From March 2025 – March 2026, Belisa Rodrigues provided communications and project management consultancy services to the African Centre for Cities (ACC). In particular, to the African Urban Futures Project, where ACC serves as a key partner in this initiative alongside the Urban Futures Studio at Utrecht University and the Centre for Sustainability Transitions at Stellenbosch University.
An inspiring repository for infrastructure innovation
A main outcome of this collaboration is infrahub.africa, a database currently featuring an impressive case study library of 70 infrastructure initiatives across the continent. The platform functions as a repository for real world practice, illustrating diverse methods for addressing service delivery gaps in sectors such as:
- Mobility and delivery networks
- Sanitation and water distribution
- Construction and sustainable energy
- Soft and hard community infrastructure
These initiatives demonstrate practical, sustainable approaches to providing essential services in African cities.
Highlights from the March 2026 showcase
The African Urban Futures Showcase in Cape Town marked the conclusion of phase 1 consisting of four years of academic collaboration. Convened by Edgar Pieterse (Director, ACC), the event gathered leaders from local government, civil society, and academia to discuss the challenges and possibilities of urban experimentation. Key speakers included:
- Alderman Eddie Andrews (Deputy Mayor, City of Cape Town)
- Bushra Razack (Former CEO, Philippi Village)
- Maarten A. Hajer (Director, Urban Futures Studio, Utrecht University)
- Edgar Pieterse (Director, African Centre for Cities, UCT)
The event included a poster exhibition highlighting 16 selected projects from the platform, ranging from Nigerian solar charged power bank rentals to Kenyan overhead water piping systems.
Image credit goes to Andy Mkosi.
