Cities around the world are increasingly becoming the main drivers of trade, investment and local economic development. Â However, not enough attention is being paid to the fastest growing urban areas, and the ones with the greatest potential to shape our urban future: secondary cities.
These cities, ranging in size from between 150,000 and 5 million people, represent one of the biggest opportunities for urbanising economies globally. Some 75% of the world’s population lives in urban settlements of fewer than 500,000 people.
Despite their growing role, countries often ignore the productive role that secondary cities can play in a balanced national system of cities. As a result, many secondary cities are facing numerous development challenges – including creating jobs, attracting investment for needed infrastructure, and diversifying or revitalising their economies – with far fewer options than their larger counterparts.
