Turning Sub-Saharan African Cities Into Project Engines by Paschal Donohoe

Cities and towns will be central to creating more and better jobs for Sub-Saharan Africa’s rapidly growing population, simply because people and economic activity in the region are increasingly concentrated there. But unlocking the potential of urbanization requires policy guidance and well-planned investment.

WASHINGTON, DC—Recent visits to South Africa and Ghana brought to light the scale of urban development opportunities in Africa. In Johannesburg and Accra, I saw cities that are growing fast, full of ambition, innovation, and young people who want to build a better life. The challenge is significant, but so is the potential to create jobs and boost growth.