Deputy Minister Masemola Represents South Africa at Inaugural Africa Urban Forum

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a landmark moment for African urban development, CoGTA Deputy Minister, Dr. Namane Dickson Masemola proudly represented South Africa at the Inaugural Africa Urban Forum. The three-day event, held from 4 to 6 September 2024, served as a continental platform focused on promoting sustainable development across African human settlements.

Hosted under the theme, “Sustainable Urbanisation for Africa’s Transformation: Agenda 2063,” the forum aligns with the African Union’s vision for the continent’s socio-economic growth and prosperity. Leaders and experts from across Africa gathered to explore the role of cities as engines of transformation and to address the pressing challenges posed by rapid urbanisation.

On the forum's second day, Deputy Minister Masemola was a key contributor to a panel discussion focused on ‘Sustainable Infrastructure and Innovative Approaches to Service Delivery in African Cities.’ This critical dialogue highlighted the challenges facing Africa’s growing urban centres, including strained infrastructure, service delivery gaps, and environmental pressures.

The Deputy Minister shared South Africa’s experiences and insights into innovative solutions aimed at fostering sustainable development in urban areas. The discussion emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts across all levels of government and the private sector to improve living conditions, infrastructure, and service delivery, while also addressing climate change and resource scarcity.?

The Africa Urban Forum comes at a pivotal time for the continent. Over the last two decades, Africa has experienced the fastest rate of urbanisation globally, with an average annual urban growth rate of 3.5%. This trend is expected to continue, with the urban population projected to double by 2050, adding an estimated 600 million people to African cities and bringing the total urban population to 1.2 billion.

If managed effectively, this unprecedented growth presents a unique opportunity for African cities to become hubs of economic activity, innovation, and social transformation. However, the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation cannot be ignored. Existing inequalities are deepening, infrastructure is increasingly under strain, and environmental challenges are becoming more pronounced. The Africa Urban Forum aims to confront these issues head-on by fostering collaboration among African nations, sharing best practices, and promoting policies that will ensure inclusive and sustainable urban growth.?

The participation of Deputy Minister Masemola at the Africa Urban Forum underscores South Africa’s commitment to playing a leading role in shaping the future of African cities. By aligning with continental frameworks such as Agenda 2063 and leveraging national policies like the IUDF and DDM, South Africa is well-positioned to drive sustainable urbanisation that benefits all citizens, while contributing to the socio-economic growth of the continent.

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