African Cities at a Crossroads: Closing the urban infrastructure investment gap

African Cities at a Crossroads: Closing the Urban Infrastructure Investment Gap explores one of the most important development questions facing the continent today; how to harness rapid urbanization as a driver of inclusive growth and transformation.

The report underscores that urbanization is one of the most powerful megatrends shaping Africa’s future. As cities expand rapidly, they offer a unique opportunity to connect people to jobs, services, and economic opportunities while improving productivity and quality of life.

At the heart of the analysis is the idea that Africa stands at a critical turning point. With the right choices, cities can enter a “virtuous cycle,” where strategic investments in infrastructure and services lead to stronger economies, higher revenues, increased resilience, and improved living conditions.

Importantly, Africa’s cities are still being built, offering a rare opportunity to leapfrog older development models by adopting climate-smart, inclusive, and technology-driven approaches. This positions the continent to shape cities that are more sustainable, resilient, and productive.