Malheureusement, cet événement se déroule en anglais et en allemand, c’est pourquoi l’invitation n’est disponible que dans ces langues. Nous essayons toujours d’élargir notre offre en langue française et vous remercions de votre compréhension.
Urbanisation in Africa is progressing rapidly – it is one of the most far-reaching changes the continent is experiencing. Africa’s cities are among the fastest growing in the world. According to UN estimates, the proportion of people living in urban areas will increase from 47% in 2000 to 60% in 2050. In addition, the urban population on the continent is expected to triple in the next 50 years.
Political decision-makers are faced with a variety of challenges: Urban infrastructure must be massively and rapidly expanded and designed to be climate and socially just. Girls and women as well as vulnerable groups are particularly affected by these challenges, but their perspectives and needs are still not sufficiently included in urban planning processes. Liveable spaces must be created whose planning guarantees the participation of all residents and takes their living conditions into account.
Rapid urban growth requires enormous financial resources. However, current investments in African urban infrastructure fall far short of actual needs: every year, 90 of the 150 billion US dollars needed to make cities more equitable, sustainable and more resilient are lacking. However, reliable sources of funding and sound financial planning are essential for city administrations to ensure sustainable urban development.
What are the key challenges facing cities on the African continent in the wake of rapid urbanisation? How can cities in Africa be made more equitable and inclusive and more participatory? What approaches and practical examples are there and how can these projects be successfully financed? And what role can and should Germany play in the context of feminist development policy and beyond in shaping African cities in a justice-oriented way? These and other questions were at the centre of the discussion.
Programme
Welcome Remarks
Rebecca Schamber MP, Member of the Committees on Economic Cooperation and Development, Defence as well as the Subcommittee on United Nations, International Organisation and Civilian Crisis Prevention
Discussion
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone; Laureate of the German Africa Award 2024
Dr Lena Gutheil, Researcher, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)
Dr Heike Litzinger, Head of Division Energy; urban development; mobility, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Closing Remarks
Dr Henrik Maihack, Head of Africa Department, Friedrich Ebert Foundation
Moderation
Sabine Odhiambo, Secretary General, German Africa Foundation