How we create value in complex urban projects

POLIS Urban works across four interconnected focus areas.
Each of them addresses a specific risk and unlocks a concrete opportunity for urban investments in Africa.

1. Community Engagement

Managing social dynamics as an investment factor

Urban projects often fail not because of financing or design —
but because social dynamics are underestimated.

We help investors and developers understand and manage:

• local communities and informal actors;
• expectations, tensions and red lines;
• potential sources of resistance or support;
• how projects are perceived on the ground.

Our work transforms community engagement from a compliance exercise into a strategic tool.

What this unlocks

• reduced delays and conflicts;
• stronger project legitimacy;
• smoother implementation;
• long-term social license to operate.

Where it applies

• housing and mixed-use developments;
• large-scale regeneration projects;
• infrastructure and transport projects;
• private developments in sensitive contexts.

2. Research & Analytics

Making decisions based on real behaviour — not assumptions

Many investment decisions are made on incomplete or misleading information.

We provide analytical support that helps clients understand:

• who will actually use the project;
• how people move, spend time and money;
• which functions will perform and which will not;
• how formal and informal economies interact.

Our research combines quantitative data, field insights and behavioural analysis — always with a clear link to decision-making.

What this unlocks

• validated demand before capital is committed;
• better functional mix and positioning;
• fewer strategic blind spots;
• higher confidence in key assumptions.

Where it applies

• early-stage project evaluation;
• concept development and repositioning;
• investment due diligence;
• portfolio optimisation.

3. Creative Economy Development

Turning culture and entrepreneurship into a growth engine

Creative and cultural activities are often treated as "soft" additions to urban projects.

In reality, they can become powerful economic drivers — especially in African cities with young populations and strong informal economies.

We help design and activate:

• creative clusters and mixed-use environments;
• local entrepreneurship ecosystems;
• spaces that support SMEs and self-employment;
• 24/7 urban economies with stable cash flow.

What this unlocks

• job creation without heavy infrastructure;
• constant daily activity and footfall;
• stronger place identity and attractiveness;
• increased real estate value over time.

Where it applies

• urban regeneration areas;
• mixed-use developments;
• cultural and innovation districts;
• underutilised assets and buildings.

4. Mobility & Accessibility

Expanding real demand through better access

Accessibility is one of the strongest — and most underestimated — drivers of urban value.

Projects that are difficult to reach, unsafe or poorly connected underperform, regardless of design quality.

We support decisions related to:

• everyday mobility patterns;
• transport behaviour and user groups;
• conflicts between different modes of movement;
• integration of mobility and development.

What this unlocks

• expanded catchment areas;
• higher visitation and utilisation;
• improved user experience;
• reduced social and operational risks.

Where it applies

• large-scale developments;
• commercial and mixed-use projects;
• transport-oriented development;
• urban infrastructure investments.

How the focus areas work together

These four focus areas are not isolated services.

They form an integrated framework that helps urban projects:

• reduce uncertainty;
• unlock hidden value;
• perform better over time;
• remain resilient in complex environments.

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Let’s explore how this applies to your project.
We tailor our work to the specific context, risks and ambitions of each client.