In brief
In a recent report, the World Bank highlighted sharp urban population increases in sub‑Saharan Africa and urged governments to use this trend to spur economic growth and youth employment. The institution recommends stronger urban planning, infrastructure investment, and mobilization of private capital, while citing challenges such as limited productivity gains and informal, low‑pay jobs. The report draws on data from countries like Côte d'Ivoire to illustrate the need for improved urban governance.
On October 30, 2026, the World Bank published a report urging sub‑Saharan African governments to use the region’s rapid urbanization as a driver for economic growth and job creation, as reported by Xinhua in Abidjan.
The publication, titled "Africa's Urban Awakening: Catalyzing Economic Growth and Job Creation," describes how the urban population of sub‑Saharan Africa grew from about 170 million in 1975 to 913 million in 2025, and is projected to reach 1.7 billion by 2050, according to the institution’s data.
Marie‑Chantal Uwanyiligira, division director for Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Guinea and Togo at the World Bank, said:
“Productivity gains remain limited, incomes have grown slowly, and too many jobs remain informal and poorly paid.”
The report also notes that roughly 15 million young people enter the region’s labor market each year, a figure that highlights the urgency of creating sufficient productive employment for a rapidly expanding youthful workforce.
One key challenge identified is that productivity gains have remained limited and incomes have grown slowly, leaving many jobs informal and poorly compensated, a situation that can hinder inclusive development if not addressed.
To confront these challenges, the report calls for better planning of urban expansion, ensuring that growth is guided by comprehensive land-use strategies that prevent disordered sprawl and encourage efficient use of space.
It further recommends targeted investment in infrastructure and transportation, arguing that improved mobility and utilities are essential to support both economic activity and quality of life in burgeoning cities.
The institution stresses the importance of strengthening regulatory frameworks and land governance, as clear rules and transparent processes are necessary to attract sustainable investment and protect residents’ rights within growing urban areas.
Mobilizing private capital to finance urban facilities and services is another priority that the report emphasizes, noting that public resources alone are insufficient to meet the escalating demands of city populations.
In Côte d’Ivoire, the report highlights that the urban population totaled 17.84 million out of an estimated 32.8 million total residents last year, illustrating the magnitude of urban concentration in a single West African country.
The number of localities in Côte d’Ivoire with more than 100,000 inhabitants grew from eight in 1998 to 17 in 2021, a pattern that reflects the pace of urban growth and underscores the need for coordinated policy responses.
Aligning with the report’s guidance, the country’s 2026‑2030 national development plan prioritizes urban development, mobility, and improvements in people’s living conditions, showing how national strategies can incorporate the World Bank’s recommendations.
For sub‑Saharan African policymakers, the report presents a framework to align city growth with economic objectives, suggesting that well-planned urbanization can generate productive jobs and reduce informal employment if supported by sound regulation and investment.
By highlighting the link between urban expansion and labor market performance, the World Bank’s analysis adds a dimension to ongoing discussions about how best to utilize demographic shifts for broader economic gains.
The publication has prompted a dialogue among governments, the private sector, and civil society groups about the most effective ways to channel Africa’s urban surge into inclusive growth and high‑quality job creation for millions of young people, whose participation is critical for sustained prosperity across the region.