City Economies in the Global South

"This reader convincingly argues that urbanisation in the Global South has the potential to drive prosperity, but its benefits are neither automatic nor evenly distributed. It ambitiously aims at better integration of urban economy and social issues into urban planning and sustainable urban development."

- Frank D’hondt, Secretary General International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP), co-chair of World Urban Pavilion and co-chair of Capacity Building Committee of Habitat Professionals Forum (HPF).

“Bringing together scholars from a wide array of disciplines, including public administration, urban planning, economics, geography, and social work, this book delivers an interdisciplinary social science perspective on urban economic development in the Global South, enriched by rigorous empirical analysis. Unlike previous studies that focus primarily on single regions or sectors, this book synthesizes in 54 chapters comparative case studies from Africa, Asia, and South America, revealing cross-regional patterns and innovative policy solutions that have previously been overlooked. Key themes such as urban livelihoods, informality, social inclusion, infrastructure and technology, climate change, sustainability, circular economy, and governance are examined in depth, with each topic illustrated through contemporary case studies. This comprehensive and distinctive examination will be of particular interest to students and scholars of urbanization and city development seeking nuanced, cross-disciplinary insights into the field.”

- Carlos Nunes Silva, Geographer, University of Lisbon (retired), Portugal

"A great book to inspire cities in the Asia-Pacific region on opportunities towards inclusive and resilient urban development."

- Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi

Secretary General

United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific

(UCLG ASPAC)

“This book is an outcome of an international webinar series entitled Rethinking Cities convened by the Indian Habitat Forum (INHAF). It opens with a section on the role of cities in driving economic growth and includes sections on urban livelihoods and informality, infrastructure and technology, governance and policy frameworks - all through the lens of inclusion and sustainability. The 50 chapters by nearly 90 authors in the book feature evidence, insights and case studies from more than 10 countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America, including one chapter on Russia. As such, this book is an important resource for policy makers, academics and activists who seek to understand and promote how cities can become engines of economic growth while also becoming economically inclusive, socially cohesive, culturally vibrant and ecologically sensitive.”

- Marty Chen

Harvard University

WIEGO Network

"A timely analysis of urban-industrial development in the Global South"

- Olga Rataj, UNIDO Industrial Development Officer