More than half of the world's population now lives in cities. By 2050, it is estimated that more than 70 percent of the world's projected population of 9.1 billion people will live in cities. Using 2007 as basis, the urban population in 2050 will represent a growth of 94 percent globally, 267 percent for sub-Saharan Africa and 51 percent for South Africa.
As the migration from rural to urban centres continues, city leaders are having to address sizable challenges, in an effort to create more livable, sustainable and productive cities. Cities are striving to provide, amongst others, a raft of critical infrastructure assets to support their growth, more effective transport systems, reliable and low-carbon energy, safe and secure water networks, and efficient and scalable social infrastructure.
KPMG in South Africa's Advisor to African Cities brochure is part of the first edition of the firm's Cities Series. It contains high-level reflections on local government and cities, as well as where the firm sees cities going.
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