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 | 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 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.
NEW | The contribution of urban reform coalitions to inclusive and equitable cities
A new special issue of Environment & Urbanization, edited by @ezanahw.bsky.social and Diana Mitlin, explores how urban reformers come together to advance inclusive urban futures.
A new special issue of Environment & Urbanization, edited by @ezanahw.bsky.social and Diana Mitlin, explores how urban reformers come together to advance inclusive urban futures.
April 23, 2025 at 3:49 PM
NEW | The contribution of urban reform coalitions to inclusive and equitable cities
A new special issue of Environment & Urbanization, edited by @ezanahw.bsky.social and Diana Mitlin, explores how urban reformers come together to advance inclusive urban futures.
A new special issue of Environment & Urbanization, edited by @ezanahw.bsky.social and Diana Mitlin, explores how urban reformers come together to advance inclusive urban futures.
💡 Could you – or someone you know – be our new CEO?
In case you missed the news, our current CEO Diana Mitlin has announced she will be stepping down, and we're looking for someone to take over the reins of ACRC!
In case you missed the news, our current CEO Diana Mitlin has announced she will be stepping down, and we're looking for someone to take over the reins of ACRC!
April 16, 2025 at 12:59 PM
💡 Could you – or someone you know – be our new CEO?
In case you missed the news, our current CEO Diana Mitlin has announced she will be stepping down, and we're looking for someone to take over the reins of ACRC!
In case you missed the news, our current CEO Diana Mitlin has announced she will be stepping down, and we're looking for someone to take over the reins of ACRC!
Reposted by African Cities Research Consortium
There is still plenty of time to apply for the job of Professor or Professor of Practice in Urban Development here at GDI.
This is also an exciting opportunity to take a leading role with @africancities.bsky.social, becoming CEO after a period of transition.
For more info see the thread below 👇
This is also an exciting opportunity to take a leading role with @africancities.bsky.social, becoming CEO after a period of transition.
For more info see the thread below 👇
Are you passionate about understanding and advancing inclusive urban reform?
We’re currently looking to hire either a new Professor – or a Professor of Practice – in Urban Development to join us at GDI: bit.ly/4kPvHcT
Find out more in this thread…
We’re currently looking to hire either a new Professor – or a Professor of Practice – in Urban Development to join us at GDI: bit.ly/4kPvHcT
Find out more in this thread…
April 15, 2025 at 12:46 PM
There is still plenty of time to apply for the job of Professor or Professor of Practice in Urban Development here at GDI.
This is also an exciting opportunity to take a leading role with @africancities.bsky.social, becoming CEO after a period of transition.
For more info see the thread below 👇
This is also an exciting opportunity to take a leading role with @africancities.bsky.social, becoming CEO after a period of transition.
For more info see the thread below 👇
As the old saying goes: all politics is local.
In Lagos and elsewhere, political dynamics manifest at various levels – the committee, the community, and the city – and often shape the degree of urban transformation that is possible.
In Lagos and elsewhere, political dynamics manifest at various levels – the committee, the community, and the city – and often shape the degree of urban transformation that is possible.
March 26, 2025 at 9:57 AM
As the old saying goes: all politics is local.
In Lagos and elsewhere, political dynamics manifest at various levels – the committee, the community, and the city – and often shape the degree of urban transformation that is possible.
In Lagos and elsewhere, political dynamics manifest at various levels – the committee, the community, and the city – and often shape the degree of urban transformation that is possible.
NEW | Municipal finance: Crosscutting report
Infrastructure and services are key to driving productivity in African cities and making them liveable, sustainable spaces.
They are also needed to attract investment, enhance employment opportunities and advance structural transformation.
Infrastructure and services are key to driving productivity in African cities and making them liveable, sustainable spaces.
They are also needed to attract investment, enhance employment opportunities and advance structural transformation.
March 20, 2025 at 12:03 PM
NEW | Municipal finance: Crosscutting report
Infrastructure and services are key to driving productivity in African cities and making them liveable, sustainable spaces.
They are also needed to attract investment, enhance employment opportunities and advance structural transformation.
Infrastructure and services are key to driving productivity in African cities and making them liveable, sustainable spaces.
They are also needed to attract investment, enhance employment opportunities and advance structural transformation.
NEW | Action research spotlight: Healthy school meals in Nairobi
In this episode, Veronica Mwangi from the University of Nairobi joins @chrisjords.bsky.social to talk about an ACRC action research initiative to improve access to healthy and nutritious school meals in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
In this episode, Veronica Mwangi from the University of Nairobi joins @chrisjords.bsky.social to talk about an ACRC action research initiative to improve access to healthy and nutritious school meals in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
March 18, 2025 at 12:07 PM
NEW | Action research spotlight: Healthy school meals in Nairobi
In this episode, Veronica Mwangi from the University of Nairobi joins @chrisjords.bsky.social to talk about an ACRC action research initiative to improve access to healthy and nutritious school meals in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
In this episode, Veronica Mwangi from the University of Nairobi joins @chrisjords.bsky.social to talk about an ACRC action research initiative to improve access to healthy and nutritious school meals in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
📣 Some big news coming out of ACRC today!
Could you be our new CEO?
More details below... 👇
Could you be our new CEO?
More details below... 👇
The position will take a leading role in advancing the work of @africancities.bsky.social, eventually becoming CEO after working closely with Prof Diana Mitlin.
Diana will remain involved with ACRC, but will gradually reduce her time commitment.
Read her reflections here: bit.ly/41OU1mw
Diana will remain involved with ACRC, but will gradually reduce her time commitment.
Read her reflections here: bit.ly/41OU1mw
Handing on the African Cities Research Consortium - ACRC
The University of Manchester has recently advertised a new role – which involves taking over as CEO of the African Cities Research Consortium. In this blog post, our current CEO, Professor Diana Mitli...
bit.ly
March 13, 2025 at 12:21 PM
📣 Some big news coming out of ACRC today!
Could you be our new CEO?
More details below... 👇
Could you be our new CEO?
More details below... 👇
Reposted by African Cities Research Consortium
Are you passionate about understanding and advancing inclusive urban reform?
We’re currently looking to hire either a new Professor – or a Professor of Practice – in Urban Development to join us at GDI: bit.ly/4kPvHcT
Find out more in this thread…
We’re currently looking to hire either a new Professor – or a Professor of Practice – in Urban Development to join us at GDI: bit.ly/4kPvHcT
Find out more in this thread…
March 13, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Are you passionate about understanding and advancing inclusive urban reform?
We’re currently looking to hire either a new Professor – or a Professor of Practice – in Urban Development to join us at GDI: bit.ly/4kPvHcT
Find out more in this thread…
We’re currently looking to hire either a new Professor – or a Professor of Practice – in Urban Development to join us at GDI: bit.ly/4kPvHcT
Find out more in this thread…