? In the ninth edition of Talking Urban Futures, Judd Devermont speaks with Kinley Salmon about the causes of—and potential solutions to—the phenomenon of stalled infrastructure projects in the region.

Commentary by Judd Devermont — August 27, 2021

Photo: CSIS

Pivoting to Cities: Why CARE Is Addressing Urban Issues in Sub-Saharan Africa

The organization CARE is integrating urban centers into its Africa portfolio. Judd Devermont speaks with three representatives about their experiences working with African municipal governments and why the U.S. government should pay more attention to urban African issues.

Commentary by Judd Devermont — July 7, 2021

Photo: iLab/CSIS

The Great Cities Partnership

President Biden, as a candidate, pledged to launch an urbanization initiative for sub-Saharan Africa. Judd Devermont, Gyude Moore, and Todd Moss propose a multi-agency initiative to unlock the potential for thriving, green, and resilient African cities.

Report by Judd Devermont , Gyude Moore , and Todd Moss — April 19, 2021

Photo: GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP via Getty Images

Set Up for Success: Charter Cities in Sub-Saharan Africa

In our latest edition of Talking Urban Futures in Africa, Judd Devermont sits down with urban researcher Heba Elhanafy to discuss charter city development in the region and what U.S. policymakers and the private sector should know about this trend.

Commentary by Judd Devermont — February 19, 2021