The rise of urbanisation in Africa
Africa is urbanising at a historically rapid rate, bringing about considerable opportunities and challenges. Africa’s urbanisation can allow for structural transformation, if accompanied by productive employment and sufficient public goods.
Urbanisation patterns are diverse across Africa, but they generally confirm that unplanned urbanisation can challenge structural transformation.
Current urbanisation patterns should be more sustainable for economic, social and environmental development.
In many African countries, a large portion of the urban labour force remains trapped in low-productivity informal services activities and access to public goods is unequal. Urban activities are increasingly connected with rural areas, which remain a pillar of African economies.
CIFOR