Urban Governance and Turning African Cities Around Luanda Case Study

This working paper presents the findings of the study on the process that has taken place over
the past decade to turn around the city of Luanda, the capital of Angola. It is part of a broader
research project that examines the case of Luanda, alongside Johannesburg and Lagos, to
shed light on the governance practices that have started to emerge on the continent in an era
that has been marked by rapid economic growth.
Luanda has been the main beneficiary of Angola’s economic boom that started in 2002
fuelled by oil revenue. Two projects were undertaken as part of efforts to turn the city around:
the redevelopment of the Bay of Luanda and the construction of the New City of Kilamba. The
Bay of Luanda work included the redevelopment of the waterfront to create pedestrian spaces,
cycle lanes, sports fields and spaces for cultural events, while the New City of Kilamba
consisted of the construction of 710 buildings, kindergartens and schools, along with water
and electricity infrastructure.