African Cities Research Consortium
@africancities.bsky.social
Generating new insights and approaches to tackle complex problems in Africa’s rapidly changing cities.
» collaboration » evidence » innovation » progress
💻 https://www.african-cities.org
📩 bit.ly/ACRCnews
🎧 https://africancities.buzzsprout.com/
» collaboration » evidence » innovation » progress
💻 https://www.african-cities.org
📩 bit.ly/ACRCnews
🎧 https://africancities.buzzsprout.com/
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NEW | Bukavu: City report
The city of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces significant and complex development challenges – related to governance, decentralisation, urbanisation and resource management.
The city of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces significant and complex development challenges – related to governance, decentralisation, urbanisation and resource management.
🏙️ Equity and digitisation in the property tax system in Lagos: A win-win for all?
Taxation is crucial for financing development. This new blog post explores how property tax reform in Lagos could benefit all urban residents 👇
www.african-cities.org/equity-and-d...
Taxation is crucial for financing development. This new blog post explores how property tax reform in Lagos could benefit all urban residents 👇
www.african-cities.org/equity-and-d...
Equity and digitisation in the property tax system in Lagos: A win-win for all? - ACRC
Equitable taxation is about building fairer systems which align with a much-needed path to inclusive urban development. The Lagos property tax system can be improved to facilitate a win-win for all ur...
www.african-cities.org
December 19, 2025 at 11:30 AM
🏙️ Equity and digitisation in the property tax system in Lagos: A win-win for all?
Taxation is crucial for financing development. This new blog post explores how property tax reform in Lagos could benefit all urban residents 👇
www.african-cities.org/equity-and-d...
Taxation is crucial for financing development. This new blog post explores how property tax reform in Lagos could benefit all urban residents 👇
www.african-cities.org/equity-and-d...
NEW | Empowering youth through collaborative efforts: Addressing kush use and related challenges in Freetown
Kush is a type of synthetic drug that is widely used by young people in Sierra Leone, especially in the informal settlements of Freetown.
Kush is a type of synthetic drug that is widely used by young people in Sierra Leone, especially in the informal settlements of Freetown.
December 18, 2025 at 3:12 PM
NEW | Empowering youth through collaborative efforts: Addressing kush use and related challenges in Freetown
Kush is a type of synthetic drug that is widely used by young people in Sierra Leone, especially in the informal settlements of Freetown.
Kush is a type of synthetic drug that is widely used by young people in Sierra Leone, especially in the informal settlements of Freetown.
Podcast | Unpacking housing challenges in African cities
The housing challenge in African cities is far from consistent. Differing historical, sociopolitical and economic contexts mean cities are seeing urbanisation play out along differing trajectories – impacting housing.
The housing challenge in African cities is far from consistent. Differing historical, sociopolitical and economic contexts mean cities are seeing urbanisation play out along differing trajectories – impacting housing.
December 17, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Podcast | Unpacking housing challenges in African cities
The housing challenge in African cities is far from consistent. Differing historical, sociopolitical and economic contexts mean cities are seeing urbanisation play out along differing trajectories – impacting housing.
The housing challenge in African cities is far from consistent. Differing historical, sociopolitical and economic contexts mean cities are seeing urbanisation play out along differing trajectories – impacting housing.
📰 Where to now for African cities?
A great feature in Nature Africa with Edgar Pieterse – and brilliant to see our work highlighted too!
@nature.com @acc-uct.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d44...
A great feature in Nature Africa with Edgar Pieterse – and brilliant to see our work highlighted too!
@nature.com @acc-uct.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d44...
Where to now for African cities?
Researchers are crafting a new ‘African urban science’, rooted in local realities and embedded in collaborative practice.
www.nature.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:31 PM
📰 Where to now for African cities?
A great feature in Nature Africa with Edgar Pieterse – and brilliant to see our work highlighted too!
@nature.com @acc-uct.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d44...
A great feature in Nature Africa with Edgar Pieterse – and brilliant to see our work highlighted too!
@nature.com @acc-uct.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d44...
NOUVEAU | Bukavu : Rapport sur la ville
La ville de Bukavu en République démocratique du Congo (RDC) est confrontée à des problèmes importants et complexes en matière de développement, liés à la gouvernance, à la décentralisation, à l’urbanisation et à la gestion des ressources.
La ville de Bukavu en République démocratique du Congo (RDC) est confrontée à des problèmes importants et complexes en matière de développement, liés à la gouvernance, à la décentralisation, à l’urbanisation et à la gestion des ressources.
December 8, 2025 at 3:33 PM
NOUVEAU | Bukavu : Rapport sur la ville
La ville de Bukavu en République démocratique du Congo (RDC) est confrontée à des problèmes importants et complexes en matière de développement, liés à la gouvernance, à la décentralisation, à l’urbanisation et à la gestion des ressources.
La ville de Bukavu en République démocratique du Congo (RDC) est confrontée à des problèmes importants et complexes en matière de développement, liés à la gouvernance, à la décentralisation, à l’urbanisation et à la gestion des ressources.
NEW | Bukavu: City report
The city of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces significant and complex development challenges – related to governance, decentralisation, urbanisation and resource management.
The city of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces significant and complex development challenges – related to governance, decentralisation, urbanisation and resource management.
December 4, 2025 at 11:39 AM
NEW | Bukavu: City report
The city of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces significant and complex development challenges – related to governance, decentralisation, urbanisation and resource management.
The city of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces significant and complex development challenges – related to governance, decentralisation, urbanisation and resource management.
NEW | Kampala: Health, wellbeing and nutrition
More than 60% of Kampala’s 2.3 million residents reside in informal settlements.
Yet despite the city being food-abundant, communities living in these neighbourhoods face significant barriers to accessing nutritious diets.
More than 60% of Kampala’s 2.3 million residents reside in informal settlements.
Yet despite the city being food-abundant, communities living in these neighbourhoods face significant barriers to accessing nutritious diets.
December 2, 2025 at 1:08 PM
NEW | Kampala: Health, wellbeing and nutrition
More than 60% of Kampala’s 2.3 million residents reside in informal settlements.
Yet despite the city being food-abundant, communities living in these neighbourhoods face significant barriers to accessing nutritious diets.
More than 60% of Kampala’s 2.3 million residents reside in informal settlements.
Yet despite the city being food-abundant, communities living in these neighbourhoods face significant barriers to accessing nutritious diets.
Reposted by African Cities Research Consortium
How can African cities reach net zero without sidelining development?
As COP30 ends, our new blog shows why climate finance needs must reach local governance in order to advance both resilience and decarbonization.
🔗 go.unu.edu/p4vTm
@africancities.bsky.social @globaldevinst.bsky.social
As COP30 ends, our new blog shows why climate finance needs must reach local governance in order to advance both resilience and decarbonization.
🔗 go.unu.edu/p4vTm
@africancities.bsky.social @globaldevinst.bsky.social
November 21, 2025 at 12:50 PM
How can African cities reach net zero without sidelining development?
As COP30 ends, our new blog shows why climate finance needs must reach local governance in order to advance both resilience and decarbonization.
🔗 go.unu.edu/p4vTm
@africancities.bsky.social @globaldevinst.bsky.social
As COP30 ends, our new blog shows why climate finance needs must reach local governance in order to advance both resilience and decarbonization.
🔗 go.unu.edu/p4vTm
@africancities.bsky.social @globaldevinst.bsky.social
🎙️What opportunities exist for strengthening food systems in Lagos?
This is the focus of our latest podcast conversation between Ismail Ibraheem, Taibat Lawanson, Folasade Adeboyejo and Deji Akinpelu.
This is the focus of our latest podcast conversation between Ismail Ibraheem, Taibat Lawanson, Folasade Adeboyejo and Deji Akinpelu.
October 9, 2025 at 2:18 PM
🎙️What opportunities exist for strengthening food systems in Lagos?
This is the focus of our latest podcast conversation between Ismail Ibraheem, Taibat Lawanson, Folasade Adeboyejo and Deji Akinpelu.
This is the focus of our latest podcast conversation between Ismail Ibraheem, Taibat Lawanson, Folasade Adeboyejo and Deji Akinpelu.
Reposted by African Cities Research Consortium
New episode out now! A great listen for researchers, students, and advocates for knowledge coproduction
Featuring Diana Mitlin, Melanie Lombard, myself & @goodfellowtom.bsky.social
@coprofutures.bsky.social @africancities.bsky.social @sheffielduni.bsky.social @unishefplayer.bsky.social
Featuring Diana Mitlin, Melanie Lombard, myself & @goodfellowtom.bsky.social
@coprofutures.bsky.social @africancities.bsky.social @sheffielduni.bsky.social @unishefplayer.bsky.social
New #UrbanRadar!
URBAN INFORMALITY & TRANSLOCAL LEARNING
In this feature, we discuss how urban community organisations in the global North - in Manchester & Sheffield - have learned from those in the South.
open.spotify.com/episode/1dYQ...
@goodfellowtom.bsky.social @itsbethperry.bsky.social
URBAN INFORMALITY & TRANSLOCAL LEARNING
In this feature, we discuss how urban community organisations in the global North - in Manchester & Sheffield - have learned from those in the South.
open.spotify.com/episode/1dYQ...
@goodfellowtom.bsky.social @itsbethperry.bsky.social
Feature 8: URBAN INFORMALITY AND TRANSLOCAL LEARNING - A conversation with Melanie Lombard and Diana Mitlin
open.spotify.com
September 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
New episode out now! A great listen for researchers, students, and advocates for knowledge coproduction
Featuring Diana Mitlin, Melanie Lombard, myself & @goodfellowtom.bsky.social
@coprofutures.bsky.social @africancities.bsky.social @sheffielduni.bsky.social @unishefplayer.bsky.social
Featuring Diana Mitlin, Melanie Lombard, myself & @goodfellowtom.bsky.social
@coprofutures.bsky.social @africancities.bsky.social @sheffielduni.bsky.social @unishefplayer.bsky.social
Reposted by African Cities Research Consortium
In Sheffield - in person event on 18th September - register below
@africancities.bsky.social @goodfellowtom.bsky.social @itsbethperry.bsky.social
sheffield.ac.uk/urban-instit...
@africancities.bsky.social @goodfellowtom.bsky.social @itsbethperry.bsky.social
sheffield.ac.uk/urban-instit...
Lecture: The contribution of academics to urban reform coalitions
In this lecture Professor Diana Mitlin of the Global Development Institute and African Cities Research Consortium, University of Manchester, explores how academics engage in politics through their inv...
sheffield.ac.uk
September 11, 2025 at 4:23 PM
In Sheffield - in person event on 18th September - register below
@africancities.bsky.social @goodfellowtom.bsky.social @itsbethperry.bsky.social
sheffield.ac.uk/urban-instit...
@africancities.bsky.social @goodfellowtom.bsky.social @itsbethperry.bsky.social
sheffield.ac.uk/urban-instit...
Join the book launch for "Legal Empowerment in Informal Settlements: Grassroots Experiences in the Global South" – exploring community-led justice strategies that advance the human rights of residents in informal settlements.
📆 17 September
🕐 1pm BST
💻 us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
📆 17 September
🕐 1pm BST
💻 us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Webinar - Informal Settlements: Communities Fight for Rights and Dignity. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting...
How can legal empowerment strategies transform life in informal settlements and put residents at the center of justice and development?
Join us for the launch of "Legal Empowerment in Informal Settle...
us06web.zoom.us
September 9, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Join the book launch for "Legal Empowerment in Informal Settlements: Grassroots Experiences in the Global South" – exploring community-led justice strategies that advance the human rights of residents in informal settlements.
📆 17 September
🕐 1pm BST
💻 us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
📆 17 September
🕐 1pm BST
💻 us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
NEW | Lagos: City report
Lagos is one of the fastest-growing cities globally, with a population of between 18 and 20 million and an annual growth rate of 6%.
Lagos is one of the fastest-growing cities globally, with a population of between 18 and 20 million and an annual growth rate of 6%.
September 3, 2025 at 3:09 PM
NEW | Lagos: City report
Lagos is one of the fastest-growing cities globally, with a population of between 18 and 20 million and an annual growth rate of 6%.
Lagos is one of the fastest-growing cities globally, with a population of between 18 and 20 million and an annual growth rate of 6%.
📍 What really drives land value change in African cities?
@goodfellowtom.bsky.social explores how findings from our land and connectivity research challenge some of the dominant notions on which ideas of value capture are based 👇
www.african-cities.org/what-drives-...
@goodfellowtom.bsky.social explores how findings from our land and connectivity research challenge some of the dominant notions on which ideas of value capture are based 👇
www.african-cities.org/what-drives-...
What drives land value change in African cities? Unlocking value and the prospects for progressive reform - ACRC
The urgency of developing more effective mechanisms to capture rising land values for urban infrastructure and services is now widely acknowledged. It is also accepted that this is highly challenging.
www.african-cities.org
August 29, 2025 at 9:32 AM
📍 What really drives land value change in African cities?
@goodfellowtom.bsky.social explores how findings from our land and connectivity research challenge some of the dominant notions on which ideas of value capture are based 👇
www.african-cities.org/what-drives-...
@goodfellowtom.bsky.social explores how findings from our land and connectivity research challenge some of the dominant notions on which ideas of value capture are based 👇
www.african-cities.org/what-drives-...
NEW | Addis Ababa: City report
Home to a population of more than 4 million, Addis Ababa is expanding at a rate of 3.8% per year.
A new ACRC report uncovers the interplay of politics, systems and urban development in the fast-growing capital city.
Home to a population of more than 4 million, Addis Ababa is expanding at a rate of 3.8% per year.
A new ACRC report uncovers the interplay of politics, systems and urban development in the fast-growing capital city.
August 26, 2025 at 1:58 PM
NEW | Addis Ababa: City report
Home to a population of more than 4 million, Addis Ababa is expanding at a rate of 3.8% per year.
A new ACRC report uncovers the interplay of politics, systems and urban development in the fast-growing capital city.
Home to a population of more than 4 million, Addis Ababa is expanding at a rate of 3.8% per year.
A new ACRC report uncovers the interplay of politics, systems and urban development in the fast-growing capital city.
NEW | Creating the conditions for change in Mathare informal settlement
Like many large informal settlements, Mathare in Nairobi faces many challenges, including the poor management of waste, leading to severe health, environmental and infrastructural consequences.
Like many large informal settlements, Mathare in Nairobi faces many challenges, including the poor management of waste, leading to severe health, environmental and infrastructural consequences.
July 16, 2025 at 9:28 AM
NEW | Creating the conditions for change in Mathare informal settlement
Like many large informal settlements, Mathare in Nairobi faces many challenges, including the poor management of waste, leading to severe health, environmental and infrastructural consequences.
Like many large informal settlements, Mathare in Nairobi faces many challenges, including the poor management of waste, leading to severe health, environmental and infrastructural consequences.
NEW | How does action research build community and state capabilities?
The fourth blog post in our urban transformation series from Diana Mitlin explores how ACRC is helping build community capabilities to address urban challenges, via engaged and focused real-time learning.
The fourth blog post in our urban transformation series from Diana Mitlin explores how ACRC is helping build community capabilities to address urban challenges, via engaged and focused real-time learning.
July 7, 2025 at 1:43 PM
NEW | How does action research build community and state capabilities?
The fourth blog post in our urban transformation series from Diana Mitlin explores how ACRC is helping build community capabilities to address urban challenges, via engaged and focused real-time learning.
The fourth blog post in our urban transformation series from Diana Mitlin explores how ACRC is helping build community capabilities to address urban challenges, via engaged and focused real-time learning.
The Mukuru Special Planning Area in Nairobi is home to a population of about 400,000.
Around 100,560 households occupy 689 acres of land, with the settlement mainly comprising temporary structures made of corrugated iron, and many families residing in 9m² single-room dwellings.
Around 100,560 households occupy 689 acres of land, with the settlement mainly comprising temporary structures made of corrugated iron, and many families residing in 9m² single-room dwellings.
June 10, 2025 at 9:19 AM
The Mukuru Special Planning Area in Nairobi is home to a population of about 400,000.
Around 100,560 households occupy 689 acres of land, with the settlement mainly comprising temporary structures made of corrugated iron, and many families residing in 9m² single-room dwellings.
Around 100,560 households occupy 689 acres of land, with the settlement mainly comprising temporary structures made of corrugated iron, and many families residing in 9m² single-room dwellings.
NEW | How is ACRC designed to drive urban reform?
The third blog post in our urban transformation series from Diana Mitlin explores the rationale behind how ACRC has been set up and how it aims to add value to reform efforts in African cities.
The third blog post in our urban transformation series from Diana Mitlin explores the rationale behind how ACRC has been set up and how it aims to add value to reform efforts in African cities.
May 20, 2025 at 9:03 AM
NEW | How is ACRC designed to drive urban reform?
The third blog post in our urban transformation series from Diana Mitlin explores the rationale behind how ACRC has been set up and how it aims to add value to reform efforts in African cities.
The third blog post in our urban transformation series from Diana Mitlin explores the rationale behind how ACRC has been set up and how it aims to add value to reform efforts in African cities.
Reposted by African Cities Research Consortium
💼 Professor OR Professor of Practice in Urban Development
Closing date: 30/05/2025
More information/apply: www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/internal/Job...
Blog by Diana Mitlin (@africancities.bsky.social) reflecting on the role: www.african-cities.org/handing-on-t...
Closing date: 30/05/2025
More information/apply: www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/internal/Job...
Blog by Diana Mitlin (@africancities.bsky.social) reflecting on the role: www.african-cities.org/handing-on-t...
May 19, 2025 at 9:39 AM
💼 Professor OR Professor of Practice in Urban Development
Closing date: 30/05/2025
More information/apply: www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/internal/Job...
Blog by Diana Mitlin (@africancities.bsky.social) reflecting on the role: www.african-cities.org/handing-on-t...
Closing date: 30/05/2025
More information/apply: www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/internal/Job...
Blog by Diana Mitlin (@africancities.bsky.social) reflecting on the role: www.african-cities.org/handing-on-t...
NEW | Urban transformation and the trust triad
The next post in our urban transformations blog series from Diana Mitlin focuses on the centrality of trust in politically engaged development programmes.
The next post in our urban transformations blog series from Diana Mitlin focuses on the centrality of trust in politically engaged development programmes.
May 8, 2025 at 2:15 PM
NEW | Urban transformation and the trust triad
The next post in our urban transformations blog series from Diana Mitlin focuses on the centrality of trust in politically engaged development programmes.
The next post in our urban transformations blog series from Diana Mitlin focuses on the centrality of trust in politically engaged development programmes.
Reposted by African Cities Research Consortium
Don't miss our fresh newsletter and read it right here, featuring @africancities.bsky.social's #gender report, @iobua.bsky.social's dossier on Eastern DRC, new book Post-development from the South, call, vacancies, opinions, podcasts and more
mailchi.mp/eadi/nl1may2...
mailchi.mp/eadi/nl1may2...
May 8, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Don't miss our fresh newsletter and read it right here, featuring @africancities.bsky.social's #gender report, @iobua.bsky.social's dossier on Eastern DRC, new book Post-development from the South, call, vacancies, opinions, podcasts and more
mailchi.mp/eadi/nl1may2...
mailchi.mp/eadi/nl1may2...
💡 There's still time to apply to be our new CEO!
The deadline for applications has been extended to 30 May 2025 – find out more and apply 👇
bit.ly/ACRCCEOApply
The deadline for applications has been extended to 30 May 2025 – find out more and apply 👇
bit.ly/ACRCCEOApply
May 7, 2025 at 2:58 PM
💡 There's still time to apply to be our new CEO!
The deadline for applications has been extended to 30 May 2025 – find out more and apply 👇
bit.ly/ACRCCEOApply
The deadline for applications has been extended to 30 May 2025 – find out more and apply 👇
bit.ly/ACRCCEOApply
NEW | Issue-based programming and the parallel tracks of urban reform
We launched our new blog miniseries from Diana Mitlin today, focusing on how urban reform happens and where ACRC fits into change processes – beginning with a post outlining how our approach links to issue-based programming.
We launched our new blog miniseries from Diana Mitlin today, focusing on how urban reform happens and where ACRC fits into change processes – beginning with a post outlining how our approach links to issue-based programming.
May 1, 2025 at 3:14 PM
NEW | Issue-based programming and the parallel tracks of urban reform
We launched our new blog miniseries from Diana Mitlin today, focusing on how urban reform happens and where ACRC fits into change processes – beginning with a post outlining how our approach links to issue-based programming.
We launched our new blog miniseries from Diana Mitlin today, focusing on how urban reform happens and where ACRC fits into change processes – beginning with a post outlining how our approach links to issue-based programming.
NEW | Gender: Crosscutting report
Across African cities, young people experience specific barriers to accessing livelihoods. This not only constrains their agency and ability to fulfil aspirations, but creates environments in which they both perpetrate and experience violence.
Across African cities, young people experience specific barriers to accessing livelihoods. This not only constrains their agency and ability to fulfil aspirations, but creates environments in which they both perpetrate and experience violence.
April 28, 2025 at 3:58 PM
NEW | Gender: Crosscutting report
Across African cities, young people experience specific barriers to accessing livelihoods. This not only constrains their agency and ability to fulfil aspirations, but creates environments in which they both perpetrate and experience violence.
Across African cities, young people experience specific barriers to accessing livelihoods. This not only constrains their agency and ability to fulfil aspirations, but creates environments in which they both perpetrate and experience violence.