Empowering the African City Builders of Tomorrow

About AUL

The African School of Economics (ASE) and the Charter Cities Institute (CCI) are partnering to establish the Africa Urban Lab (AUL), dedicated to addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization across Africa. AUL will operate as a research center under ASE-Zanzibar.

Vision for AUL

To train the African city builders, planners, and urban leaders of tomorrow to harness rapid urbanization for human prosperity.

real world focus

Real-world Focus

The AUL will provide both frontier knowledge and applied, practical learning experiences in real-world settings.

courses

Offer Flexible and Accessible Courses

Many students and professionals desire the opportunity to upgrade their skills and training flexibly and on demand. The AUL provides such flexibility with modular coursework designed with the learner’s convenience in mind.

network

Build a Network of City Builders Across Africa

The AUL will establish a ‘community of practice’ from which students and graduates can learn best practices, share lessons learned, and build up a network of urban professionals that will serve them well throughout their careers.

Professional Diploma in Urban Development

Starting November 2024

Course Structure:

4 modules + 1 capstone

Duration:

Complete 4 modules (taught in 2 Blocks, each of which is 2 weeks) + 1 capstone for the full Professional Diploma.

In addition, participants will receive a Certificate for each module completed within the program.

Participants have up to three years to complete the 4 modules and submit a final Capstone Project (but may also opt to complete the full Diploma sooner).

Who Should Attend:

While the diploma is oriented towards early and mid career professionals, all passionate about urban development and African cities should apply.

November 2024

Block One
2 week intensive

Module 1: Urban Governance

Certificate in Urban Governance

Module 2: Urban Planning 

Certificate in Urban Planning

Capstone Project 

Placement in a real-world organization.

As part of the Capstone Project, participants will take part in short monthly workshops to ensure the core technical skills needed to complete the Capstone.

*Note: the Capstone Project is only taken by participants undertaking the full Diploma program.

April 2025

Block Two
2 week intensive

Module 3: Urban Finance

Certificate in Urban Finance

Module 4: Urban Economics

Certificate in Urban Economics

Scholarships

The Africa Urban Lab is committed to ensuring our academic programs are accessible to all high-achieving applicants, regardless of income level or socio-economic background. This dedication enriches the learning environment, promotes accessibility, and bolsters academic excellence. All scholarships awarded by the AUL will be based on both merit and need.

There is no separate application process for scholarships. Once you submit your diploma application, the AUL staff will assess your eligibility for a scholarship. If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, please contact Heba Elhanafy at heba.elhanafy@aul.city

Lecturers

Urban Governance

Urban Planning

Urban Finance

Urban Economics

Course Convenor

Our Partners

Charter Cities Institute
UN Habitat
International Growth Centre

To enroll in the Professional Diploma in Urban Development offered by the Africa Urban Lab (AUL) at the African School of Economics in Zanzibar, click "Apply Now" and complete the admissions form.

Apply now

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