ABSTRACT
This chapter emphasises the significance of establishing a regional settlement profile for the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Such a profile offers a collective understanding of urbanisation and the concentration of people, infrastructure, economy, and vulnerabilities within the SADC region. This knowledge is vital for devising and executing effective regional development policies and guiding investments. It examines the development trends influencing the region's settlement patterns and emphasises the significance of cities. The chapter suggests that developing a profile or typology of settlements baseline with more detailed demographic and economic data can enhance its accuracy. Furthermore, understanding the interconnections between cities, towns, and settlements can highlight regional gaps. On a broader scale, a settlement typology facilitates comparisons across countries, aiding in strategic planning for the SADC region. The chapter concludes that the SADC region's integrated urban/settlement profile offers several advantages, including enabling comparisons of different urban areas and tailoring specific policies and interventions.
