Africa's Urban Future: Cities at the Crossroads of Growth and Resilience

Description

View the livestream

Africa’s cities are emerging as pivotal sites of global urban transformation. With the continent projected to drive nearly half of the world’s population growth by century’s end, understanding its urban future is essential. This event explores how African cities are responding to challenges—from climate adaptation and public health to governance and infrastructure—while advancing innovative, context-driven solutions.

The conversation will examine the role of cross-sector collaboration, the importance of context-specific research, and the implications of Africa’s urban trajectory for global urban studies and policy.

Featuring:

  • Mayor John-Charuk Siafa
    Mayor of Monrovia, Liberia 
  • Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
    Governor of Lagos
  • Zoe Marks (Moderator)
    Oppenheimer Faculty Director of the Center for African Studies

Co-sponsors: Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University; Center for African Studies

Please register with a valid Harvard email address to attend in-person. All JFK Jr. Forums are publicly livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

Accessibility

The IOP encourages persons with disabilities to participate in our programs. If you have questions about accommodations or the physical access provided, please contact 617-495-1360 or iop_info@hks.harvard.edu in advance of the event. The Forum is currently closed to those without a Harvard ID, and RSVPs are required for in-person attendance.