Africa, the second most populated continent globally, is home to many and a refuge for many more. Over the past 10 years, there has been a significant increase in Africa’s population and there are reports that Africa’s population will likely be double the current number by 2050. This shows the growth progression of the continent of Africa.
According to McKinsey, by the year 2025, there will be more than 100 African cities with more than a million inhabitants. This growth progression begs the question, “Is Africa prepared for this immense growth?
There is a need for an upgrade in Africa Cities for them to accommodate this population growth. These needs would bring about sustainable living and make Africa a haven for all who will stay in it.
It is also essential to state that the need for developmental and sustainable living in Africa brought about the Africities summit.
As a “developing” continent, Africa has also made efforts over the years to improve its status in the world ranking. Cities like Cape town, Nairobi, Cairo, Durban, Lagos, and Abuja stand out among the world’s cities with advanced infrastructure, businesses, tourist centers, and unique buildings, to mention but a few. However, there is still a lot to do for Africa Cities to be ready and fit for the anticipated growth.
Here is a list of some essential things needed in Africa Cities that will surely make her fit for developmental and sustainable living:
More Companies and Employment Opportunities
This one comes first because as population increases, the need for more employment opportunities arises. There is the necessity of developing more companies to offer employment to the masses. More people will move to the developed cities. One of the main aims of the SDGs is to ensure sustainable cities that have access to all amenities, including health services, power, and energy, an excellent transport system, housing, and education. There must be a great source of income for every individual to enjoy all these amenities.
Detailed Layout/ Good Road Network
Just as more companies and employment opportunities are needed in Africa Cities, it is essential to take note of the absence of a planned layout in most Africa Cities. This is because people need to keep creating businesses, companies, and shops as much as possible to cater to the need of the most overpopulated city. In this bid to solve a problem, we might create another problem if we fail to have a detailed layout for the city. The lack of a detailed community plan will soon lead African cities into congestion, as we see in Lagos cities – there is heavy traffic, pollution, and insecurity.
African cities are drawing out a sustainable community plan that will give business owners a chance to thrive and enable a viable community. A detailed community planning system would also help the Africa Cities develop an excellent road network. Hence transportation would be easier and safer.
Modern Security
This is another important thing needed in Africa Cities!
One of the significant reasons needed for sustainable living is security. Insecurity in Africa Cities will go a long way to restrict her growth as this might indeed affect tourism and revenue.
Africa Cities need to upgrade their security facilities and adopt more security and safety technology. This would assure Africans of safety and encourage foreign investors to invest in Africa.
Good Waste Disposal System and Pollution Control
Improper waste control is attributed to creating the greenhouse gases effect and can also be deadly to wildlife and marine. Food contamination and poisoning can also result from improper waste disposal systems.
There is a need to build and adopt a good and proper waste disposal system in Africa. We need to adopt recycling and energy conservation to ensure that waste is correctly disposed of. Appropriate disposal of the waste system influences health positively and helps in climate preservation.
Advanced health system
The COVID 19 pandemic has shown that there is a need for advancement in the healthcare system in Africa. There should be a proper education system for Africans to make wise health decisions and enough facilities and equipment to treat patients. Adequate research and collaboration with research groups should be carried out regularly to ensure that our doctors are up to date on health information and netizens are always served with the correct health information.
Africa is a great continent, and it is fast developing and increasing by population. There is a need for urbanization and development. African cities serving these needs would improve sustainable living for Africans.
