economic development

Sustainable Cities conference bridges cultures, demonstrates shared experiences on public spaces

The challenges of traffic congestion, civic engagement and shrinking public spaces are key themes for cities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region; these same challenges cut across West Africa’s cities, too. November 4-5, African Urbanism participated in the conference “Towards a Roadmap for Sustainable Cities in the MENA Region” in Beirut, Lebanon,… Continue reading Sustainable Cities conference bridges cultures, demonstrates shared experiences on public spaces

Exploring the slave castle, tourism and urban economic opportunity at Cape Coast

Inside a chamber of the male dungeon, three American tourists listen to tour guide Kwabena Kumi recount the history and circumstances of the location.

“Please, it’s somehow deep,” the tour guide warns as each member of the group climbs down into the dark cell. “Come closer and take a look, but watch your head.” Each descends, one by one, away from the slave castle’s bright exterior and into an inner chamber, engulfed in near total darkness. This is Cape Coast,… Continue reading Exploring the slave castle, tourism and urban economic opportunity at Cape Coast

How do we measure “livability” in African cities?

Street-level actvity at Makola Market in Old Accra.

In the Africa.com article “The Top 10 Most Livable Cities in Africa”, I was excited to see the city that I currently reside in — Accra, Ghana — listed as the second most livable city in the continent. As you might guess, it’s many of the continent’s main attractions that find themselves on the list —… Continue reading How do we measure “livability” in African cities?