According to a report by the World Bank, Luanda, the capital of Angola, is expected to become the most populous city in sub-Saharan Africa by 2050, with a projected population of 20.3 million inhabitants. This represents a 78% increase from the current population of 11.4 million. The report, titled "The Sub-Saharan African Urban Awakening," highlights the significant growth and economic implications for the region.
The World Bank report notes that despite Lagos losing its title as the largest city in sub-Saharan Africa, it will still experience a 25% growth in population by 2050, reaching 16.2 million inhabitants. The report also identifies other cities that will be among the most populous in Africa by 2050, including Kinshasa, Dar es Salaam, and Addis Ababa, all with over 10 million inhabitants.
The report highlights that since 1975, the urban population in sub-Saharan Africa has increased by 742.4 million, rising from 170.2 million to 912.6 million. The World Bank projects that this growth will continue, with an additional 748 million people expected to be added to the urban population by 2050, bringing the total to 1.7 billion.
The World Bank emphasizes that this rapid growth poses significant challenges, including the need to create 15 million new jobs to keep pace with the expanding youth workforce. The institution urges governments to take decisive action to address the main constraints to urban performance and to capitalize on the opportunities presented by this growth.
The report recommends that governments prioritize investments in areas that will have the greatest impact on employment and private investment, while also shaping urban expansion and tailoring approaches to smaller cities. The World Bank also stresses the importance of leveraging private capital for African development, given the constraints on public resources.
The World Bank notes that making smart investment choices is crucial, given the scarcity of resources. This includes investing in areas where public action can stimulate private investment and job creation, planning ahead to guide growth before costs rise, and concentrating resources where they can create the best economic opportunities.
The report's findings and recommendations come as Angola and other African countries face significant economic challenges. The country's economy has been heavily influenced by external factors, with many arguing that the current economic policies have led to a loss of sovereignty and a reliance on foreign capital.
Key points
- Luanda is projected to have 20.3 million inhabitants by 2050.
- The World Bank emphasizes the need for governments to create 15 million new jobs to keep pace with the expanding youth workforce.
- The report recommends prioritizing investments in areas that will have the greatest impact on employment and private investment.
