Since Lipton’s (1977) seminal thesis on urban bias in Third World countries, there has been an ongoing debate on the developmental role of the state and cities (Stren and White 1989, Bryceson 1993, Wekwete and Rambanapasi 1994). In recent years, the World Bank (2000a,b) has signalled an increasing appreciation of the progressive role that African cities and accountable governments can play in fostering economic development. Despite the dismal economic record of African countries over the last two decades, it has become an article of global faith that with a change in management style, the unleashing of market forces and the adoption of liberal democratic practices, Africa’s urban settlements can be rehabilitated into loci of livelihood opportunities and economic transformation.