The prospects for African urban economies

Turok, I. (2010) The prospects for African urban economies. Urban Research and Practice, 3(1), pp. 12-24. (doi: 10.1080/17535060903534131)

Abstract

Cities generally function as sources of economic development and human progress. One of the puzzles about Africa's urbanization is that it has not been accompanied by greater economic dynamism. The paper considers the distinctive development trajectory of African urban economies. It considers the applicability of the argument that cities are drivers of economic growth, and the idea that cities develop more complex, higher-value functions over time. It examines the recent revival of African economies, and asks whether the fashionable idea of enhanced international integration through cross-border collaboration might facilitate greater urban prosperity.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Turok, Professor Ivan
• Authors: Turok, I.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
• Journal Name: Urban Research and Practice
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 1753-5069
• ISSN (Online): 1753-5077
• Published Online: 16 February 2010
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2010 Taylor and Francis
• First Published: First published in Urban Research and Practice 3(1):12-24
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher