Africa's Urban Future: Cities at the Crossroads of Growth and Resilience

Africa’s cities are emerging as pivotal sites of global urban transformation. With the continent projected to drive nearly half of the world’s population growth by century’s end, understanding its urban future is essential. This event explores how African cities are responding to challenges—from climate adaptation and public health to governance and infrastructure—while advancing innovative, context-driven solutions. The conversation will explore the role of cross-sector collaboration, the importance of context-specific research, and the implications of Africa’s urban trajectory for global urban studies and policy.

Featuring:

Mayor John-Charuk Siafa

Mayor of Monrovia, Liberia

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Governor of Lagos

Zoe Marks (Moderator)

Oppenheimer Faculty Director of the Center for African Studies

Co-sponsors: Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, Center for African Studies