The firstever African Urban Forum was recently held in Addis Ababa to discuss the opportunities and challenges of rapid urbanisation in Africa. With stakeholders from various sectors, the forum highlighted the multifaceted nature of urbanisation, from cultural shifts to infrastructure development. While urbanisation can drive economic growth and access to services, it also presents challenges such as poverty and environmental degradation. Transforming informal settlements and promoting rural development are crucial for sustainable urban development and achieving development goals.
The Planning Africa Conference 2024 brought together visionaries, scholars, and government representatives to discuss the challenges posed by escalating urbanization. The conference emphasized the need for dynamic and forwardthinking planning that recognizes the interconnectedness of people, place, environment, and economy. Effective planning requires a welldefined distribution of responsibilities across various government sectors and adherence to UNHabitat’s international guidelines on urban and territorial planning. The District Development Model advocates for a unified and wellresourced approach that promotes local business opportunities and addresses social inequalities.
Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, the Minister of Human Settlements, addressed highlevel representatives from BRICS nations at the United Nations Office in Nairobi. The Minister emphasized the importance of urban resilience for sustainable urban development. This article summarizes her discourse and the key takeaways from the meeting.