Research Article

Enhancing Urban Productivity in Africa

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Abstract

While cities in advanced economies contribute 85% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), cities in low income economies, including Africa, contribute only 55% of GDP (Tibaijuka, 2006). It may be trite to say that low productivity and economic growth are characteristic of the urban economy of the developing world. This paper has four sections: section one explains ‘productivity’ and describes the main sources of urban productivity; section two discusses urban management in Africa, using Ghana as a case study; section three analyses how urban productivity can be promoted in Africa and the major constraints on city managers; the paper concludes with section four, suggesting that real changes are possible.

Keywords: urban management, productivity, development

How to Cite:

Franklin, O., (2007) “Enhancing Urban Productivity in Africa”, Opticon1826 3(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.5334/opt.030709