Inclusive Housing for Urban-Rural Linkages Voices from Francophone Africa

Across Francophone Africa, cities and local territories are developing practical responses to rapid urbanization, housing shortages, and growing pressures at the urban–rural continuum. The session amplifies the voices of cities and local actors from Morocco, Cameroon, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire, sharing firsthand experiences of how inclusive housing can strengthen urban–rural linkages and build safer, more resilient communities. Across Francophone Africa, cities and local territories are developing practical responses to rapid urbanization, housing shortages, and growing pressures at the urban–rural continuum. The session amplifies the voices of cities and local actors from Morocco, Cameroon, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire, sharing firsthand experiences of how inclusive housing can strengthen urban–rural linkages and build safer, more resilient communities. Through concrete city-led case studies, the event will highlight how municipalities and local partners are addressing challenges in peri-urban and transitional areas. A flagship example is Douala (Cameroon), along the Dibamba River, where rapid urban expansion, flood-prone settlements, environmental vulnerability, and informal housing intersect. City authorities and community actors will share lessons from on the ground interventions that integrate housing, environmental management, and territorial planning at the boundary between urban and rural spaces. Experiences from Morocco will illustrate how intermediary cities and inclusive housing strategies support balanced territorial development, while cases from Mali and Côte d’Ivoire will showcase locally driven approaches to managing urban growth, improving access to adequate housing, and connecting surrounding rural territories. Designed as a platform for storytelling, peer learning, and exchange, the session focuses on what cities have implemented, what has worked, and what remains challenging. By elevating local perspectives and practical lessons, the event aims to inspire other cities and territories with replicable solutions that advance inclusive housing, resilience, and integrated urban–rural development, contributing directly to the WUF theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities.”