The dynamics of urbanization, poverty and governance are particularly poorly understood outside of the larger capital cities in Africa.
The project therefore focuses on two secondary cities (Kisumu, Kenya and Kitwe, Zambia) and a satellite settlement of a capital city (Epworth, Zimbabwe). These were selected to capture the diversity of secondary city types in the region. One (Epworth) is located within the peri-urban area of a primary city, another is linked to mineral resources development (Kitwe), and the third (Kisumu) owes its existence to its location as a transport junction.