World Bank Senior Economist Mark Roberts issued a clear warning at the World Urban Forum in Baku: no country has achieved full development without urbanization. For governments, urban growth should be seen as a guided process, not a problem. Roberts pointed out that Africa faces a huge infrastructure financing gap that no single institution can cover alone, and called for mobilizing funds from the private sector.
Smart cities: technology as a catalyst for funds 🏙️
The solution is not to slow down growth, but to manage it with digital tools. Open data platforms, blended financing models, and digital twins allow cities to plan infrastructure with greater precision. Roberts highlighted that urbanization generates congestion and rising prices, but also employment and economic opportunities. To close the gap, it is necessary to attract private capital through high-yield projects, not just rely on public budgets or international donations.
The universal traffic jam: progress with congestion 🚦
Of course, it all sounds nice until you spend two hours at a traffic light. Roberts is right: without urbanization there is no development, but there is also no one to enjoy progress while paying rent that goes up every month. Next time you see a crane, remember it's not a problem, it's an opportunity for growth... and for being late to work.