African Urban Summit
Theme: “Sustainable Urbanization for Africa's Transformation – Agenda 2063”
Opening Remarks
Delivered by Stephen Karingi on behalf of
Mr. Claver Gatete
United Nations Under-Secretary-General and
Executive Secretary of the ECA
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
04 September, 2024
Your Excellencies,
Honorable Ministers,
Heads and Representatives of Partner Organizations,
Distinguished Business Leaders,
Esteemed Representatives from Civil Society,
Distinguished Guests and Participants from across the continent and beyond:
It is an honor to welcome you to the inaugural African Urban Forum on the theme: “Sustainable Urbanization for Africa’s Transformation – Agenda 2063.” Your presence underscores our shared commitment to Africa’s urban future.
I wish to thank our host the Ethiopian Government, and the African Union Commission, for co-organizing this forum in partnership with UN-Habitat and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). This successful collaboration with you, together with our supporters represented here, highlights the collective resolve required to address urbanization’s challenges and opportunities in Africa.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen:
African cities are vital to the continent’s economic and social development, contributing over 50% of Africa’s GDP. However, rapid urbanization has brought in its wake several challenges, including underdeveloped infrastructure, climate vulnerabilities and socio-economic inequalities. Indeed, with 60% of Africans projected to live in cities by 2050, sustainable urban solutions are more critical than ever.
The Economic Commission for Africa is committed to addressing these challenges and proffer solutions through four strategic focus areas:
The first is macroeconomic policies and development financing to create stable and robust economic environments.
The second is emphasizing regional integration, economic diversification and industrialization to enhance the competitiveness of our economies and strengthen Africa’s economic resilience and industrial base.
The third is prioritizing infrastructure, technology connectivity, and energy to build the backbone of modern, efficient cities that can support sustainable development.
And the fourth is addressing climate change and food security, recognizing that sustainable urban development must be resilient to environmental changes.
Furthermore, the ECA is actively engaged in several initiatives relevant to sustainable cities. These include providing technical support to facilitate the implementation of AfCFTA; developing frameworks and providing guidance for climate-smart infrastructure projects; promoting sustainable urbanization through national policies and local governance; and working with local governments to strengthen financial management to fund urban development.
In addition to this, the ECA is supporting the use of technology and innovation in urban management and producing analytical reports and Africa Urban Portal that provide insights into urban development trends, guiding policymakers in making informed decisions about sustainable urban growth.
It is instructive to note that these efforts align with key African Union strategies, including Agenda 2063, to create cities that are livable, equitable, and resilient.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen:
As we have established, financing sustainable urbanization is crucial. The ECA is therefore partnering with development banks and private sector stakeholders to develop innovative financing mechanisms tailored to African cities. These partnerships ensure cities have the capital needed for sustainable infrastructure, affordable housing, and essential services.
Further, the ECA, in partnership with UN-Habitat and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), is spearheading efforts to expand the municipal fiscal space in African cities. This initiative is empowering local governments to generate and manage financial resources more effectively, enabling them to invest in critical infrastructure and services.
This Forum, thus, provides a unique platform for exploring financing options, forging partnerships, and advancing solutions for sustainable urbanization. Let us use this opportunity to deepen collaborations, share expertise, and commit to actionable strategies that will transform our urban landscapes.
Together, we can ensure that African cities are not only engines of growth, but also exemplars of sustainable and inclusive development.
Thank you, and I look forward to our productive discussions.