The African Urban Environment: Megacities [Part 1]

* Part One of a New Series *

Over the next 20 years, Lagos, Kinshasa, Nairobi, Kampala, and Kano, are all likely to become megacities; at least by definition. Whilst this milestone is achieved in each of these centres of culture and trade, what will be the real impact upon the populous' and stakeholders within each society?

Megacities, starting with London and New York, have become synonymous with wealth creation and comsopolitain environments where varied global cultures, goods and services collide to create unique fusions characteristic of that city and that city alone. When one looks at the situation within the African continent, can we truly say that this is the predictable trend to be achieved?

Without proper planning, urban decay/squalor, slum expansion, and urban poverty, may become the watchwords on the lips of all who speak of Africa's 'megacities' in 2028 and beyond. This truly is not the legacy any of us will want to leave. It is high time that we begin the process of ground-up, integrated urban planning, leaving no stone unturned in the quest to create productive, enlightened and wealthy population centers in the hearts of the leading lights of the African world.

The people, businesses and governments of the continent will all be vastly better of for it, and our economies will be significantly deeper and more stable, allowing the average city-citizen to reap the benefits by way of trade, employment and security of lifestyle.