An introduction to the African Cities Research Consortium

Professors Diana Mitlin and Sam Hickey (University of Manchester), Martin Atela (Partnership for African Social and Governance Research, Nairobi). Chaired by Dr Admos Chimhowu

With over 40% of people in African already living in towns and cities, providing decent housing, services and jobs was a huge challenge – even before Covid-19 hit.

This webinar outlines how the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) and its international partners are planning to tackle complex, political and systemic problems in some of Africa’s fastest-growing urban areas.

ACRC has been awarded a contract of £32 million from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) over the next 6 years. Building on the political settlements analysis established by the Effective States and Inclusive Development research centre, ARCR will adopt a city as systems approach to addressing complex urban problems. Through engaged action research, we aim to catalyse progress for disadvantaged communities in a number of focus cities and beyond.