What African cities can learn from Latin American experiences in urban development?
The Urban and municipal development fund is launching a series of five sectorial notes reviewing the trends and challenges associated with urban development in Latin American cities (LAC):
The five publications identify the specific challenges that the cities have encountered in managing urban development and the impact of climate change. African cities can draw valuable insights from Latin American cities, which have successfully implemented innovative solutions to tackle the challenges of urban development while keeping environmental and fiscal sustainability standards.
The publications highlight the characteristics of the particular urban infrastructure sector, the roles of the private and public sector, and the financing mechanisms for the long-term funding of these urban interventions.
They were prepared on the basis of the experiences of the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) with its Emerging and Sustainable Cities Initiative (ESCI) from 2012 thru 2017. The sector note also benefited from consultations and recent work by development financial institutions and academic institutions in the sector.
These notes are a background material for a series of study visits in Latin America offered to decision makers from African Cities which are partnering the UMDF, with the objective of fostering knowledge transfer, peer-to-peer exchanges and south-south cooperation.
LAC Studies tour: Urban mobility
This note reviews the lessons that African cities can learn from Latin American experiences in the transportation sector. It gives examples of cities that have improved public transportation, reduced congestion, or enhanced sustainable mobility options.
The publication details recommendations and policy insights for African policymakers and stakeholders looking to improve transportation systems in their cities. It highlights the experience of the AfDB and other Development Financial Institutions financing similar projects in Africa and to conclude, the note explores the involvement of the private sector in the provision of transportation services in Latin American cities.
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LAC Studies tour: National development banks
This note describes the many forms taken by the National Development Banks (NDBs) in Latin America and the different types of public financial support they’re providing.
The notes provides a framework for a fiscal management analysis considering the impact of a NDBs on fiscal commitments and contingent liabilities, as well as an overview of the governance and institutional issues affecting its performance. In conclusion, the paper describes the corporate governance and institutional framework issues as well as the key factors for success.
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LAC studies tour: Waste management
This note gives an overview of the global urbanization trends and the increasing importance of effective solid waste management in Latin American cities.
The publication highlights various innovative strategies employed in Latin American cities, such as waste-to-energy projects, community engagement and education, technology and data-driven solutions, and efficient recycling systems. It aims to understand how these economic factors have contributed to the sustainability of waste management services in the region. To conclude, the note describes the levers to finance the provision of Municipal solid waste management.
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LAC Studies tour: Urban climate resilience and nature-based solutions
This note provides an overview of the global-local dynamic in climate change response in Latin America, distinguishing between mitigation as a global effort and adaptation as a local priority.
The publication emphasizes the importance of sustainable urban development, considering the consequences of rapid urbanization and the need to integrate urban planning with climate adaptation. It identifies the solutions developed to manage the impact of climate change and natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and drought. In conclusion, this paper highlights the inherently public nature of investments in adaptation and resilience.
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LAC Studies tour: Four decades of slums upgrading programs
The publication highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by informal settlements in Latin America, providing an in-depth understanding of the depth and complexity of the issue at hand and insights from the successful programs implemented.
This paper offers actionable recommendations and strategies to support sustainable Neighborhood Upgrading Program efforts. By leveraging the experiences and lessons learned from Latin America, it aims to cultivate innovative approaches and collaborative partnerships to create resilient and inclusive cities across the Global South.
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