This collection of essays is one in a series of books on urban planning and sustainable development in Africa, bringing together scholarship from different disciplines in urban studies, planning and social sciences across different regions of the continent. It is aimed at readers from urban specialisms in spatial planning, human geography, environmental law and other social sciences, and professionals and policymakers concerned with urban development, land use planning and informality governance. Urban planning has emerged over the past half a century in Africa through colonisation, influencing urban policies, practices, discourses and institutions in the continent’s cities. Today, it remains the bedrock for realising sustainable development ideals across the continent’s growing cities, yet current practices indicate otherwise. A narrative is presented on why urban planning needs to be reimagined in Africa and its association with sustainable urban development, involving complex policy developments during colonial and post-colonial times. The case of African cities is discussed, having acquired importance because of their particular history of colonisation and growth in urbanisation and population as well as experiences of climate change. The chapter contributions in this book are then outlined together with how they contribute to evolving ideas on urban planning and sustainable development in Africa.

The purpose of this chapter is to examine how climate change actions are integrated into urban planning in Africa. Based on a review of long-term and medium-term planning frameworks from six selected cities, the chapter analyses the awareness, synthesis and strategies for addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation in Africa through urban planning. The findings indicate that despite a high level of awareness of climate change and impacts, conscious framing of planning frameworks as tools for instituting mitigation and adaptation measures for climate change action is lacking. While the issues and policies indicated in the plans have impacts on climate change mitigation and adaptation, the planning frameworks mainly regard them as immediate developmental needs rather than offering an explicit avenue for addressing climate change. Considering that climate change remains a major existential threat to the sustainable development of African cities, the chapter argues for reimagining planning to view spatial and socio-economic development issues and strategies through a climate change lens to ensure efficient allocation of resources towards climate-proof growth, sustainable development and resilience.

This concluding chapter explores the future of urban planning in Africa, by identifying and analysing key theoretical insights and practical strategies in advancing sustainable, inclusive and functional urban spaces in African cities. Recognising the current urbanisation, climate change and sustainable development challenges, the chapter reflects on how the arguments presented in the book underscore the urgent need for reimagining urban planning in Africa. It also reviews some recent scholarship and stakeholder activities within the discussions of their potential implications for urban planning.