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UNU-WIDER/ACRC workshop: Urbanization without structural transformation?
Urbanization has long been associated with structural transformation, the shift of workers from low-productivity sectors to high-productivity ones, a shift crucial to fostering economic growth and reducing poverty. However, the story of African cities presents a unique challenge. While urbanization is happening at an unprecedented pace across the continent, the anticipated structural transformation remains elusive.
This workshop, jointly organized by UNU-WIDER and the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), aims to dissect the intricate relationship between urbanization and structural transformation in African cities.
Objectives
This workshop strives to uncover the complexities and implications of urbanization without structural transformation in African cities. By delving into the city level, it aims to:
- Analyze the interplay between cities and structural change for growth and poverty reduction.
- Explore the potential of structural transformation to drive economic diversification and inclusive growth.
- Understand the role of leapfrog development in shaping the sustainable growth of African cities.
Day 1 of the workshop concludes with a keynote lecture by Prof. Arkebe Oqubay, former mayor of Addis Ababa. The keynote lecture will take place at the Event Square at City Hall, located at Pohjoisesplanadi 11-13, Sofiankatu 1, Helsinki.
Programme
*Speakers with an asterisk will be attending the conference virtually.
Day 1, 09/11/2023
| TIME | Sustainability Library | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00-09:30 | Coffee | |||
| 09:30-10:30 | Introductions and setting the stage Chair: Jo Beall | London School of Economics and University of Cape Town Speakers Diana Mitlin | University of Manchester and ACRC Sam Hickey | University of Manchester and ACRC Kunal Sen | Director, UNU-WIDER and University of Manchester |
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| 10:30-12:15 | City experiences – Accra, Addis, Harare, Cape Town/Johannesburg, and Nairobi Chair: Sam Hickey | University of Manchester and ACRC Speakers Accra: Michael Danquah | UNU-WIDER Addis Ababa: Selamawit Wondimu | ACRC Harare: Mfundo Mlilo | ACRC Cape Town/Johannesburg: Ivan Turok | Human Sciences Research Council Nairobi: Joshua Magero | ACRC |
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| 12:15-13:30 | Lunch | |||
| 13:30-15:00 | What constrains structural transformation in African cities? Chair: Andy Hinsley | Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Speakers Remi Jedwab | George Washington University Seth Schindler | University of Manchester and ACRC Juliana Oliveira-Cunha | London School of Economics and International Growth Center |
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| 15:00-15:30 | Coffee | |||
| 15:30-16:00 | Walk to City Hall for keynote lecture | |||
| 16:00-17:30 | Keynote: Sustainable cities and structural transformation in Africa by Dr Arkebe Oqubay at Helsinki City Hall Introduction by UNU-WIDER Director Kunal Sen |
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| 17:30-18:30 | Reception | |||
| 19:00 | Workshop dinner | |||
Day 2, 10/11/2023
| TIME | Sustainability Library | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00-10:30 | Politics of structural transformation Chair: Diana Mitlin | University of Manchester and ACRC Speakers Tim Kelsall | Overseas Development Institute and ACRC Kunal Sen | Director, UNU-WIDER and University of Manchester Danielle Resnick | Brookings Institution |
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| 10:30-11:00 | Coffee | |||
| 11:00-12:30 | Pathways to structural transformation Chair: Rachel Gisselquist | UNU-WIDER Speakers Mike Rogan | Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO) Philipp Heinrigs | OECD *Oliver Harman | International Growth Centre |
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| 12:30-13:30 | Lunch | |||
| 13:30-14:30 | Zero carbon pathways and structural transformation Chair: Michael Danquah | UNU-WIDER Speakers Osman Ouattara | University of Manchester Astrid Haas | African Centre for Cities and University of Cape Town Diana Mitlin | University of Manchester and ACRC |
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| 14:30-15:00 | Wrapping up Chair: Kunal Sen | Director, UNU-WIDER and University of Manchester |
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