Working together for urban progress
The African Cities Research Consortium is a collaborative approach to tackling complex problems in the continent’s rapidly changing cities.
About the AFRICAN CITIES RESEARCH CONSORTIUM
Cities are complex, dynamic, political systems. We bring together the right people and an understanding of the political economy of individual cities to identify and address the critical challenges they are facing.
Our aim is to generate insights and evidence that will help improve the living conditions, services and life chances of all city residents, particularly for disadvantaged communities.
LATEST NEWS from ACRC
Is Lagos moving in circles on local government autonomy?
In July 2024, Nigeria’s Supreme Court delivered a unanimous judgment affirming the financial autonomy of the country’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Yet a lack of autonomy over the years has impacted local service provision across all LGAs in Nigeria, leaving them unable to satisfactorily provide core urban services, such as primary education, sanitation, waste management and primary healthcare.
Learning in Lagos
As a consortium, we’re trying to learn what catalyses inclusive urban reform across African cities. But what does that really mean in practice, as well as in theory?
Nairobi learning exchange on waste management: Growth and next steps
From 7-8 August 2025, the Mathare solid waste co-researchers travelled to Naivasha for a two-day learning exchange. This was a journey filled with eye-opening lessons, inspiring stories and practical ideas that we have brought back home.
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Our Publications
Discover all the latest research, knowledge and briefings from across the Consortium.

