Africa enters the 21st century not only faced with the challenge of an unprecedented rapid rate of urbanisation, but also with an intensification of poverty among the urban population. Within the next two-and-a-half decades, Africa’s urban centres will become the dominant habitat of its population. While this unavoidable demographic shift has a historic potential of transforming cities into crucibles of development and engines of national growth, the prevalence of abject poverty impedes the harnessing of such an opportunity. African countries are thus at involves enhancing the capacity of local authorities to partner with the private sector and civil society in delivering services and promoting economic development.