African cities

CompaniesDigital EconomyTechnology sector

SafeBoda promised safety – but its riders are under pressure to speed

At its core, the ride-hailing model, which classifies riders as independent contractors doing poorly paid 'gig work' rather than as employees earning a wage, undermines its own safety ambitions
Boda boda cyclists in Kampala, February 2020
Art & Culture

Which African countries are prospering? Scientists have devised a new method of measuring well-being

Psychologists and social scientists have recently started focusing on the idea of 'flourishing', which is defined as a sense of well-being that goes beyond mere happiness or success
Four young men walking down a road in Kampala
EconomyEnvironmentPolitics & PolicyProperty

Raising revenue from land: what African cities can learn from Hong Kong’s unique leasehold system

Often cited as a prime example of effective land value, Hong Kong uses a variety of land-based financing models that have proven effective in funding key public projects
Final approach to Hong Kong with views of Victoria Harbour and Stonecutters Bridge in the early morning, July 2016
EnvironmentScience & Technology

Building climate-resilient African cities — experts outline what is needed

Window of opportunity to secure liveable, equitable, and sustainable futures in the face of climate change is closing fast, more so for Africa
Bujumbura, the capital city of Burundi, on a rainy day. Seventy per cent of African cities have high vulnerability to climate shocks. Meanwhile, Africa is the fastest urbanising region in the world, and is already experiencing climate change impacts first-hand. Without drastic changes in the way energy is produced and consumed in African cities, carbon emissions will increase as these cities develop.
Politics & Policy

The real reason why cities in sub-Saharan Africa aren’t issuing municipal bonds

In the US, municipal bonds worth over $111 billion were issued in November and December 2017 for infrastructure, pension obligations and other critical needs. For comparison, cities in sub-Saharan Africa have raised less than 1% of the US amount since 2004
Politics & Policy

Africa’s cities face unique risks. What can be done to manage them?

Sarah Colenbrander, University of Leeds Cities in sub-Saharan Africa are growing fast. Nigeria alone is projected to add 212 million ...
Namirembe Road in downtown Kampala