Amid the growing challenges of urbanization, cities play a crucial role in driving global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. Over the last two decades, Africa has been home to the fastest rate of urbanization in the developing world. This trend is anticipated to continue, with major African cities accommodating up to 85% of the continent’s population by next year. Socio-economic, cultural and environmental perspectives change when a large part of the population moves from rural to urban areas. Any effort at economic growth, human development or environmental protection in Africa must engage citizens living within these rapidly expanding cities and towns.
Although Egypt still has a large rural population, it has followed Africa’s trend of rapid urbanization. With an annual urban growth rate of about 2%, Egyptian cities absorb over a million new residents each year. This places increased pressure on infrastructure, vital resources such as water, and the environment.
The Urban Transitions Mission Center (UTMC) Regional Conference took place in Cairo on November 7, 2024. Held alongside the World Urban Forum (WUF), it offered a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and strengthen collaborations.
Elli Tzatzanis-Stepanovic, UTMC coordinator at FFG, highlighted the platform’s transformative potential, emphasizing user engagement. “The platform’s value grows when stakeholders engage with it, sharing their experiences and solutions to make it a continuously evolving and indispensable resource for cities worldwide.”
The UTMC project is a key driver of the Urban Transition Mission, empowering cities to accelerate their progress toward climate-neutral and resilient urban systems. At the heart of this initiative is the UTMC platform—a dynamic, collaborative hub where stakeholders can share knowledge, access essential resources, and implement innovative urban development solutions. This platform’s distinctive value lies in its participatory approach: stakeholders benefit from a wealth of resources while actively contributing their tools, expertise, and insights to strengthen the collective impact.
Laura Hetel, representing the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, reinforced the importance of collaboration as the foundation of the Urban Transition Mission. “This mission is not about imposing solutions but co-creating them,” she stated. Hetel highlighted the reciprocal value of the initiative, where cities across regions share localized knowledge and innovations to collectively address global challenges. Her message emphasized the importance of actionable progress, even if it begins incrementally. “Even if we don’t achieve 100 climate-neutral cities by 2030, having 1, 2, or 3 will provide a model for others to follow. It’s about setting bold ambitions and taking meaningful steps toward achieving them.”
About one hundred cities worldwide have joined the Urban Transitions Mission (UTM), with the goals of accelerating their urban transitions across sectors and building support and cooperation across all levels of government and with citizens.
Currently, six Africa cities; Accra, Ghana; Casablanca and Chefchaouen, Morocco; Cocody-Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Quelimane, Mozambique; and Walvis Bay, Namibia are members of the UTM city cohort, actively taking meaningful steps towards achieving net zero, and building resilient, people-centred urban environments.
The event spotlighted African cities as pivotal contributors to global urban solutions. The city of Cocody-Abidjan, Ivory Coast, showcased its innovative use of biogas technology to mitigate the environmental impact of traditional practices while preserving cultural heritage. Walvis Bay, Namibia, presented the Green Valley housing project, a groundbreaking initiative that integrates green hydrogen and solar energy to create affordable, climate-resilient housing. The city of Accra, Ghana, emphasized its strategies for managing rapid urbanization through innovative waste management and inclusive urban planning, demonstrating the leadership of African cities in advancing sustainable solutions.
A central theme of the event was addressing the financial barriers cities face in implementing ambitious projects. The Funding Dialogue session explored innovative financing mechanisms, including blended financing models that combine public and private contributions. The UTMC platform’s funding tools were showcased as a valuable resource, offering tailored access to global funding databases. Stakeholders stressed the importance of building local capacity to navigate complex financial landscapes and align urban projects with available funding opportunities.
The afternoon session focused on international cooperation as a transformative force in urban transitions. Discussions emphasized integrating scientific, indigenous, and traditional knowledge into policy and planning for inclusive, effective solutions. Arthur Serra, i2CAT Director and ENoLL Council Member, shared examples of Living Labs in Tunisia, Senegal, and South Africa. These labs demonstrated collaborative approaches to tackling challenges in urban and rural contexts.
In Kenya, the constitutional mandate for citizen participation in urban planning showcases a model for inclusive governance. Collaborative action plans in Senegal and Nigeria foster synergies between local governments, communities, and international partners. The discussion ended with a call for sustained international cooperation through the UTMC platform. This platform serves as a global hub for sharing ideas, resources, and best practices in urban transformation.
The final session on international collaboration explored strategic urban development initiatives contributing to resilient, inclusive, and sustainable African cities. Policymakers, academia, businesses, and civil society emphasized the need for stronger international collaboration. Participants also stressed the urgency of engaging the finance sector and advancing green finance as key priorities.
The event closed with a collective call to action, reaffirming the need for active engagement and collaboration. Stakeholders were encouraged to contribute to the UTMC platform, ensuring it remains a dynamic and evolving resource for cities worldwide. The discussions emphasized that urban transitions need bold ambitions, innovative financing, and collective commitment for sustainable, resilient futures.
Explore the UTM Centre Platform and join the conversation! If you missed the sessions, you can watch them all here.
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