The city of Kigali in Rwanda is currently engaged in a massive transformation of its physical environment involving both development of new sites and redevelopment of its existing urban fabric. Expected urban spatial structures include ultra modern commercial, institutional and residential skyscrapers of up to 30 floors. Similar ambitious urban projects have been initiated elsewhere in Africa, e.g. Luanda, Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa, Maputo, etc. This obvious departure from the often modest and even low cost development of urban areas in Africa has received strong criticisms both from within and outside Africa. The opponents' main argument has been that resultant modernized urban areas are bound to benefit only the elites hence non-inclusive.
We think the argument is misleading as it seems to have been drawn out of simplistic views about the concept of urban inclusiveness as well as long term impacts of such ultra modern urban physical developments. In strict terms, there are no known cities that are 100% inclusive. It is not possible to achieve that level of urban inclusiveness particularly in market oriented economic systems. In emerging modernized cities in Africa, although the level of inclusiveness could be low at the beginning, with existing middle and high income classes benefiting most, percentages of these groups of the population are expected to increase gradually as those in low income class steadily climb up the social ladder into middle income class and beyond.
Modernization projects are likely to result in creation of jobs for all social classes hence catalysing the process of social class mobility envisaged above. Resultant modernized cities may be attractive for local and foreign investments as well as tourism hence generating even more jobs for all social classes. Modernized cities could also offer modern facilities and services that are accessible to all in respect of income. Such facilities and services may include: public urban spaces, public transport services, competitive shopping and financial services, sports facilities, clean water supply, storm water drainage, electricity supply, etc. Furthermore, levels of inclusiveness could be mitigated through appropriate public intervention measures, like taxation and subsidies, while ensuring at the same time that private sector's contribution to modernization projects is not deterred.
Equally important is the physiological impact such projects could have on people in Africa. Modernized cities would provide the opportunity for people to experience world class facilities and services in their own countries, that in turn could enhance their confidence, hope, and self esteem through realising they can also achieve what others in developed countries have. A good example here is the iconic modern Nairobi of which almost all Kenyans are proud of albeit only a handful can afford living in it. A visit and shopping in the modern urban enclave once in a while, is quite enough for most of them!
In concluding, we strongly think every country even the poorest should have at least one world class city. That is important for national economies as well as physiological well-being of citizens.
(Photo: Architectural impression of futuristic downtown Kigali)
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Last update: January 10, 2020
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Please contact us at kimaryoconsult@gmail.com if you would like us to carry out detailed evaluation of your urban development projects or policies.
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