3
Chapter
An overview of urbanization and structural transformation in Africa

Urbanization is one of the defining forces of the planet’s 21st century development. In 1950 the urban share of the world’s population was 30 per cent, but by 2050 it may well be 66 per cent. Nearly 90 per cent of the increase will be in Africa and Asia, the fastest urbanizing global regions (UNDESA, 2014).

Key figures

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