EDITORIAL: PAN AFRICAN CITY SYSTEM AND DEVELOPMENTS

Abstract

The Pan African city on the continent and its diaspora can be envisioned as the engine of cultural, social, economic
vibrancy and growth. Quite a lot has been written, idealized, researched, and memorialized about the Pan African
city on the continent and the diaspora; yet there is still more to learn and understand about the dynamics that drive
it. Transforming from being a mere “colonial seat” to an “economic hub” whose activities have attracted other diverse
activities, the Pan African city posits itself as a platform for spatial, social, and economic change. Its growth over
the years has transformed physical space and attracted people from different walks of life who seek to live a fulfilled
life. Hence the Pan African city emerges as a dynamic centre whose depth of opportunities is fully comprehended
amid perpetuating misery. The colonial divide which symbolized the city yesterday still manifests itself today in yet
other dimensions amid the continual search for a better tomorrow. It is indeed no secret that amid its growth, the Pan
African City has had its fair share of challenges – hence a better tomorrow can only be achieved by analysing and
understanding the past and the present. From this perspective, this Symposium seeks to unravel the dynamic forces
of the Pan African City at work to contribute towards lasting solutions.