The report supports local authorities by providing comparative data that facilitates learning from peers and incentivises improvements in underperforming areas. It also assists national governments in regulating and supporting local authorities. For citizens, the report offers accessible information on the developmental context of their cities, fostering transparency and engagement.
By profiling multiple cities using standardised measures, the project enables stakeholders – local authorities, national governments, and citizens – to compare cities, identify best practices, and foster mutual learning. This comparative approach supports evidence-based decision-making and promotes improved governance, ultimately addressing urban challenges such as informal settlement growth and service delivery deficiencies.
This report for Lusaka is one of ten cities in the SADC region for which GGA is preparing city profiles, the others being: Bulawayo, Cape Town, Dar es Salaam, Harare, Johannesburg, Luanda, Lilongwe, Maputo and Ndola. These cities have been selected as a blend of primary and secondary cities in the region. Where relevant in this report, comparisons are drawn with these other cities. The report utilises available data to provide insights into key challenges and opportunities that shape the city’s development.

