BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, Sep 11 2024 (IPS) – African cities are set to experience rapid urbanisation over the next decade, bringing a mix of socio-economic opportunities and challenges to the continent, according to a new report.
This development is expected to lead to more prosperous consumer markets, better connected and more advanced commercial hubs, and a larger base for industrial production.
The Economist Intelligence Unit African Cities 2035 According to the report, the continent is expected to see one of the fastest population growth rates in the world, with Africa’s largest cities recording greater rural-urban migration.
However, researchers warn that this rapid urbanization will lead to overcrowding, informal settlements, high unemployment, poor public services, limited utilities and exposure to climate change.
“Africa has the fastest rate of urbanisation of any major region in the world and will continue to do so through 2035. Africa’s urban population will rise from around 650 million in 2023 to almost 1 billion in 2035,” the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) said in a report published last month.
African cities are already struggling with demand for urban housingThis has led to a wave of informal settlements from Cape Town to Cairo, as the continent’s governments lag behind on commitments such as housing for all by 2030.
UN-HABITAT estimates that more than half of Africa’s urban population lives in slums, a number that is expected to increase from the current 400 million to 1.3 billion people by 2050.
“We expect that rapid urbanisation across Africa will lead to more dynamic and prosperous consumer markets, better connected and more advanced trading and distribution centres, and larger bases for industrial production and import-export activities,” the EIU report said.
Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional leaders at their recent summit in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, it was noted that innovation and industrialization will drive the continent’s economic growth. The Economist Intelligence Unit warns that this requires urgent attention if the continent is to reap any benefits from rapid urbanization.
“Overcrowding, informal settlements, high unemployment, poor public services, limited utilities and exposure to climate change are just some of the major challenges facing urban planners as they strive to achieve sustainable economic growth in cities over the coming decade,” said the EIU report published last month.
Some experts say the continent needs to act quickly to halt the decline caused by urbanization.
“African governments must first use evidence from population projections to anticipate these demands for housing, schools, sanitation, water and transport,” said Nyovani Madise, president of the Union for African Population Studies, a member of the International Union for Population Research.
“African governments should invest in rural development programmes so that young people can find economic activities in their rural homes. This will reduce migration to cities in search of a livelihood,” Madise told IPS.
The Economist Intelligence Unit predicts that more megacities with populations of more than 10 million will be added, while 17 additional cities will have populations of more than 5 million.
According to the EIU, another 100 will have populations of more than 1 million.
“The rise of new urban powers and megacities, the rapid expansion of urban clusters and the growing importance of megacities will be key features of Africa’s demographic and economic future,” said Pat Thacker, lead author of the report.
The report also highlights the urgency of climate change, identifying it as a “major concern for Africa’s largest cities.”
“Many (major African cities) are located in low-lying coastal areas that expose them to rising sea levels and storm surges. These climate risks will weigh heavily on the future dynamics and prosperity of African cities, especially as national preparedness and climate resilience are weak,” Thacker said.
However, Madise warns that poor planning by African countries will have adverse consequences for millions of the continent’s residents.
“African governments must also take measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change as their populations grow. Population growth, coupled with economic growth, particularly through industrialization, will lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions in Africa,” Madise said.
“Urban development often goes hand in hand with industrialisation, which requires a lot of energy, water and good transport systems. Cities need to have adequate urban policies to ensure that energy expansion is compatible with national and global climate change goals,” Madise told IPS.
However, amid these challenges, African countries are being urged to look internally for solutions, such as accelerated industrialization.
“It is not just a matter of convenience. It is a matter of absolute necessity,” said Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
“We have no choice but to look within ourselves for indigenously developed solutions such as mobilising domestic resources and innovative financing to support our development,” Gatete told IPS.
As the EUI notes, “Africa’s larger cities are growing both geographically and demographically”, and this will also have implications for economic performance.
But as the continent struggles to curb poverty levelsAccording to the EUI, there are pockets of economic optimism where skilled and better educated workers will emerge, fueling hope that the continent’s urbanisation is not all gloom.
IPS UN Office Report
© Inter Press Service (2024) — All rights reservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service
