WorldUpdated November 2
World Bank urges investment in African city planning.
Rapid urban growth can look like a numbers story, but a new World Bank report says the harder question is whether cities can turn it into jobs. Africa’s urban population is projected to nearly double to 1.7 billion by 2050, with Luanda, Lagos and Kinshasa expected to lead the growth. The report links that shift to more young people seeking work, and says cities need to bring firms, workers, infrastructure and services closer together. Lagos shows the gap it has in mind: one of Africa’s tech and finance centers still lacks essentials such as efficient transportation. The report sees underdeveloped land and missing infrastructure as a chance to attract private investment—if planning keeps pace.
Coverage started November 2