Poor urban planning could limit the ability of Sub-Saharan Africa’s growing cities to generate jobs and drive economic growth, the World Bank has warned, as the region prepares for an estimated 748 million additional urban residents between 2025 and 2050.
In a new report titled Sub-Saharan Africa’s Urban Awakening: Catalyzing Economic Growth and Job Creation, released on October 29, 2026, the World Bank Group argues that the region’s rapid urbanisation presents a significant opportunity to create more and better jobs, particularly for its expanding young workforce.
However, it cautions that governments must make deliberate investments in infrastructure, transport, housing and urban planning to ensure that population growth translates into greater economic activity.
The report notes that urban households already spend considerably more per adult than equally educated rural households, reflecting the stronger employment opportunities available in cities.
“Much of Sub-Saharan Africa’s urban infrastructure needed for Africa’s future cities has yet to be built. This creates an important opportunity: decisions made now about where and how cities grow can help create jobs, raise productivity and attract private investment for decades to come,” said Paschal Donohoe, World Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer.
The report recommends that governments prioritise investments that bring businesses, workers and essential services closer together, making it easier for people to access employment and for firms to operate productively.
In major cities, it calls for investment in transport networks, infrastructure and well-located affordable housing to support the development of accessible, job-rich business clusters. It also recommends improving regulations that allow businesses and workers to locate closer to economic opportunities.
For rapidly expanding city outskirts, the World Bank says governments should plan ahead by establishing road networks and reserving space for essential infrastructure before development becomes entrenched.
The report also highlights the potential of more than 15,000 towns across Sub-Saharan Africa to contribute to economic growth and job creation.
Rather than spreading investment equally across all towns, it recommends prioritising those with stronger economic and geographical potential, particularly locations along transport corridors and near existing economic opportunities.
In towns with fewer economic prospects, investments in education and healthcare could help residents connect to stronger labour markets.
Beyond infrastructure, the report identifies urban governance and financing as important factors in determining whether cities can manage population growth effectively.
Mark Roberts, World Bank Lead Urban Economist and lead author of the report, said Africa’s urban transformation would depend on whether cities had the institutions and resources needed to manage expansion.
“Stronger urban governance, more predictable financing, and greater accountability are essential to turn rapid urbanization into better infrastructure, more investment, and ultimately more and better jobs,” he said.
Among the practical measures proposed is the use of low-cost technology to modernise property tax systems, improve local revenue collection and strengthen cities’ ability to attract private investment.
The report also points to public-private partnerships as a potential source of financing for infrastructure development in strategic urban locations.
With Sub-Saharan Africa expected to add 748 million urban residents over the next 25 years, the World Bank says decisions made now will shape the region’s economic opportunities for generations.
It is urging governments to combine targeted infrastructure investments with stronger institutions, better urban planning and improved financing systems to ensure that the region’s growing cities translate into productive economic centres and sources of employment.
