Africa’s cities are becoming increasingly important to the continent’s economic future. Urban growth can expand labour markets, support new businesses and improve access to services, but it also places heavy demands on housing, transport, power, water and public administration.
The quality of urban planning will therefore influence whether population growth translates into productivity gains or rising congestion and inequality. Digital infrastructure adds another layer, allowing some services and businesses to scale faster than physical infrastructure alone would permit.
For investors and policymakers, the key question is not simply how quickly cities are growing, but whether institutions and infrastructure can keep pace.
Image: Vanilla Bear Films / Unsplash.