African Development Bank Sponsors Study Visit to Two Scandinavian Cities for Municipal Officials of 11 African Cities – African Business

Representatives from 11 African cities began a trip to two Scandinavian cities to learn more about people-centred urban planning and development. The trip was sponsored by the Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF).https://bit.ly/3fdZiPT). The African Development Bank hosts the Fund (https://www.AfDB.org).

The 4-day trip to Copenhagen and Malmö, Sweden includes officials from Marrakech, Morocco;  Bizerte and Tunis in Tunisia; Dodoma, Tanzania; Antananarivo, Madagascar; Libreville, Gabon; Bangui, Central African Republic; Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; Nairobi, Kanifing; Gambia; and Douala, Cameroon. All the cities are Fund partners.

Ole Stubdrup, a project manager with the Urban and Municipal Development Fund, and the visit’s coordinator, has traveled with the city officials. He said African municipalities and those of Northern Europe faced comparable problems, although appearing  to be poles apart. “This visit should be a source of inspiration for the participants and foster ideas for specific urban infrastructure investments,” he said.

The delegation is on field visits and will present on water management, wastewater treatment, and e-mobility. They will also have the opportunity to interact with Malmo and Copenhagen decision-makers. Both cities are known for their innovative approaches to balancing sustainability and quality of life.  

“Such a trip is a strong opportunity to share experience and consolidate a network of reform-oriented cities. It also paves the way for future projects in our respective cities, as we meet with potential partners and investors” said  Davis Mwamfupe, mayor of Dodoma, during the visit.

As Africa is experiencing rapid urbanization, municipalities are looking for investment to build new infrastructure and improve the quality of life for residents. The Urban and Municipal Development Fund aims to improve urban quality of life and attract investment for infrastructure by strengthening cities’ technical capacity and planning functions. The Fund’s approach integrates economic, social and environmental factors.  

Distributed by APO Group for African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact Media  
Olufemi Terry
Communication and External Relations Department
African Development Bank
email: [email protected]

About the African Development Bank Group
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It is composed of three distinct entities, the African Development Bank(AfDB), African Development Fund(ADF), and Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). The AfDB is present in 44 African countries and has an external office in Japan. It contributes to the economic growth and social progress of its 54 member states.

For more information: www.AfDB.org