African Cities of the Future: How to Combine Innovation, Tradition and Sustainability
By 2050, more than 1.3 billion Africans will live in urban areas, representing nearly 60% of the continent’s population. This rapid urbanization, if left unchecked, risks exacerbating the housing crisis, urban congestion, and pressure on basic infrastructure. Yet, this situation also offers a unique opportunity to rethink urban development models by combining innovation, tradition, and sustainability.
Reinventing African urban planning
African cities can draw on a rich architectural heritage and local materials to build infrastructure adapted to the continent’s climate and socio-economic realities.
- Drawing inspiration from traditional building techniques: Raw earth architecture, used in the Sahel, offers natural thermal insulation and a low carbon footprint. Projects such as the “Raw Earth Bank” in Burkina Faso encourage its use in modern construction.
- Integrating smart cities into the African model : Projects such as Konza Technopolis in Kenya and Eko Atlantic in Nigeria illustrate how technology can support urban growth by integrating smart energy, transport, and service management solutions.
- Prioritize green spaces and harmony with the environment: Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is a model green city thanks to its strict policies on cleanliness and waste management.
Towards sustainable urbanization
Urbanization can only be effective if it is based on resilient, environmentally friendly infrastructure that is adapted to the needs of populations.
- The rise of renewable energy: In the face of energy challenges, projects like Noor Ouarzazate in Morocco, Africa’s largest solar power plant, are showing the way for a green energy transition to power cities.
- Innovation in urban mobility: Lagos and Addis Ababa are investing heavily in electric public transport and sustainable mobility solutions to reduce congestion and pollution.
- Eco-district development: Dakar plans to create an “ urban forest” to limit heat islands and improve air quality. In Abidjan, the Marcory 2030 development project proposes an urban regeneration emblematic of the African city of the future through the creation of two eco-districts in the city center.
Financing and supporting the urban transition
The sustainable development of African cities depends on adequate financing and local and international initiatives.
- Funds for sustainable urbanization: The African Development Bank (AfDB) and institutions like the World Bank support green infrastructure and sustainable housing projects.
- Involvement of local start-ups and initiatives: Start-ups like M-KOPA in Kenya, which specializes in access to solar energy, demonstrate how local innovation can meet the specific needs of African cities.
- Opportunities for investors: With a growing real estate market, investors can invest in eco-district projects, social housing, and technology solutions adapted to African cities. REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) are beginning to emerge in Africa, offering new opportunities for crowdfunding.
The development of African cities must not be a simple reproduction of Western models, but an innovative approach that leverages local resources, new technologies, and sustainability principles. The African real estate sector is a goldmine for knowledgeable investors, provided they adopt a strategic approach and integrate sustainability issues. Architects, urban planners, investors, and policymakers must collaborate to create resilient and inclusive metropolises adapted to African realities.
Don’t miss the masterclass with Sénamé Koffi, Founder of L’Africaine d’architecture, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 10 a.m. GMT. Live or via replay, this exclusive masterclass will help you understand the challenges of impactful real estate and seize the best opportunities to build the sustainable cities of tomorrow.
If you’re looking for personalized, actionable advice, book a session with our experts on Entourage.
