Context
Rapid urbanization in Africa poses major challenges for infrastructure and urban planning. With the urban population set to double by 2050, African cities are facing increased pressure on housing, transport, water supply, sanitation and utilities.
This rapid, often unplanned growth exacerbates social and economic inequalities, and strains the capacity of local governments to deliver basic services.
Main issues
- Housing and Habitat: Demand for housing far exceeds supply, leading to the proliferation of shantytowns and informal settlements. Living conditions in these areas are often unhealthy and precarious, with limited access to essential services;
- Transport and Urban Mobility : Transport infrastructures are often inadequate and poorly maintained, leading to chronic traffic jams, increased pollution and reduced mobility. Public transport systems are often inadequate to meet the growing needs of urban populations;
- Basic services and social infrastructure : Access to drinking water, sanitation, electricity, health and education services remains limited in many urban areas. Population growth is putting additional pressure on these already undersized services.
Strategic approach
Transformation through innovation
- Integrated Urban Planning: Develop urban plans that integrate the need for housing, transport, public services and green spaces in a coordinated and sustainable way. Involve local communities in the planning process to ensure that solutions meet real needs;
- Institutional Capacity Building: Improve the ability of local governments to manage infrastructure projects, enforce regulations and mobilize the necessary funding. Training and skills development are essential for effective management;
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Encourage collaboration between the public and private sectors to mobilize the financial resources and technical expertise needed to carry out infrastructure projects;
- Promoting Innovation and Technology: Encouraging research and development of new technologies adapted to African contexts. Encourage start-ups and local entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions to urban challenges.
- Sustainable Construction Technologies: Adopting green construction methods and sustainable materials can reduce the carbon footprint of new infrastructure and improve the resilience of buildings to climatic hazards;
- Intelligent Transport Systems: Integrating information technologies into transportation systems (such as traffic management applications and autonomous vehicles) can improve urban mobility and reduce congestion;
- Smart City solutions : The use of sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics to manage urban resources more efficiently, improve public services and enhance safety;
- Sustainable Resource Management: Water recycling technologies, renewable energy systems and waste management practices can help meet basic service needs in a sustainable way.
