Embedded Files
African Centre for
Sustainability and embeddedness in the broader societal and institutional context are key factors to ensure success of this IUC programme. The programme strategy takes this into account by fully integrating the IUC programme in a new African Centre for Sustainable Cities Studies (ACS).
Vision and mission
The vision of the ACS is a world with inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities in accordance with SDG 11. According to the UN, 60% of the world's population will live in cities by 2030. The African continent is urbanizing more rapidly than any other part of the planet and the McKinsey Institute projects that by 2025 approximately 100 African cities will count more than one million inhabitants. An integrated and participatory approach is necessary to deal with the complex challenges in rapidly urbanizing cities and to build cities where everyone has equal opportunitities, a decent quality of life and can enjoy the benefits of economic growth .
The mission of the centre is to advance research and education for sustainable cities development and to contribute in generating solutions to societal and environmental problems related to urban development. It is crucial for the ACS that research outputs are co-created with, provided to and used by local stakeholders and the broader scientific society. Therefore, the centre puts a lot of emphasis on inclusive societal outreach.
Organisational structure
The ACS will be embedded within the Directorate of Postgraduate Studies, Research and Publications (DPSRP) at Ardhi University. The centre will have 3 units which will be headed by coordinators: one for ‘participatory and interdisciplinary research’, one for ‘education and training’ and one for ‘inclusive societal outreach’. Within the ACS, research will be conducted in an interdisciplinary and participatory manner, engaging different stakeholders such as practitioners, government agencies (for example the National Land Use Planning Commission), Government Ministries (e.g. Ministry of Trade and Industries), other Tanzanian universities (e.g. Muzmbe University, University of Dar es Salaam, etc.) and the communities (in the three chosen pilot sites where the research will be carried out).
The ACS is governed by the ACS board with additional strategic advice provided by an External Advisory Board. During the IUC programme, the IUC Steering Committee will also fulfill an advisory role.
External Advisory Board
The External Advisory Boards consists of different stakeholders in urban cities development and its key functions are to:
provide advice and oversight on strategic issues as well as management during the implementation of the programme;
provide strategic recommendations and act as a sounding board for the ASC;
ensure collaboration with wider stakeholders and engage end-users.
The External Advisory Board meets at least each trimester. The composition and membership for this advisory board is formally decided by the ACS board. Members include representatives of local communities, NGO's, government bodies, industry and (inter)national higher education institutions. Members are invited based on their expertise, experience, influence and commitment to sustainable urban cities development.
IUC Steering Committee
The IUC Steering Committee provides strategic advice and guidance on:
the scientific development and direction of the ACS;
the scientific networks and collaborations worldwide of the ACS.
The committee consists of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the IUC coordinator, the IUC programme manager, the IUC project leaders, a representative of the Dean of Schools, a representative of the ACS Board and other stakeholders (whenever necessary). The committee meets at least twice per year.
Three pilot locations
Over the past year, Dar es Salaam has been expanding continuously. The ACS currently conducts its activities in 3 specific, exemplary locations in Dar es Salaam that serve as ‘pilot sites’ and test beds for innovative practices, as well as showcases of best practices for dissemination of research results.
These pilot locations (see red dots on the map) are:
1) city centre: Gerezani
2) coastal site: Bagamoyo
3) suburban site: Kigamboni
Image by Pauline Borremans
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