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We invite researchers, practitioners, organizations, and urban actors to contribute to the special issue of African Cities Magazine (Issue 6), dedicated to public spaces in Africa. This edition will highlight best practices in the analysis, design, and management of these essential urban spaces. African Cities Magazine Issue 6 African Cities Magazine, published by the Africa Innovation Network, is a distinguished platform dedicated to showcasing transformative urban development across Africa. Its mission is to highlight the beauty, diversity, challenges, and opportunities of African cities today, while envisioning the cities of tomorrow. What is the content of this sixth edition? Special feature: Public spaces in Africa We invite researchers, practitioners, organizations, and urban actors to contribute to the special issue of African Cities Magazine (Issue 6), dedicated to public spaces in Africa. This edition will highlight best practices in the analysis, design, and management of these essential urban spaces. As dynamic environments at the heart of African cities, public spaces are constantly evolving, intersecting with economic, social, cultural, and environmental issues. This special issue aims first to understand the dynamics of public space usage by analyzing the daily interactions of city dwellers. Informal markets, transport hubs, busy sidewalks, and public squares are vital spaces of convergence and social appropriation, where different actors—street vendors, mobile workers, and residents—interact. The goal is to explore the tensions and opportunities arising from these diverse uses and to identify key factors for designing more inclusive and adaptable public spaces. Next, the issue will address major contemporary challenges linked to public spaces, including rapid urban growth, social exclusion, climate change, safety, and accessibility. How can cities ensure public spaces remain open, inclusive, and representative of all citizens? What strategies can help reconcile infrastructure planning with actual urban practices, especially in contexts where informality dominates? Finally, this issue will showcase innovative approaches in urban planning, governance, and public space management. Through case studies and concrete examples, we will feature successful public space revitalization projects, participatory governance models, and analytical tools that offer new ways to rethink these crucial urban areas. This special issue aims to provide a framework for reflection and action, equipping policymakers, urban planners, researchers, and engaged citizens with insights to co-create more inclusive, resilient, and contextually relevant public spaces in African cities. We welcome contributions from academics, practitioners, organizations working on public spaces in Africa. Share your insights, research, and case studies to shape this essential conversation! Portrait and interviews This section spotlights visionary individuals and organizations driving urban innovation for more sustainable and resilient African cities. It features urban planners, architects, engineers, artists, and innovators developing transformative solutions, alongside companies, research institutions, and design firms pioneering change. Through in-depth interviews and profiles, this segment highlights the leaders shaping Africa’s urban future. Urban Planning & Innovation How can African cities become more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable while enhancing the quality of life for all citizens? This section explores best practices in urban planning, featuring groundbreaking development projects, governance frameworks, local initiatives, and research that integrate innovative solutions to foster sustainable urban transformation across the continent. Architecture & Innovation Architecture serves as the structural and cultural backbone of cities. This section showcases cutting-edge architectural solutions addressing key urban challenges such as climate change adaptation, affordable housing, and social inclusion. It highlights innovative design practices, sustainable building projects, and emerging architectural techniques that enhance urban living while preserving Africa’s unique identity. African Architecture & Urban Heritage With its rich architectural heritage, Africa is home to centuries-old building techniques that continue to shape modern design. This section highlights traditional architecture, heritage conservation, and contemporary projects inspired by traditional African construction methods. It explores both preserved and endangered heritage sites, emphasizing the role of restoration, adaptive reuse, and cultural identity in contemporary urban development. Cities Pixels and Colors Cities are living canvases, reflecting the diversity, culture, and innovation of their inhabitants. This section celebrates the visual identity of African cities through photography, digital art, paintings, sketches, sculptures, and illustrations. By merging urban aesthetics and creative expression, Cities, Pixels & Colours captures the vibrancy and uniqueness of Africa’s urban landscapes, offering a visual narrative of city life. What type of contributions are we expecting ? We welcome two types of articles: Research Articles and Project Articles. Research articles A research article for African Cities Magazine is a cross-disciplinary scholarly work that presents original research findings related to African cities. These articles contribute to the advancement of knowledge by exploring key urban challenges, proposing innovative solutions, and engaging with contemporary debates on city development in Africa. These articles must offer new perspectives on urban transformation in Africa, bridging theory and practice. They should be well-researched, evidence-based, and insightful, making them valuable to urban planners, architects, policymakers, and researchers engaged in shaping African cities. Authors should follow the submission model provided in the attached concept note. Research must be well-structured, analytically rigorous, and align with the thematic focus of African Cities Magazine. Each research article should follow a clear and structured format, with a maximum length of 2,000 words, including: Abstract (max 250 words) – Summarizes the research, objectives, and key findings. Argument (max 1000 words) – Develops the core research question, theoretical framework, and methodology. Discussion (max 1000 words) – Analyzes results, implications, and contributions to urban studies. Conclusion (max 250 words) – Highlights key takeaways and future research directions. References – Properly cited sources to support the research. The deadline for submitting research articles is 30 June 2025. Project articles A project article for African Cities Magazine is a detailed, structured presentation of a real-world initiative that has positively transformed urban spaces in Africa. These articles showcase best practices, innovative approaches, and successful case studies that contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities. They highlight impactful projects that can inspire other cities, planners, and policymakers by sharing valuable lessons, challenges, and solutions. Each project should introduce creative methodologies to address urban challenges, demonstrate measurable community impact, and serve as a scalable best practice. Submissions must align with the magazine’s key themes, emphasizing transformative urban innovations. Each project article should be a maximum of 2,000 words and follow a clear five-part structure: Abstract (250 words max) - Brief introduction to the project: What is it about? What problem does it address? Project Rationale (500 words max) - Context and background: What urban issue led to the creation of this project? The needs and challenges it aims to solve, The stakeholders involved. Project Approach (500 words max) - Detailed methodology: How was the project developed and implemented? The innovative strategies used, Key partnerships and collaboration efforts, etc. Project Impact (500 words max) - How has the project improved urban life? (Sustainability, inclusivity, resilience, economic benefits, etc.), Data, statistics, or testimonials showing its effectiveness, Any challenges faced and lessons learned. Conclusion (250 words max) - Final reflections on the project’s success and limitations, Potential for replication in other cities, Future developments or expansions planned. References – Any supporting research, reports, or sources that validate the project's success. The deadline for submitting project articles is 30 June 2025. Key Dates & Process Call for Contributions (18 March – 18 April 2025) The call for contributions opens on 18 March, inviting researchers, practitioners, and urban professionals to submit tentative abstracts and titles for their proposed articles. At this stage, authors have the flexibility to refine and modify their content later in the process. Abstract Review & Selection (21 April – 30 April 2025) Between 21 April and 25 April, submitted abstracts will undergo an initial review by the scientific committee, assessing their relevance, originality, and alignment with the theme of the magazine. Authors will be notified of the acceptance or rejection of their abstracts by 30 April. Full Article Submission (30 June 2025) Authors with accepted abstracts must submit their full articles by 30 June. These submissions must be made through the African cities magazine website. The submission link will be shared with the authors. Every submission must follow this process. Peer Review Process (1 July – 15 August 2025) From 1 July to 15 August, the scientific committee will conduct a detailed review of the submitted articles. The submissions will be subject to a rigorous peer review process to ensure quality, coherence, and academic relevance.Reviewers will provide feedback, comments, and recommendations for revisions. Notification of Accepted Articles (22 August 2025) Authors will be notified of the final selection of articles on 22 August. Articles requiring revisions must be updated based on the reviewers’ comments. Submission of Final Revised Articles (12 September 2025) Authors must submit their final, corrected versions incorporating reviewers' feedback by 12 September. This ensures the quality and rigor of all published contributions. Editing and Layout (15 September – 17 October 2025) Once finalized, articles will undergo professional editing and layout formatting between 15 September and 17 October to prepare the magazine for publication. Official Publication (31 October 2025) The African Cities Magazine edition 6 will be officially published on 31 October on Africa Innovation Network website, making it available to urban researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the broader public. Submission of tentative abstracts and titles for the African Cities Magazine 6 We are pleased to announce the commencement of the 6th edition of the African Cities Magazine. Share your interest in submitting an article by filling out the form below. Together, let's foster meaningful discourse and drive positive change in our urban landscapes. First name* Last name* Organization/institution Contact email* In which section do you want to submit an article?* Special feature: Public spaces in Africa Urban planning innovation Architecture Innovation African Architecture and Urban Heritage Cities Pixels and Colors What type of article do you want to submit ?* Project article Research article Research articles: These are articles that take a transversal approach to one or more subjects and they correspond to one of 4 categories: Urban planning innovation; Architecture and innovation; Africa’s architecture and urban heritage; and Cities pixels and colors. Project articles: These are articles that present an inspiring projects with a high impact in one of the 4 categories: Urban planning innovation Architecture and innovation; Africa’s architecture and urban heritage; Heading of your article (tentative)* The title of your article. This doesn’t need to be the final one. You will be able to change it during the final submission. Your article abstract (Tentative) This is the very beginning of your research article, that provides an overview of the topic that is to be described in greater detail in the final article. In this section you should provide your article statement; this is simply a summary of what you’re setting out to demonstrate in your article. Submit

AFRICAN CITIES MAGAZINE 2nd EDITION This second edition of our magazine takes up some of the major axes that underlie the development of African cities. A special feature is devoted to education in architecture and urban planning in Africa in the first part. Then we address major issues of the urban future of the continent including public spaces, urban resilience, smart city. etc. You will have the opportunity to discover special interviews with some of the major actors of architecture and urbanism on the continent, who will present their visions for the African cities of tomorrow. Inspiring projects in architecture and urbanism are also presented, especially those that promote better social inclusion, integration of local communities, and local economic development. Finally, this second edition of the magazine shows the place of religious cultures in architecture in Africa before highlighting inspiring urban art projects. We hope you enjoy this second edition of our magazine and that it will give you a better perspective of African cities and inspire you to contribute more to the creation of more inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities in Africa. Download the english version Telecharger la version Francaise AFRICAN CITIES MAGAZINE 1st EDITION This first edition of AFRICAN CITIES Magazine on resilient and sustainable development through innovative solutions is the first edition of this annual magazine. With a series of innovations, initiatives, and projects on urban planning, architecture, or design, this first edition will showcase how innovative ideas and solutions shape urban systems into more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable human settlements in Africa. Through different portraits and interviews of practitioners, innovators, and change-makers in architecture and urban development, we hope to share experiences, examples, best practices, and tools for a more sustainable future. We also hope to showcase the beauty, diversity, challenges, and opportunities in African cities of today, as well as paint a picture of what the cities of tomorrow will look like. We hope you enjoy this first edition of our magazine and that it encourages you to be more actively involved in the establishment of more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in Africa. Download Magazine in English Download Magazine in French Share

We are developing a number of initiatives including documentaries and magazines. We also support cities and territories in creating more sustainable living environments through sustainable planning tools, coaching, capacity building, urban development strategies, marketing tools, strategic plans, etc. OUR INITIATIVES AIN ROADMAP EVENTS AIN PUBLICATIONS DOCUMENTARIES VIDEOS PODCATS AND MUCH MORE

FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS TO STAY UPDATED Share 1. AFRICA URBAN PLANNING IMAGERY LUANDA-ANGOLA DAR ES SALAM ASMARA ADIS ABEBA LUANDA-ANGOLA DAR ES SALAM ASMARA ADIS ABEBA LUANDA-ANGOLA DAR ES SALAM ASMARA ADIS ABEBA LUANDA-ANGOLA DAR ES SALAM ASMARA ADIS ABEBA LUANDA-ANGOLA DAR ES SALAM ASMARA ADIS ABEBA LUANDA-ANGOLA DAR ES SALAM ASMARA ADIS ABEBA LUANDA-ANGOLA DAR ES SALAM ASMARA ADIS ABEBA LUANDA-ANGOLA DAR ES SALAM ASMARA ADIS ABEBA Africa Urban Planning Imagery aims to capture and promote urban planning complexity and originality in Africa through satellite images of urban tissues. With a rapid growth rate, urbanization in Africa is one of the most important in the world with 472 million people living in urban areas and this will double in 25 years. To absorb this additional population, Africa urban tissue is in constant mutation through the densification of urban areas, urban regeneration projects, housing development projects, etc. and urban tissues are the witnesses of these mutations. It’s with the objectives to capture, analyze and promote those mutations that Africa Urban Planning Imagery presents satellite images of different cities in Africa to show the history, diversity, originality, and complexity of urbanization in the continent. 2. CITIES PIXELS AND COLORS Cities are the center of opportunities where live and interact different people. With soul and body dependent on each other, cities are also the center of innovations who contribute to improving quality of life. The body is the combination of infrastructures, buildings, roads, etc. while the soul of the city is related to people, their cultures and their behaviors. The purpose of the initiative Cities Pixels and Colors is to show the diversity and the singularity of the cities, especially in the African context. All the expression modes are welcome here to show the beauty of our cities. Photography, paintings, sketches, Illustrations, sculptures, etc. 3. URBAN PLANNING INNOVATIONS How to make our cities more inclusive, resilient, sustainable and improve the quality of life of all citizens? that is the main purpose of the initiative Urban planning innovations. With two-thirds of the world’s population live in the city by 2050 and more than 1.5 billion in Africa, urbanization is raising many challenges. Climate adaptation, end poverty, food security, city, and health are some of those challenges, and how to meet them and be sure that no one is left behind is the question. Africa Innovation Network aims through this initiative to develop innovative solutions to build better places for all. We want to develop and promote ideas throughout Africa and all over the world to take advantage of urbanization. 4. ARCHITECTURE AND INNOVATIONS The body of a city is the shelter of his soul. With the rapid growth of populations in urban areas, is crucial to provide affordable housing for all, sustainable infrastructures, social facilities, and utilities. To reach these goals we need to develop new approaches and design in order to create inclusive cities. Through the initiative Architecture Innovations, we want to develop and promote original architecture solutions to facing cities’ challenges like climate change, housing for all, social inclusion, etc. 5. AFRICAN ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN HERITAGE African cities are endowed with enormous built remains dating back decades, construction techniques that have evolved architecture over time as well as the design concepts used nowadays in the most innovative projects. In some cases, this heritage is classified worldwide, therefore protected. In others, it is abandoned at the risk of time. Architecture and urban heritage initiave aims to put on the spot beauty and efficiency of previous architecture and to show up construction techniques and rehabilitation. This is because, today’s identity and tomorrow’s innovation are based on the genius of the past.

Foumban is a city located in the west region of Cameroon, with a population of 83,522. It is a major town for the Bamoun people and is home to a museum of traditional arts and culture. This series presents some shots of this museum as well as the urban landscape of the city. Foumban-Cameroon Foumban is a city located in the west region of Cameroon, with a population of 83,522. It is a major town for the Bamoun people and is home to a museum of traditional arts and culture. This series presents some shots of this museum as well as the urban landscape of the city.

"Unlock urban potential in Africa! Africa Innovation Network focuses on creating sustainable, resilient African cities & innovative solutions for a better urban future." #AfricanCities A FRICA I NNOVATION N ETWORK: SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR AFRICA AND THE WORLD WHO WE ARE We are a think tank developing new approaches for more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in Africa. We develop initiatives, projects, programs, and materials to support cities to move forward to more sustainable human settlements. WHAT WE DO Through our network of experts in urban planning, architecture, engineering, transport and mobility, geographic information systems, design, etc., we accompany cities and territories in the creation of more inclusive and sustainable living environments. OUR APPROACH Our approach is human-centered and based on frugal innovations. We are developing simple, participative ideas and solutions to make our cities and our rural areas a better place for all . OUR MISSION Help through our initiatives to build a better future for all and make sure that no one is left behind in our cities.

A documentary series that gives voice to the continent's actors to draw a vision of more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive African cities. The Round tour aims to take stock of the urban dynamics on the continent while taking a forward-looking look at the African cities of tomorrow. African Cities Round Tour African Cities Round Tour is a documentary series that gives voice to the continent's actors to draw a vision of more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive African cities, especially through the potential of innovation and technological development. Urban planners, architects, designers, artists, engineers, and ordinary city dwellers, the African cities round tour aims to take stock of the urban dynamics on the continent, while taking a forward-looking look at the African cities of tomorrow. Download the brochure IVORY COAST Côte d'Ivoire, officially the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire (RCI), is a state located in Africa, in the western part of the Gulf of Guinea. With an area of 322,462 km2, it has an estimated population of 28,088,455 in 2021. The urbanization rate has risen from 17.7 percent in 1960 to over 50 percent in 2018. Among African nations with more than 5 million inhabitants, Côte d'Ivoire is the third most urbanized country, behind Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. The urban system is characterized by a predominant city of about 4.5 million inhabitants (Abidjan), a city of about 500,000 inhabitants (Bouaké), three cities of more than 200,000 inhabitants (Daloa, Korhogo and Yamoussoukro the capital), and other secondary cities of more than 100,000 inhabitants. CAMEROON A Central African country with an estimated population of more than 25 million in 2019, Cameroon is one of the countries with the most important urban dynamics in the sub-region. This first documentary addresses the challenges of urbanization in Cameroon and the vision for more inclusive and sustainable cities. Through the eyes of many experts in urban planning, architecture, environment, urban policies, etc., this documentary analyzes the urban dynamics in the country and draws the fundamentals for building more resilient and sustainable urban settlements in Cameroon.

WHAT IS AFRICA INNOVATION NETWORK In 2050, 70% of the world's population will be urban. The majority of this urbanization will occur in Africa with 60% of the population living in urban areas by then. While raising enormous challenges , this urbanization will generate significant needs in all areas and will have to be met. It is with this in mind that Africa Innovation Network, a research and innovation agency focused on the problems generated by urbanization on the continent , was created. Africa Innovation Network brings together experts in diverse and varied fields to offer sustainable and innovative solutions to complex problems linked to the continent's urbanization in order to improve the quality of life of all. A veritable laboratory for thinking about and implementing solutions adapted to the context of the continent, the target themes of the Africa Innovation Network cover all fields enabling sustainable and resilient societal development throughout Africa. These themes are grouped around the main axes : INCLUSIVE CITIES; INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY; ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE ACTION. Download our brochure Share

Meet The Executive Board Founder & Executive Director Leandry JIEUTSA Mail Executive Secretary Hind REZOUK Mail Executive Manager Corianne RICE Mail Country Representative Central Africa Franck HEUDJEU Mail Country Representative West Africa Patrick SOMY Mail Country Representative North Africa Founoun ADNANE Mail MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP Individuals working in a field related to AIN’s activities, wishing to be part of the network and contribute to the various initiatives. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP Senior professionals wishing to be part of the AIN network and support and/or technically to the various activities. AFFILIATE INSTITUTION MEMBERSHIP Institutions wishing to be part of the AIN network and contribute financially and/or technically to one or many activities and initiatives. HONORARY INSTITUTION MEMBERSHIP Sponsoring institutions supporting all the activities and initiatives developed by AIN. Don Francis Founder & CEO Ashley Jones Tech Lead Tess Brown Office Manager Lisa Rose Product Manager

AFRICAN CITIES ROUND TOUR: A DOCUMENTARY SERIES THROUGH AFRICAN CITIES African cities are home to nearly half of Africa's population, and over the next 30 years, the continent's cities will be home to more than 950 million additional people. For example, Lagos, the capital of Nigeria and one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, will reach more than 32 million people by 2050. Yet the continent's cities and urban areas face major challenges: poverty, unemployment, substandard housing, and lack of basic services. However, African cities are also lands of beauty, diversity, and opportunity that can be enhanced through resilient and sustainable innovations. Indeed, building more sustainable and resilient African cities will enable changes in urban areas through concentrated economic activities, innovation, job creation, and empowerment; this will enable city dwellers to benefit from the potential of cities through social transformation, inclusion, and integration. African Cities Round Tour is a documentary series that gives voice to the continent's actors to draw a vision of more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive African cities, especially through the potential of innovation and technological development. Urban planners, architects, designers, artists, engineers, and ordinary city dwellers, the African cities round tour aims to take stock of the urban dynamics on the continent, while taking a forward-looking look at the African cities of tomorrow. FIRST DESTINATION: CAMEROON A Central African country with an estimated population of more than 25 million in 2019, Cameroon is one of the countries with the most important urban dynamics in the sub-region. This first documentary addresses the challenges of urbanization in Cameroon and the vision for more inclusive and sustainable cities. Through the eyes of many experts in urban planning, architecture, environment, urban policies, etc., this documentary analyzes the urban dynamics in the country and draws the fundamentals for building more resilient and sustainable urban settlements in Cameroon. Share

More Resilient, Sustainable and Smart African Cities, the common thread of our actions. More Resilient, Sustainable and Smart African Cities The common thread of our actions. AFRICA URBAN PLANNING IMAGERY Africa Urban Planning Imagery aims to capture, analyze, and promote African cities' mutations through satellite images. The purpose is also to show the history, diversity, originality, and complexity of urbanization in the continent. CITIES PIXELS AND COLORS Cities are a combination of a soul and a body. The body is the infrastructures, buildings, roads, etc. while the soul of the city is related to people, their cultures, and their behaviors. The purpose of the initiative Cities Pixels and Colors is to show the diversity and the singularity of the cities, especially in the African context. All the expression modes are welcome here to show the beauty of our cities. Photography, paintings, sketches, Illustrations, sculptures, etc. URBAN PLANNING INNOVATION How to make our cities more inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and improve the quality of life of all ? That is the main purpose of Urban planning innovation. We aim through this initiative to develop and promote innovative solutions contributing to building better places for all. ARCHITECTURE AND INNOVATION The body of a city is the shelter of his soul. With the rapid growth of populations in urban areas, is crucial to provide affordable housing for all, sustainable infrastructures, social facilities, and utilities. To reach these goals we need to develop new approaches and design in order to create inclusive cities. Through the initiative Architecture Innovations, we want to develop and promote original architecture solutions to facing cities’ challenges like climate change, housing for all, social inclusion, etc. AFRICAN ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN HERITAGE Architecture and urban heritage initiative seeks to highlight the richness of the African urban heritage to inspire the making of the modern city. . This is because today’s identity and tomorrow’s innovation are based on the genius of the past. What do you think is missing ? Share your initiatives with us.

The city of Bafoussam is located in the western region of Cameroon on the Bamileke plateau at 1420 m altitude. Considered one of the fastest growing emerging metropolises in Cameroon, it is growing rapidly with a population of around 450,000 in 2023. This series presents some snapshots of this city with an urban landscape that draws picturesque and colorful. Bafoussam-Cameroon The city of Bafoussam is located in the western region of Cameroon on the Bamileke plateau at 1420 m altitude. Considered one of the fastest growing emerging metropolises in Cameroon, it is growing rapidly with a population of around 450,000 in 2023. This series presents some snapshots of this city with an urban landscape that draws picturesque and colorful.