African cities are vital to the continent’s economic and social development, contributing over 50% of Africa’s GDP. However, the rapid pace of urbanization has brought about a host of challenges, including underdeveloped infrastructure, climate vulnerabilities, and socio-economic inequalities. This was stated by Stephen Karingi, Director, Regional Integration and Trade Division of the Economic Commission for Africa at the opening of the 4-6 September inaugural Africa Urban Forum on the theme, “Sustainable Urbanization for Africa’s Transformation – Agenda 2063” in Addis Ababa.

Co-organized by the Government of Ethiopia and the African Union Commission, in partnership with UN-Habitat and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the Forum is being held against the backdrop of critical challenges in Africa’s rapid urbanization that need a collective resolve, while promoting the opportunities. Experts predict that 60% of Africans will reside in cities by 2050, and according to Karingi, the need for sustainable urban solutions has never been more critical.

“We need to ensure that African cities are not only engines of growth but also exemplars of sustainable and inclusive development. The time for action is now, and with collective effort, we can pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for all urban dwellers in Africa,” said Mr. Karingi, speaking on behalf of the ECA Executive Secretary, Mr Claver Gatete.

The Forum is exploring financing options, forging partnerships, and advancing solutions for sustainable urbanization with the goal of committing to actionable strategies that can transform urban landscapes across the continent.

He stressed the need for sound macroeconomic policies and development financing for stable and robust economic environments, highlighting regional integration, economic diversification and industrialization “as important for enhancing the competitiveness of Africa’s economies and strengthening economic resilience and industrial base.”

Mr. Karingi also underlined the need to prioritize infrastructure, technology connectivity, and energy to build the backbone of modern, efficient cities that can support sustainable development.

“In addition, we must also address climate change and food security because sustainable urban development must be resilient to environmental changes,” he added.

In response to these pressing challenges, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is working with member states to create stable and robust economic environments that foster growth, to enhance development financing for urban infrastructure and services.

“The ECA is collaborating with development banks and private sector stakeholders to develop innovative financing mechanisms tailored to the unique needs of African cities. These partnerships will ensure that cities have the necessary capital for sustainable infrastructure, affordable housing, and essential services,” said Karingi.

There are also efforts underway to strengthen the competitiveness of African economies to bolster resilience and enhance the industrial base across the continent, such as providing technical support for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), developing frameworks for climate-smart infrastructure projects, promoting sustainable urbanization through national policies, and collaborating with local governments to enhance financial management for urban development.

“Furthermore, ECA recognizes the need for technology connectivity and reliable energy sources as these are essential for building modern and efficient cities capable of supporting sustainable development. We are also leveraging technology and innovation in urban management, producing analytical reports, and creating the Africa Urban Portal. These resources, offer valuable insights into urban development trends, guiding policymakers in making informed decisions about sustainable urban growth,” he said.

In addition, addressing climate change and ensuring food security are crucial components of sustainable urban development to allow cities to remain resilient to environmental changes and be able to thrive in the long term.

These efforts, he stressed, align with key African Union strategies, particularly Agenda 2063, which envisions cities that are livable, equitable, and resilient.

In partnership with UN-Habitat and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the ECA is leading initiatives to expand the municipal fiscal space in African cities. This effort empowers local governments to effectively generate and manage financial resources, enabling them to invest in critical infrastructure and services.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has renovated the training shelter for K-9 police dogs used by law enforcement in the Tajura district of Tripoli, the capital of Libya.

Director of the Specialized Training Institute of the General Administration of Security Operations, Colonel Rabie Ayyad Mervan, at the Libyan Ministry of Interior, stated that “the renovation of the shelter will enhance the training of police dogs, which are vital for ensuring security at key locations such as elections and airports.”

After the shelter’s opening ceremony, Colonel Rabie Ayyad Mervan presented a plaque of appreciation to TİKA.

K-9 dogs from Türkiye are also being trained at the renovated shelter.

Commenting on the support provided to the Libyan security forces, TİKA’s Tripoli PCO representatives said, “TİKA has renovated the shelter where K-9 dogs are trained at the headquarters of the Libyan General Administration of Security Operations in the Tajura region, a site of significance for Turks, along with providing training equipment.”

At the newly renovated shelter, police dogs undergo drills to prepare for various security scenarios.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) set up three tilapia fish farms in Kisumu, Kenya, for fisher families who lost their livelihoods due to heavy rainfall.

Located one kilometer from the Paga Coast of Lake Victoria, these fish farms contribute to Kenya’s blue economy strategy and help sustain artisanal fisheries.

Stocked with 30,000 juvenile fish and provided with a year’s supply of fish feed, the farms aim to revitalize the local economy, diversify livelihoods, and promote sustainable food security.

Each farm is expected to produce 20,000 adult tilapia per harvest, with two harvests planned annually.

The modern fish farms, established with TİKA’s support, are located in a flood-resistant area of the lake and provide fishing families with new opportunities by increasing productivity.

Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Ochieng Owili expressed that the project will help mitigate poverty, reduce unemployment and address economic inequalities in the region. He also extended his gratitude to Türkiye and the Turkish people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

On September 3, 2024, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang met in Beijing respectively with Kenyan President William Ruto, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Tunisian Prime Minister Kamel Madouri, who are in China for the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

In his meeting with William Ruto, Ding Xuexiang said that China and Kenya enjoy a long history of friendship and fruitful cooperation, which has played an exemplary role in driving China-Africa cooperation. President Xi Jinping met with President William Ruto, providing strategic guidance to the development of China-Kenya relations in the new era. China is ready to work with Kenya to translate the common understandings reached between the two heads of state into concrete actions. Under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, China will strengthen cooperation in infrastructure and other traditional fields, expand the growth drivers of cooperation in emerging areas, and continuously enrich the China-Kenya comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

William Ruto said, Kenya is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields under the framework of the FOCAC and the Belt and Road Initiative to push forward bilateral relations.

In his meeting with Paul Kagame, Ding Xuexiang said that China and Rwanda have similar state governance strategies and visions for development. They are good partners and brothers who share the same interests and are advancing side by side on the path of modernization. President Xi Jinping has held meetings with President Paul Kagame on many occasions, providing important guidance for the development of China-Rwanda relations. China is ready to work with Rwanda to implement the important common understandings reached between the two heads of state, strengthen the synergy of development strategies, deepen cooperation in infrastructure, agricultural development, education, science and technology, and elevate bilateral relations to new heights.

Paul Kagame said that over the years, Rwanda and China have maintained close and friendly cooperative relations. Rwanda is ready to deepen traditional friendship and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with China to benefit the two peoples.

In his meeting with Kamel Madouri, Ding Xuexiang noted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Tunisia. President Xi Jinping held talks with President Kais Saied during his state visit to China in May, during which the two sides had an in-depth exchange of views and reached many important common understandings on the development of bilateral relations and mutually beneficial cooperation. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China is ready to work with Tunisia to uphold the original aspiration of friendship and mutual trust, continue to strengthen cooperation in such fields as infrastructure, economy, trade, investment, science, education, culture and health, and open up a bright future of China-Tunisia strategic partnership.

Kamel Madouri said, Tunisia is ready to actively participate in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen practical cooperation with China in various fields and elevate bilateral relations to a new level.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.