ABSTRACT
The major thrust of this chapter is to shed some light on the challenges and opportunities offered for local and regional economic development (LRED) in Africa. Modern society is faced with complex processes and patterns of urbanisation characterised by multidimensional challenges which are exposing the inadequacies of existing structure of governance. In Africa, the multidimensional challenges of urban sprawling, poverty and inequality are leading to increasing opportunities for innovative and inclusive strategies for strengthening local and regional economic development (LRED). The chapter adopts a triangulated methodology involving extensive literature review, analysis of various perspectives on LRED and historical data to identify challenges and new opportunities for LRED in Africa. After the introduction, the chapter analyses various perspectives of LRED from selected scholars. The next section focuses on the challenges of LRED in Africa, which stimulates concrete concerns and limitations in relation with contemporary social, economic and environmental conditions. Thereafter, the chapter examines emerging and re-emerging opportunities for LRED in Africa, which reflects on how to turn barriers into opportunities given the diverse cultural, physical and natural resources of the continent. Subsequently, the chapter identifies local actors, their roles and engagement for LRED in Africa. Finally, the chapter concludes with suggestions on practical strategies for LRED in Africa.
