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.