Africa has transformed from a predominantly rural continent to the world’s fastest-urbanising region over the past century, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) said on Friday, July 25.
Urban landscapes on the continent are transforming at an unprecedented pace, with a 3.5% annual urban growth rate, outpacing East Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, ECA said.
It however, added that 32 of Africa’s 54 officially-recognised countries experienced declining urban growth rates from 2000 to 2020, while 22 nations sustained robust growth above 3.5%.
“Africa’s urban transformation is a defining moment in its history. The continent’s cities are not just growing – they’re redefining what’s possible for prosperity, sustainability and inclusion” ECA said.
“By learning from the past two decades and acting on evidence-based strategies, African cities can lead the charge in building a future that benefits all,” it added.
The organisation said the growth of cities in West, Central and East Africa outpaced the continental average of 3.5% per year between 2000 and 2020.
“For instance, Nigeria’s urban population rose from 35% to 52%, Tanzania’s from 22% to 35% and Zambia’s from 35% to 45%,” it added, citing World Bank data.
“Since 2000, approximately five African countries per decade have crossed the 50% urbanisation mark, meaning over half their populations live in urban areas, reflecting a profound shift toward urbanized societies.”
ECA was established by the UN’s Economic and Social Council in 1958 as one of five regional commissions to promote the economic and social development of its member states.
