African officials gathered at the World Urban Forum warned of the increasing pressure exerted by rapid urbanization and climate change on the continent's cities, estimating that housing and infrastructure needs often exceed the financing capacities of states.
Representatives from several African countries, including Angola, Ethiopia and Gambia, highlighted the challenges related to flooding, urban expansion and housing shortages, while calling for new financing mechanisms to support urban development.
Angola has indicated that it has invested heavily in the housing sector in recent years in order to reduce its housing deficit, while Ethiopian officials have highlighted the growing impact of climate disasters on urban areas, including the destruction of homes caused by floods.
Participants also stressed the need to strengthen climate adaptation solutions and investments in urban infrastructure, in a context where many African cities are experiencing rapid population growth.
