The African Centre for Cities (ACC) aims to generate credible new knowledge on the drivers of urban crises in African cities and to develop systemic solutions. This involves conducting rigorous research using both qualitative and quantitative methods, contributing high-quality, peer-reviewed academic literature, and ensuring the knowledge produced is relevant locally and globally. The ACC focuses on identifying key issues such as rapid urbanization, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure, understanding the complex interplay of socio-economic, political, and environmental factors, and developing holistic approaches to address these root causes. Their work translates into actionable policies and sustainable development practices tailored to the unique contexts of African cities, enhancing local capacity and fostering collaborative efforts among various stakeholders.
Two billion people – 58% of the global workforce – work in the informal economy, playing essential roles in urban systems like care, retail, transportation, and waste management. More than one billion people live in urban informal settlements, frequently using their homes as workplaces. Despite constant challenges, those working and living informally navigate built environments, urban policies, and local practices to survive. These activities are relatively light on the planet through practice of reuse, refurbishment, and recycling.
ACC’s work in this cluster focuses on the intersection of structure and agency, partnering with worker movements and slum dwellers to illuminate grounded realities and achieve tangible gains through governance processes at local, national, and global levels. The objectives of the Inclusive and Circular Economies cluster are to understand the lived realities and contributions of those working and living informally, as well as the terms of their integration into the formal economy and existing governance processes. This work aims to identify, support, and develop policy and practice for inclusive and circular economies.