Moussa Faki Mahamat Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Tuesday said that intermediary cities have a crucial role in the urbanization policy and have become a renewed subject of interest for governments, international organizations and academics.
In his opening remarks at the 9th Edition of Africities summit, Mahamat also noted that intermediary cities are growing fast and have the greatest potential to shape the urban future and yet they are often overlooked.
“A lot of attention has been paid to capital cities. As a result, our economies fail to realize the benefits a more balanced special development and intercity collaboration can generate.”
In addition, the AU Chair said the growth of intermediary cities implies an increase in wealth, equalities, need for housing, and need for decent jobs and therefore the role needs to be recognized and clarified.
“If left alone to manage themselves without roles, cities will not develop. Cities have their unique challenges and potentials and therefore clarification of roles should take into account their peculiarities,” he said.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “The Role of Intermediary Cities of Africa in the Implementation of Agenda 2030 of the United Nations and the African Union Agenda 2063”, Mahammat said he was pleased to see Africa’s agenda is linked to the world’s agenda.
“Africa like the rest of the world has committed itself to the implementation of the United Nations Agenda 2063, as well as the new urban agenda, furthermore, the continent’s agenda outlines not only our inspirations for the future, but identifies, key flagship programs which can boost Africa’s economy,” he said.
Further, the AU Chair noted that the AU had developed the African Charter on values and principles of decentralisation, local governance and local development to facilitate the implementation of decentralisation which remains a challenge in many countries.
In conclusion, Mahamat reminded the delegates that regional integration is a fundamental objective of Agenda 2063.
“The Africa Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) can be seen in action here in Kisumu County, a vibrant city that trades with neighbouring counties and countries, facilitating the free movement of goods and people for the shared prosperity far beyond the shores of Lake Victoria.”
What are Intermediary cities?
Intermediary cities are cities with a population between 50,000 and one million people that generally play a primary role in connecting important rural and urban areas to basic facilities and services.
Intermediary cities are home to 20% of the world´s population and one-third of the total urban population.
According to The United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa), because of their scale, intermediary cities can guarantee and provide basic housing needs to their citizens more efficiently and cheaply than metropolitan areas.
Agenda for intermediary cities – key messages
- Acknowledge the contribution of intermediary cities to the realization of the Agenda 2030 and the New Urban Agenda
- Redefine national urban policies to support intermediary cities in fostering balanced and inclusive urban and territorial development
- Unlock intermediary cities potential to take on fully their responsibility for urban management and development, through a fair distribution of powers, finances and capacities
- Capitalize on the proximity and human scale of intermediary cities by strengthening urban planning capacities and land management to prevent urban sprawl and reduce the urban footprint
- Raise the national profile of intermediary cities by branding and promoting themselves as centres of innovation, intermediation, service provision, cultural heritage and prosperity
- Fostering national development by encouraging closer cooperation between intermediary cities and their rural hinterlands, as well as inter-municipal partnerships
- Develop ambitious local economic policies to créate new opportunities and overcome global and national economic challenges
- Tackle global inequalities by developing social policies that ensure affordable access to basic services, health and education
- Reduce the urban environmental footprint to fight environmental degradation, climate change, and the threat of natural disasters
- Ensure access and participation in culture and cultural life for all
- Adopt the Right to the City
