Local Economic Development Strategy Preparation and Implementation modalities for Sustainable Urban Development in Sub-Saharan Africa Cities: Lessons from Kigoma, Tanzania

Abstract

The paper documents prospects and pitfalls of Local Economic Development Strategy preparation, its implementation modalities and required capacity in rapidly urbanising cities of Sub-Saharan Africa. It considers Kigoma Ujiji Municipal Council in Tanzania as a case study. Lessons learnt during the preparation and implementation process provides a clear understanding on the process, issues and sectors of the local economy, potential resources for implementation and planning institutions and their roles for its implementation effectiveness. This is crucial towards creating habitable and liveable cities in Tanzania and other Sub-Saharan Africa Countries with the same context. The strategic aspects that were utilized in designing the LED Strategy including the kinds of implementation process and modalities and the required capacity building, which were needed in initiating and implementing the strategy are described.

Likely, system development towards institutionalising Local Economic Development Strategy in rapidly urbanising cities for community empowerment and public-private partnership creation in sustainable urban development contexts are described for learning.

Keywords: “Local Economic Development, Local Economic Development Strategy, Sustainable Urban Development, Sub-Saharan Africa, Cities”