Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Eswatini’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Appolo Maphalala, recently attended the inaugural Africa Urban Forum in Addis Ababa. The forum brought together African ministers, government delegations, and international organizations to discuss the continent’s rapid urbanization and its associated opportunities and challenges.
The event, themed “Sustainable Urbanization for Africa’s Transformation – Agenda 2063,” focused on the need for a unified continental approach to harnessing urban potential and promoting inclusive development. Minister Maphalala participated in a panel discussion on “The Dynamics of Urbanization and the Challenge of Territorial and Urban Planning in Africa.”
During his address, Minister Maphalala highlighted the specific challenges Eswatini faces due to its growing urban population. These challenges include the proliferation of informal settlements in peri-urban areas and the urbanization of rural settlements, which strain government resources and infrastructure. He emphasized the need for sustainable urban development that provides essential services and facilities to support growing communities.
Beyond his panel participation, Minister Maphalala also held bilateral meetings with key leaders to discuss urban development issues and explore potential collaborations.
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