This policy brief reviews the challenges of African urbanization as well as opportunities for sustainable development in the region. It notes that making urban areas green, inclusive, and resilient is part of the agenda for cities to be successful in the short and medium term. To acheive this, the policy brief notes that there must be: i) a clear vision; ii) coordination between city and national policies; iii) planning and integration of policies; and iv) learning from others. The brief concludes that part of the challenge of the coming decade is how to manage urbanization well by capturing long-term benefits without incurring unnecessary long-term costs. Pursuing a sensible green growth strategy is part of the solution.
