The Nordic Africa Institute

Research at a glance

DIY urbanism - not the same for rich and poor

Date • 12 Jan 2018

By 2050 it is estimated that most Africans will live in cities. But the local governments will not have enough funds to invest in public services. What does DIY (do it yourself) urbanism mean in this context? Is it something positive or negative? What are the policy and practical implications of DIY urbanism?