“When cities grow without planning, people lose out,” says Darline Tognia, coordinator of Africa Development Bank’s Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF). She explains why the Danida Fellowship Centre’s series of learning programmes for urban planners and practitioners in African cities is crucial.
By Vibeke Quaade
Africa is urbanising faster than anywhere else in the world. According to OECD, the continent’s urban population will double by 2050.
The African Development Bank launched the Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF) in 2019. Denmark supports UMDF through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The first cohort of 25 participants arrived in Copenhagen for the learning programme “Sustainable Urban Development and Resilience – Local Climate Actions.”
Read more and watch videos of the takeaways of four participants.
“Urban development challenges are interconnected, and all the solutions start with diagnostics and planning,” she says.
One of UMDF’s flagship initiatives is the African Cities Programme.
“If a city realises it needs a new waste management system or a transport plan, it can approach UMDF for help,” explains Tognia.
“Preparing a project properly easily costs between 5% and 20% of the total project budget. Most cities can’t afford that. UMDF can help fill that gap.”
“People moving into cities are seeking opportunity – but if housing, transport and jobs don’t keep pace, they end up in informal settlements. Women and young people are especially affected.”
Over the next three years, training is planned in Solid Waste Management, Sustainable Water Cycle Management, and Transformative Governance.
“I’m passionate about development because I believe it’s the most effective way to truly change lives. When cities are well planned, inclusive and resilient, the services that are essential for everybody’s livelihood follow.”
“What we’re aiming for are cities that are climate-resilient and liveable, cities that can grow in a way that benefits everyone – socially and economically.”
