Cities in Sub-Saharan Africa are the fastest growing in the world. By 2050, urban dwellers in Africa are projected to increase from 373 million to 1.2 billion and the proportion of urban dwellers in Africa projected to rise to 50 per cent by 2030. Across Africa, these urbanisation trends present multiple new development opportunities and challenges at the local level, severely increasing pressure on the essential services, infrastructure and natural systems which underpin economies and social well-being. Security and access issues pertaining to water, energy and food are projected to be exacerbated through climate change, most affecting the vulnerable within society. These challenges call for innovative solutions – A transition in Africa towards embracing urbanization, responding to change and harnessing opportunities.