31 March 2015: Participants discussed development challenges related to Africa’s rapid urbanization, during a High-level Panel organized by the African Union Commission (AUC), the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT). The panel also considered recommendations on urbanization and structural transformation in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063.

AUC Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said African Heads of States’ next two Summits will have a focus on urbanization, with the aim of agreeing on a common African position for the Third UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III), taking place in October 2016.

Recalling South Africa’s experience with apartheid and colonialism, Madala Masuku, South Africa, recommended that Africa’s response to urbanization address economic and social inclusion, and that national development plans address green and knowledge economies, industrialization and innovation.

Aisa Kacyira, UN-HABITAT, said urbanization can serve as a tool for addressing climate change, peacebuilding and reconciliation.

Panelists also highlighted: economic and social transformation as a political project; the role of partnerships in building ownership of the Africa Urban Agenda at all levels; and the importance of considering rural development when addressing urban challenges.

The panel convened on the sidelines of the Eighth Joint Annual Meetings of the African Union (AU) Specialised Technical Committee of Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning and Integration and the UNECA Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, which took place from 25-31 March 2015, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. [UN-HABITAT Press Release] [IISD RS Story on Joint Annual Meetings]