A new report projects rapid urbanization across African cities over the next decade, presenting a mix of socio-economic opportunities and challenges for the continent.
The *Economist Intelligence Unit’s* (EIU) *African Cities 2035* report forecasts wealthier consumer markets, more connected and sophisticated commercial hubs, and expanded industrial production bases as a result of urban growth.
The report highlights Africa as having one of the world’s fastest rates of population growth, with major cities expected to witness increased rural-to-urban migration. However, researchers also warn that this urbanization will lead to overcrowding, informal settlements, high unemployment, poor public services, and stretched utility systems, all exacerbated by climate change.
“Africa has, and will continue to have, the fastest rate of urbanization of the world’s major regions through 2035. Africa’s urban population will rise from about 650 million in 2023 to almost 1 billion in 2035,” the EIU report states.
The rapid growth is already challenging African cities, with many struggling to meet the demand for urban housing. The report also highlights the growth of informal settlements, with UN-HABITAT estimating that over half of Africa’s urban population currently lives in slums. This figure is expected to increase from 400 million to 1.3 billion people by 2050.
“We expect rapid urbanization across Africa to help create more dynamic and wealthier consumer markets, better connected commercial hubs, and larger industrial production and import-export bases,” the report states.
At a recent Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Harare, regional leaders emphasized that innovation and industrialization are key to unlocking the continent’s economic potential. The EIU cautions that urgent action is needed if Africa is to reap any benefits from its rapid urbanization.
“Overcrowding, informal settlements, high unemployment, poor public services, and exposure to climate change are some of the major challenges city planners will face in the next decade,” the report adds.
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Experts agree that African governments must act quickly to manage urban sprawl and prevent worsening conditions. Nyovani Madise, President of the Union for African Population Studies, recommends using population projections to plan for increased demand in housing, schools, water, waste disposal, and transport systems.
“African governments should invest in rural development programs so young people can find economic opportunities at home, reducing the need for migration to cities,” Madise told *IPS*.
The EIU projects that by 2035, Africa will see the rise of new megacities with populations exceeding 10 million, along with 17 cities with more than 5 million residents and 100 cities surpassing 1 million inhabitants.
“The emergence of new urban heavyweights, the rapid expansion of city clusters, and the rising importance of megalopolises will define Africa’s demographic and economic future,” said Pat Thacker, lead author of the report.
The report also flags climate change as a significant concern for Africa’s largest cities, many of which are situated in low-lying coastal areas prone to rising sea levels and storm surges. Weak national preparedness and climate resilience efforts are expected to weigh heavily on the future prosperity of these urban areas.
“African governments should plan for climate mitigation as their populations and economies grow, particularly through industrialization, which could increase greenhouse gas emissions,” Madise warned.
Despite these challenges, African countries are being urged to explore domestic solutions, including accelerated industrialization. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), stressed the need for homegrown strategies.
“It is not simply a question of convenience. It is a matter of absolute necessity,” Gatete said, calling for domestic resource mobilization and innovative financing to sustain Africa’s development.
As Africa’s cities expand both geographically and demographically, their impact on economic performance will be significant. While challenges remain, the EIU points to pockets of economic optimism, with a more skilled and educated workforce emerging, raising hopes that urbanization could lead to long-term growth.
