Susan Parnell - Peak Urban: Redefining Africa's Role in Global Urbanization

Susan Parnell, an author and Professor of Urban Geography at Bristol University and an Emeritus Professor at the African Centre for Cities at UCT, joins The Century of Cities to discuss the transformative landscape of African urbanization. Susan reflects on the dramatic urban shifts and profound implications of Africa's ongoing urban evolution, from grappling with extreme poverty to harnessing its youthful energy and climate-conscious opportunities. She compares Africa's urban trajectory to China's rapid growth, highlighting unique challenges like informality, connectivity, and sustainable infrastructure. Susan envisions a future where African cities experience massive growth while addressing intergenerational poverty and climate resilience. Susan's insights challenge conventional thinking and inspire a reimagination of cities as equitable, innovative, and globally influential hubs.