National Urban Policies : Integrating Urbanization into National Development Planning

Abstract

This policy brief by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) highlights the critical role of urbanization in Africa's national development planning. It emphasizes the rapid urban growth on the continent, its socioeconomic impacts, and the need for integrated policies to harness its potential while addressing challenges like slums, inequality, and infrastructure deficits. The brief provides policy recommendations, including decentralized governance, rural-urban linkages, and data-driven planning, and includes a database of national development plans across African countries, showcasing their urbanization priorities and strategies.