All Things Urban

The Africa Urban Lab, a research center at the African School of Economics–Zanzibar, is accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Professional Diploma in Urban Development. The Professional Diploma is an applied program designed to equip urban professionals with the knowledge, practical skills, and networks needed to respond to Africa’s rapid urbanization. Participants complete four modules across two intensive, in-person blocks in Zanzibar: Urban Economics and Urban Planning in November 2026, followed by Urban Finance and Urban Governance in April 2027. Between the two blocks, participants complete a five-month Capstone Project remotely from their home location. Working virtually in groups, participants are placed with real-world organizations and tasked with leading substantive urban development projects. They also take part in monthly online technical workshops and should expect time commitments of approximately 5–10 hours per week during the Capstone period. The tuition fee for the full Professional Diploma is USD $4,500. Merit- and need-based scholarships are available. There is no separate scholarship application: all applicants to the full Diploma are automatically assessed for scholarship eligibility. Application deadline: August 1st, 2026

We are looking for early- and mid-career professionals with 2–10+ years of professional experience who want to deepen their understanding of urbanization in Africa and translate that knowledge into policy and practice. Applicants may be working in government, NGOs, multilateral institutions, research, academia, community-based organizations, or other fields connected to urban development. We welcome candidates from diverse professional backgrounds who are committed to contributing to African cities and joining a growing community of practice focused on the continent’s urban future. Past students included African mayors, professors, urban planners, head of planning departments at municipalities and national government ministries, fresh graduates, economists, and advisors to ministers of urban development.

Complete the online application form by August 1, 2026. Click REGISTER below to apply. Applicants seeking scholarship support do not need to submit a separate scholarship application; eligibility will be assessed as part of the Diploma admissions process.

The Africa Urban Lab (AUL) is a research center at the African School of Economics-Zanzibar focused on rapid urbanization across Africa.