African Cities Research Consortium

NEW | Mogadishu: City report Mogadishu, the capital and largest city of Somalia, has an estimated population of about 2 million and faces numerous challenges. The city is at a crucial crossroads, dealing with intricate political, security and development challenges. Rapid urbanisation has led to a surge in construction and escalating land prices in the city. At the same time, Somalia’s unresolved constitutional issues impact the governance of Mogadishu. The presence of al-Shabaab, along with the rise of youth gangs, adds to the city’s security dilemmas. A new report by Afyare Elmi and Faisal Nor Ali synthesises the key insights from ACRC’s research on Mogadishu’s urban development. The report focuses on politics, city systems, and four key domains: land and connectivity, informal settlements and internally displaced people (IDPs), safety and security, and youth and capability development. The authors examine how the distribution of power in Somalia influences development and the prospects for developmental reform in Mogadishu, and analyse the systems by which actors and agencies attempt to sustain and/or improve urban life. Improved governance, better infrastructure and inclusive polices are highlighted as key to creating a more stable and prosperous city. The report suggests viable solutions, taking into account obstacles such as contested governance, security concerns, urban infrastructure deficits, planning failures and the taxation system. The authors advocate a holistic approach to urban development, considering both formal and informal practices. Heritage Institute for Policy Studies

SDI Kenya and Muungano wa Wanaviji participated in the Africa Urban Forum from September 4th to 6th. As part of our vision for inclusive cities, where low-income communities have access to adequate housing and services, and can live with dignity, we served as delegates in the discussion on unlocking the role of research and academia in shaping sustainable and resilient cities #MakingSlumsVisible #inclusivecities #auf2024

Could Gen-Z protests mark a shift in power dynamics across Kenya? Kenya has recently witnessed a unique series of protests, reflecting a growing concern about the high cost of living, persistent governance issues, corruption, foreign debt and an increasing inflation rate. Unlike the long history of the political elite-led demonstrations, the nationwide protests were led and headed predominantly by young people, known as Gen-Z – those born in the late 90s and early 2000s – who demanded rejection of the government's proposed finance bill. The youth-led protests have had various repercussions, including the rejection of the 2024 Finance Bill, changes in the cabinet secretaries, dissolution of 47 cooperatives, suspension of re-appointments in the civil service and the abolishment of unconstitutional offices. A new blog post from Rosebella Apollo - M. PRSK, Jerry OKAL and Jack Makau explores how demonstrations like these could work towards a shift in power structures in Kenya and beyond >> https://lnkd.in/exaTjfHK

We are excited to share that ACRC will be involved in two sessions at the inaugural Africa Urban Forum, which is being held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 4-6 September. Convened by the African Union, the Forum aims to promote sustainable development in African human settlements. As part of the plenary proceedings, ACRC will co-host a session on using research to catalyse urban reform, in partnership with the Ethiopian Civil Service University. We will also host a side event to explore key housing challenges in African cities and opportunities to improve provision of inclusive, affordable housing. Read more about the sessions and speakers >> https://lnkd.in/eYbgyDn7

New case study | Embracing informality for urban transformation in Zimbabwe: The Urban Informality Forum Zimbabwe has experienced rapid urbanisation since independence in 1980, with 33% of the population now living in urban areas. This growth has led to significant socioeconomic and political challenges – increasing unemployment, inadequate infrastructure and political instability. The strain on the built environment has also resulted in the emergence of vast informal residential developments. The state has criminalised informality, leading to evictions and demolitions, and excluding low-income communities from development planning and policy. Over the years, social movements, civic society and academia have attempted to change this, by engaging decisionmakers to create dialogue around embracing informality. In 2018, five organisations came together to form the Urban Informality Forum (UIF): development governance institute degi, Zimbabwe Homeless People's Federation (ZHPF), Dialogue on Shelter: Slum Dwellers International Affiliate - Zimbabwe , Shelter Homage Trust, and the University of Zimbabwe Planning School. Its aims were to: 1. Create safe spaces for honest policy reflections around urban informality 2. Lobby, advocate and input into policy changes on urban informality 3. Create a dialogue platform which could inform coordinated interventions that safeguard multistakeholder interests in urban informality The UIF has become a space for informal settlement groups to voice their aspirations and proposals. Together with local and national government representatives, they are able to explore how to resolve informality’s challenges into positive contributions to urban transformation. For informal settlement residents and workers, the Forum is a safe, inclusive space to reflect without fear of being judged or threat of eviction. It also provides a space for community groups to exchange knowledge. In addition, the Forum's focus on co-producing inclusive, crosscutting and lasting solutions to informal settlement upgrading has significantly contributed to key policy processes. Read more about the initiative, the participating agencies, and the successes, limitations, and lessons learned, on the ACRC Urban Reform Database >> https://lnkd.in/ekNWPeDC

NEW | Harare: City report ACRC has published a new report exploring the political dimensions of urban development in Harare, Zimbabwe. Authored by Dr. George Masimba and Anna Walnycki, it synthesises key findings from studies undertaken by in-city researchers, analysing how Harare’s political settlement and city systems shape its urban development domains. Harare’s political terrain is highly complex, providing both challenges and opportunities for transformative urban progress in the city. Over the last two decades, the city's infrastructure has largely collapsed – connected to national-level macro-socioeconomic and political developments. The research findings show the contested and contingent nature of urban systems in Harare, with hyperinflation, exclusionary regulatory frameworks and a growing population only compounding these difficulties. Across the four urban development domains studied – informal settlements, land and connectivity, neighbourhood and district economic development, and structural transformation – informality was found to be a binding constraint, with recommendations highlighting the need for council-led integration, regulation and institutionalisation of informal practices. The research highlights that development processes in Harare are inseparable from politics, meaning that politically nuanced approaches and sustained commitment from elites are critical to confront urban challenges. With thanks to Kudzai Chatiza, McDonald Lewanika, Selina Pasirayi, Teurai Anna Nyamangara, Mfundo Mlilo, Evans Itayi Banana, Thomas Karakadzai, Shiela Muganyi, Thulani Mswelanto, Tariro Nyevera, Hazel Musvovi, Tatenda Chatiza and Artwell Nyirenda for their contributions.

Across Africa, there has been a rising sense of agency among the continents youthful generation. The youth in their numbers are showing up to challenge status quo and secure their future. Here are reflections from # Kenya's Gen-Z's protests https://lnkd.in/d7-r9pWi

A recent paper by Tom Gillespie and BARAKA MWAU explores the new urban geographies of rentier capitalism in Africa. Learn more about the research in the video below, and read open-access here: https://lnkd.in/etRAeJ45

New case study | Developing policies to support internally displaced people in Mogadishu The huge scale and rising number of internally displaced people (IDPs) is the centre of much political debate in Somalia. In 2018, the Benadir Regional Administration (BRA) and consultancy firm Tana Copenhagen co-led the development of a policy to address the large and growing number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Mogadishu, Somalia. The process employed political economy analysis to navigate Mogadishu's complex clan-based power structures and informal governance systems. This was useful in identifying key enablers and potential barriers of policy implementation and ultimately risk management. Key to the process was the recognition of gatekeepers who play a crucial role in IDP camp governance. Acknowledging these controversial actors was significant in promoting accountability and transparency in camp management. Although the implementation is incremental, initial results indicate some positive outcomes including improvement in tenure security and a reduction in evictions. By adopting collaborative, inclusive policymaking processes and engaging both formal and informal power structures in addressing complex urban challenges, Mogadishu's experience provides valuable lessons for other cities dealing with displacement crises. Read the full case study >> https://lnkd.in/da6Ywta5

Calling all students of the built environment! Are you passionate about social inclusion, climate resilience and urban placemaking? We are thrilled to be announce the #NairobiRiversRegeneration Design Studio Competition. From 15th August – 13th September, we’ll be bringing together a cohort of students from across Kenya to develop interdisciplinary solutions for flood risk in Nairobi’s informal settlements. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts, gain invaluable experience, and make a tangible impact on Nairobi's riparian landscapes. Apply now! https://bit.ly/4bP7qOs