Digital Futures?

As cities rush to embrace digital solutions, who really benefits? In this episode, Victoria Manya (ASCL), Dr. Rekgotsofetse Chikane (University of Witwatersrand), and moderator Mandipa Ndlovu (ASCL⁠) challenge the 'smart city' narrative. They explore how technology shapes urban governance, infrastructure, and daily life. From Big Tech's growing influence to questions of digital access and privacy, we examine whether digitalisation truly serves all citizens or deepens existing divides. Join us for a critical look at the future of our cities - where innovation meets inequality.

Urban growth and identity are intertwined with security in complex and conflicting ways. This episode explores the dual nature of urban security: a necessary public service that's often politicized and can exacerbate inequity. Security measures, while aiming to protect, sometimes marginalize vulnerable communities and widen social divides. In this episode ⁠Dr. Joseph Ochugwu⁠ ⁠(Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution)⁠ and ⁠Dr. Shyamika Jayasundara-Smits⁠ ⁠(International Institute of Social Studies Erasmus University of Rotterdam⁠) sit with moderator⁠ Mandipa Ndlovu⁠ (⁠Africa Studies Centre Leiden⁠) to unpack the challenges cities face in balancing safety with inclusivity. Together they examining how the politics of security shape urban landscapes and lived experiences.

It has been argued that the same components within urban systems that pave the way for spatial segregation and unequal opportunities are mirrored by and intersect heavily with gender identities. In this episode, host Mandipa Ndlovu (ASCL) is joined by Dr. Bahar Sakizlioglu (IHS) and Dr. Jody Metcalfe. They explore the crucial intersection between gender and the Right to the City by focusing on urban spaces, policy, and social practices and how they can be designed and transformed to host safe(r) spaces. 

As cities grow and evolve, the scars of the past are not easily glossed over. As evidenced by the distribution of public amenities, educational institutions, and economic opportunities, historical patterns of segregation and discrimination have left lasting imprints on urban landscapes. Join Dr. Laura Ogden (Maastricht University) and Ms. Marie-Aminata Peron (University of Toronto) and Ms. Mandipa Ndlovu (Africa Studies Centre Leiden) around the virtual table as they discuss the intersections of migration, class, and belonging in urban space.

The informal is normal. Beyond being the norm in many countries around the world it is also essential, enduring, and transformative. Where the "formal" falls short in light of rapid urbanisation and responding to external shocks, the informal takes over providing solutions and opportunities for billions around the world. To unpack this further Prof. Marleen Dekker (Africa Studies Centre Leiden) and Ms. Hafou Toure-Samb (Tecnhical Advisor Minister of Trade and Industry of Côte d'Ivoire) and moderator, sit around the virtual table with Ms. Mandipa Ndlovu (Africa Studies Centre Leiden)

As urban populations grow, so does the demand for infrastructure, housing, public services, and environmental initiatives. Traditional revenue streams and approaches often prove insufficient to address mounting expenses and challenges, particularly for developing economies. In this episode impact creators Carl Manlan and Nomahlubi Jakuja joined moderator Mandipa Ndlovu (ASCL Leiden) around the virtual table. They explore challenges of financing urban spaces, the power of private-public collaboration, and negotiation in realising sustainable growth in urban Africa.

The influx of migrants brings a rich tapestry of languages and traditions to the urban social fabric. Conversely, these shifts give rise to tensions and additional challenges as newcomers and long-term residents negotiate their place within the city's social and economic hierarchy. Join Prof. Dr. Taibat Lawanson (University of Lagos) and Ms. Fikile Moyo (Transport for London) and moderator Ms. Mandipa Ndlovu (African Studies Centre Leiden) as they unpack these opportunities and challenges.

The second episode in this series brings Dr. Roberto Rocco (TU Delft) and Ms. Josephine Agbeko (C40) around the virtual table with moderator Ms Mandipa Ndlovu (African Studies Centre Leiden). Together, they unpack and explore the ways that cities in the Global South are adapting to climate change and enhancing resilience within vulnerable communities. Through the framework of global climate justice, they discuss alternative futures and possibilities.

The inaugural episode of Urban Uncovered brings together Dr. David Dodman (IHS), Ms. Heba Elhanafy (CCI), and moderator Ms. Mandipa Ndlovu (Africa Studies Centre Leiden) to discuss just urban transitions in Africa. Together they discuss how African urban spaces and systems can balance the demands of growth with the need for inclusion. They explore the connections between urban ecosystems and the connections between various actors and how these collide to create urban realities.

Welcome to the LEARN Urban Uncovered podcast, brought to you by the Leiden-Deflt-Erasmus East Africa Research Network, where your host, Mandipa Ndlovu, takes you on a  journey through the heart of urban transformation. Tune in as we dig deep into the big issues shaping our cities today.  Join us as we chat with experts, uncover innovative solutions, and explore the path to greener, smarter, and fairer urban living. Let's figure out how to make our cities better together on the Urban Uncovered Podcast.