Shaping the Future of African Cities
MAFLO African Urban Research Center (MAURC) is a premier research institution dedicated to understanding and shaping the future of African cities. Through rigorous research and strategic partnerships, we're working to create sustainable, equitable, and resilient urban environments.




Our mission
We investigate critical urban challenges across the continent, from rapid urbanization and infrastructure development to climate resilience and social equity. Our work spans multiple disciplines, integrating urban planning, social sciences, environmental studies, and policy analysis.
Through our collaborative approach and commitment to excellence, we've become a trusted voice in shaping sustainable urban futures across Africa. We actively engage with city officials, urban planners, and community leaders to ensure our research directly influences urban development decisions.
Latest Research
Explore our recent publications and research findings that are shaping urban development across Africa.

Our values
- Research Excellence
- Through rigorous analysis and innovative research methodologies, we investigate critical urban challenges across Africa, integrating multiple disciplines for comprehensive insights.
- Collaborative Approach
- We maintain extensive networks with research institutions, urban planning agencies, and civil society organizations across Africa, fostering meaningful partnerships for urban development.
- Knowledge Translation
- We excel at translating complex urban research into accessible knowledge, ensuring our insights reach diverse audiences from policymakers to community organizations.
- Implementation Focus
- We actively bridge the gap between research and practical implementation, working directly with city officials and urban planners to influence development decisions.
- Media Engagement
- Our strong relationships with media partners enable effective communication of urban development issues, fostering informed public dialogue about African cities' future.
- Sustainable Impact
- We are committed to transforming how African cities are planned, built, and managed for the benefit of all urban residents through sustainable and equitable solutions.