Founder & Director - Africa Urban Lab
Kurtis Lockhart is a PhD candidate in political science at the University of Oxford. His research examines the effect of institutional reforms on public goods provision with a regional focus on sub-Saharan Africa. At Oxford he’s taught both quantitative methods and African politics. In the field, he has previously worked as a Research Manager for the International Growth Centre (IGC), for Warc Africa (both in Sierra Leone), and for the ELIMU Impact Evaluation Center in Kenya where he managed the implementation of several randomized control trials across many different sectors (health insurance, rural electrification, tax administration, and legal aid). Kurtis also served as Head of Research and Executive Director of the Charter Cities Institute, a think tank based in Washington, DC.
Zanzibar is making bold moves to position itself as a rising hub for Africa’s digital and knowledge economies. This session explores the vision behind “Silicon Zanzibar,” with a spotlight on Fumba Town—a pioneering sustainable city development at the heart of the island’s tech transformation. From talent attraction and policy innovation to infrastructure and lifestyle, we examine how Zanzibar is crafting a new model for globally connected, tech-powered urbanism in the Global South.
Convened by Africa Urban Lab, this academic session brings together leading researchers and practitioners to examine the evolving landscape of urban governance in African cities. With a focus on decentralization, spatial planning, and inclusive service delivery, the session will surface research-driven insights into how governance structures are responding to the continent’s rapid urbanization. Presentations will draw on case studies from across Africa, offering a grounded look at the opportunities and constraints shaping urban futures.