African cities

Summary of an event with Dr Beacon Mbiba, Professor JoAnn McGregor, and Professor Ian Scoones, who discussed population distribution and migration, the reconfiguration of the rural economy, and the administration of new settlements in Zimbabwe.

Kilamba New City reportedly cost US$3.5 billion to build. Dr Chloé Buire interrogates the myth it is a “ghost town” and illustrates how the settlement has attracted young, upwardly mobile Angolans.

Chronicling experiences from Panguila, Dr Chloé Buire examines the rapid expansion of suburban Luanda, arguing that it provides insights into the Angolan regime’s vision for modernity.

Jeffrey Paller argues that as Ghana’s cities grow the challenge will be to prevent the creation of more informal settlements, the rise of unregulated transport systems and the deepening of urban inequalities.