World Bank urges Africa’s cities to go global

African cities must become more global if they are to fulfil their growth potential, the World Bank has said.

An estimated 187 million more people are expected to flock to the continent’s cities by 2025, but without better international links, foreign investment and better efficiency, the bank warned Africa risks missing the dividends of urban development.

Africa’s rapid urbanisation has not been accompanied with the economic growth enjoyed by other regions. East Asia and the Pacific, for example, reached 40% urbanisation with a GDP per capita of $3,600. Today, at the same levels of urbanisation, Africa has a GDP per capita worth just $1,000.