Report Launch: Promoting Job-rich Urbanisation in Zambia

The primary objective of the event was to present and discuss the results from a study titled “Promoting Job-rich Urbanization in Zambia" conducted by Just-Jobs Network (JJN) in collaboration with Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) and IGC.

This paper aimed to identify the mix of policies would maximize the prospects of ‘good’ urbanization that is conducive to the creation of high productivity and better paid jobs in Zambia.

The work provided evidence about the extent to which Zambia’s mix of policies and strategies/practices has supported or hindered job-rich urbanization. It included some recommended changes to the (city-level or national) policies and practices where Zambia may be off track and suggested how to reinforce good policies and practices. Policy areas of particular focus included: use of urban spaces; infrastructure development; sector-specific policies; small and medium enterprise policies; and informal settlement policies. The research was particularly relevant in view of the recent economic decline in Zambia which has once again revived the familiar discussion on diversification of the economy away from commodity dependence.

By outlining the opportunities afforded by urbanization to sustain growth and diversify the economy, this report and associated dissemination event made a valuable contribution to the on-going policy debate on urbanization and job creation in Zambia.