Two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities by 2050. The rate of urbanisation is fastest in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is projected to more than double its total population, adding one billion people, between now and then. Most of that growth – 80% – will occur in urban areas.

International and historical experience demonstrates that urban growth is a double-edged sword: it  amplifies what it produces. Innovation, employment and economic growth, if policies and implementation are working well; poverty, unemployment and instability, if they are not.