Bustling city street with yellow taxis, cars, and pedestrians in an African urban setting.
Rapid urban growth is reshaping life across Africa, and a new book, Urban Health in Africa, argues that the continent’s cities are far more dynamic than often portrayed. Co-edited by researchers Elaine Nsoesie and Blessing Mberu, the work highlights how places like Lagos, Nairobi, and Accra balance innovation with mounting pressures from population growth, infrastructure gaps, and health risks. Rather than focusing solely on problems, the book examines how communities adapt through policy experiments, grassroots solutions, and local transport systems such as Kampala’s boda bodas. It also underscores the influence of history, youth demographics, and urban design on wellbeing. As Africa urbanizes faster than any other region, the authors say collaboration between planners, health experts, and communities will be key to building healthier cities.
The Conversation