Africa’s Urban Future Depends on Local Action: Why Strong Local Governments are Key to Achieving the SDGs
The Sustainable Development Goals may be global commitments, but their implementation depends on local action Taibat Lawanson writes. In Africa’s rapidly urbanising cities, empowered local governments are essential to turn the SDGs into tangible improvements in people’s everyday lives – from housing and transport to basic services, resilience and inclusive governance.
No Ready-Made Solutions: How African Cities Are Adapting Land Value Capture to Local Realities
As African cities grow, public investments are rapidly increasing land values. But who benefits from this uplift? From Kigali to Stellenbosch, cities are adapting land value capture to local realities – showing that successful urban finance tools are built through context, experimentation and political commitment, not copied from elsewhere.
Financing Africa’s Urban Future
As Africa’s cities expand, the financing challenge is becoming a governance challenge: cities need more reliable revenues, better access to capital and stronger tools to turn growth into inclusive, resilient development.
Private capital is not a shortcut: Lessons from WUF13
Can private capital help solve the housing crisis? At #WUF13, Laura Puttkamer explores why financing needs strong cities, public investment and long-term partnerships.
Private Capital for Climate-Resilient Cities: How Can the Double Leap Succeed?
How can rapidly growing cities provide adequate housing while becoming more climate-resilient? Birgit Pickel, Director General – Sustainable Development and Climate, BMZ discusses the role of cities, municipal partnerships and urban financing at WUF13.
Housing Must Work for Children
Where a child grows up can shape their future. Yet housing policy rarely reflects this. Why cities must move beyond units—and start building environments where children can truly thrive. By Manish Thakre