From informality to indigenous planning: A decolonised approach to African urban development

Abstract

Informality is generally construed as a wide range of activities and structures that operate outside formal regulations and institutions. It is a phenomenon which is promoted by factors such as rapid urbanization, inadequate housing, and governance challenges which include poor planning and monitoring. Urban informality, presents both challenges and opportunities for African cities but requires appropriate management tailored situations. The concept of urban informality has, therefore, permeated the literature and mostly demeans African cities which are mostly referred to as agglomeration of informal settlements. Hence, it is a common saying that more than 50% of the cities in Africa are informal. However, this remains debatable as informality goes beyond physical appearance and legal definition. It exists in continuum and depends on nature of governance and culture of an environment. This paper therefore argued that developing a city or regenerating it requires different and indigenous methodologies that attune to cultural milieu. Similarly, classification of cities should be based on the criteria that promotes the culture of a city. The paper interrogates the planning strategies in African cities - with focus on Lagos, Nigeria - that aimed at attaining sustainable development goals. It employs case study approach to analyse selected plans that emanated from indigenous planning practices. While advocating for enhanced local governance structures to ensure inclusive decision-making processes, the paper emphasized tenure security and tailored made regulations for sustainable development of African cities. It contributes to the calls for decolonisation of planning ideology and embracement of African methodology to confront African challenges.