Cities in sub-Saharan Africa are growing at an unprecedented rate due to internal migration and general population growth. Urban population growth brings with it many positive benefits, but in cash-constrained municipalities, this can be particularly problematic as the financial resources cannot keep pace with municipal infrastructure needs.

Today’s world is undergoing fundamental changes. On one hand, globalization is reaching a new level despite some ups and downs, emerging economies represented by China are growing rapidly and the global landscape has experienced and will continue to see more changes to come.

“Africa’s Cities: Opening Doors to the World” demonstrates how urban policy plays a central role in making Africa’s cities economically competitive

https://youtu.be/jdfKDv2sdzs

MP3

AUDIO: Somik Lall - Africa's Cities: Opening Doors to the world

SYNOPSIS

Increased demand for services and economic opportunities necessitates improvement of revenue generation. In this regard, Kiambu county government sought advisory and technical support from a range of stakeholders including UN-Habitat.  In 2014, a joint county-UN Habitat revenue assessment was conducted.

The county government of Homa Bay sought specialized support for revenue enhancement and local economic development from UN-Habitat. UN-Habitat took on a role of a technical advisor and conducted a rapid financial assessment of the county in collaboration with local government officials of Homa Bay.

Bridging the Financing Gap

Toronto, August 03, 2016 – International City Leaders (ICL) and Institute of Municipal Finance and Governance (IMFG) recently hosted a roundtable event to consider the finance and capacity opportunities and challen

This paper focuses on the growing urban economic challenges facing both developing and industrialized countries. Cities are clearly the engines of growth for most national economies. The paper identifies the dynamic conditions of urban economies and suggests areas deserving policy attention and increased research.